A new classical mandolin

[graham mcdonald]

Just strung up this morning, a classical mandolin, for want of a better term. 13" scale, with a body inspired by a carved top Italian mandolin I found a photo of years ago. The soundboard is Sitka, carved to an arching height of 1/2", graduated a little thinner than normal and X braced. The body is Tulip Satinwood, an Australian sub-tropical rainforest tree which is a marvellous tonewood and almost unobtainable. The neck is Queensland maple with a rosewood fingerboard and tortoise celluloid binding. Rubner tuners with the posts cut down to fit. Strung lightly with J62 10-34.

[Allen]

That's a great looking instrument Graham. Love the headstock.

[Semmens Guitars]

That looks so good. Very Classical!!

[Dave M]

Graham that looks great.

I keep looking through your books and trying to decide if the next one will a mandolin but get seduced into another guitar!

Is this one a commission?

Cheers Dave

[Bob_H]

Very clean looking instrument! Nice balance (in my inexperience eyes) between traditional and modern

[GregL]

Hi Graham,

Very nice!

Is Satin Tulipwood Rhodosphaera rhodanthema? Also known as deep yellowwood? I planted a deep yellowwood tree near my house about 18 years ago, it's about 8-10 metres high now, maybe 300mm diameter at breast height, maybe 4 metres clear from ground to the first branch. In another 15 years it could be harvested and make lots of wonderful mandolin backs for someone!

Thanks,
GregL.

[graham mcdonald]

Rhodosphaera rhodanthema is the tree, didn't know it was called deep yellowwood. Thank you for that info. Could you take a photo of your tree and post it. I have no idea what the tree might look like! If I am still building in 15 years, keep me in mind if you cut it down It really is a very good tonewood, but essentially unobtainable in any quantity.

Cheers

[GregL]

Hi Graham,

There are quite a few pics on the 'net, and here ('Atlas of Living Australia' https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https:// ... ni/2894812) says "Common names include deep yellowwood, yellow cedar and tulip satinwood."
My tree is not easily photographed, but I took a pic of the trunk (centre of image) showing where the first branches are (20 litre plastic petrol jerry can for scale) - the trunk on the left is an Australian Red Cedar I planted at the same time!

Thanks,
GregL.

[lamanoditrento]

I love that headstock

[Jim]

It looks beautiful!!