Building a Mandolin // Woodworking

A HUGE thank you to Woodcraft Gallery for their continued support of my channel. Shop online and find classes at www.woodcraft.com
Another big thanks to www.StewMac.com for sending specialized tools and supplies for the mandolin building class. For a list of supplies we ordered through Stewmac, check out my blog post about building a mandolin on my website, www.anneofallt...
Another bucket list project was tackled this year in the form of building my first mandolin. I've been tinkering around on the mandolin since I was 13 years old, and building my own was actually the catalyst to start woodworking as an adult, but it took me seven years and a push from my good friend Austin Papp to actually do it. He, our friend Jeremy and I converged at our mutual friend Caleb James (a planemaker you might have heard of)'s shop to see if we couldn't build a mandolin (mostly from scratch) in five days' time. Even with three fairly experienced woodworkers and one very talented instrument maker on the job, it was a pretty hefty endeavor, but one we pulled off with flying colors. All of us finished the five days with a playable instrument in hand, and I brought mine proudly back to Seattle for some finishing touches and many years of playing enjoyment ahead. In this video you'll see a very condensed version of the mandolin building process, from carving the arch top and bottom, tuning the top, shaping the neck, fitting the truss rod, sizing, pressing and filing the frets, and sooooo much more. I couldn't be happier with my instrument and cannot WAIT to build another one.
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I'm Anne of All Trades. I have a woodworking, blacksmithing and fabrication shop, a selection of furry friends, and an organic farm in Seattle, Washington. This channel is aimed at sharing my passion for working with my hands, being a good steward of the earth, and preserving antiquated skills and traditions.
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[@JasonExplainsThings]

Bonus video of you just playing the mandolin for a like ten minutes please! :-)

[@woogaloo]

I was just thinking - where's a video of her just playing?! lol

[@mirandajohnson9559]

I love that!! "Sitting in the garden I build, in the chair that I built, playing the mandolin that I built." 💕💕💕 So awesome 🙌🙌🙌

[@pteddie6965]

Is there anything that you can't do? The mandolin is beautiful and it was a lot of fun to watch you build it and explain some of the process to us.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

haha oh there's plenty I can't do, but I do love trying new things! Thanks for watching :)

[@humnpwr]

Now that is definitely the best mandolin video on the internet. I’m a retired scenic carpenter, I have built many things and still carve walking sticks. Next I’m going to make a mandolin like yours. Great video.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That makes me happy to hear! Thanks for the compliments

[@charlenenagel7962]

VERY VERY COOL! I am a violinist and grew up with a family friend who had a violin making shop. Some of my fondest childhood memories were of the sights and smells of that shop and the wonderful instruments that were created. I always thought it would be a wonderful thing to learn how to build one myself. Good on you for doing it!!!

[@NicGutierrez]

"We started the week as friends and ended as acquaintances." LOL! Love the build.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

hahahaha it was a little... stressful in there hahahaha

[@aaronallgrunn7845]

That should be on a t-shirt

[@icelandviking1961]

Why do they call it a butt joint if it has no crack?

[@spudpud-T67]

The clue is in name: the "tight butt joint". No room for cracks.

[@RosaStringWorks]

Nice job. I'm finishing 2 as I type this.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

amazing! I've caught the bug and want to do another one now.

[@learningcenter4u]

I have built many instruments from Dulcimers, Mandolins, Wood top banjos and Harps to Flutes, Bones, and Whistles. A Mandolin is no easy build. Good for you !

[@jgclark45]

not a fan of the sunburst finish either, let that wood show I'm thinking if I tried that build, it would look pretty but sound like crap or vice versa Nice work Anne!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I highly doubt that. Making instruments is fun as it turns out, I highly recommend it ;)

[@richardreynolds9389]

Not only was the build very interesting, you play well too.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you so much!

[@fynbo1007]

Looking forward to hearing more from your beautiful new mandolin. Thank you for sharing your story. God bless you and your family

[@BirdYoumans]

You sweet lady, are amazing. Now I find you not only play music, you make the instrument. Wow. Just wow! Sounded good by the way.

[@russellknox2758]

Pretty cool! I loved the end where you were sitting in your self made garden, in your self made chair, playing your self made mandolin.

[@louietesta3752]

Ann What can’t you do ? This is just amazing, and has to be such a rewarding feeling to have made this woodworking masterpiece on your own. Very impressive, is all I can say. It’s a beautiful looking instrument. Loved the video, enjoy your new mandolin. Louie USA 🇺🇸

[@nicktucker1477]

I only started teaching myself the mandalin a few months ago. Wanted to learn the fiddle but figured this would be easier to learn then string on string with no frets. Enjoyed your video. Thanks

[@scottsimpey2965]

That is a gorgeous mandolin that has a beautiful sound. It was great to see the process of building that and you explaining the whole process and all the tools that were used.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@kennethtomlinson2332]

Would love to see longer videos of you playing music

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I'll see what I can do ;)

[@dkbuilds]

It both looks and sounds great. So happy to see you accomplishing your long term woodworking goal... hopefully it's time to set new goals and keep learning to work towards them!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Oh absolutely! Weirdly, the list keeps getting longer not shorter...

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Great job, Anne! It came out amazing. That router jig for doing the edge piece is pretty wild!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Talk about STRESS! Routers and 80% complete instruments make me nervous!

[@hannahcruz1440]

I play the Violin and Cello so you can see why I am so happy that you are able to build your favorite instrument.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

It truly is an incredible thing to play an instrument I've made. A long while ago I made a ukulele from a kit, but that wasn't nearly the scale of project or sense of accomplishment.

[@robertmizek3315]

Great job Anne. I’m a new fan. Love the use of the travesher. I’ve not seen one used before on mandolins. Not only did you build a very challenging and wonderful instrument, you get it. As an instrument maker for over 40 years I can tell you that you’re 100% right that the tension builds up the closer you get to a completed instrument. Every little detail counts and you have to be 100% focused as you complete the build. Finishing is another area that can ruin days of careful work. Sunbursts cover mistakes, even at the Pro level. Keep making great videos!

[@zarchy55]

My mandolin project has been sitting half finished for about 25 years. You just inspired me to revisit it. Great video! Enjoyed your playing at the end too. :)

[@oralabihai459]

Aloha Anne from Hilo , Hawaii,,, love the Energy behind the Instrument,,,,, i ordered myself years Back from StewMac,, it was a introduction to the Campfire Shape,,, this Kit ,, i got , i did build it in Eugene , Oregon,, Back in 2007 to 2010,, but being a Luthier myself,, i started building Hawaiian Ukulele's in Lahaina , Maui in 2005 , was when in Started,,,, being Oregon as the Moment , i built a few Ukulele's , repair , and thru "WOODCRAFT" in Coburg , Eugene,, i diid my first class , building a hawaiian Ukulele , and did a second class at Pats Carpentry shop , but i am back in Hilo , Hawaii,, i did play Traditional Music in Eugene with the Mele Aloha Group, for a few years,, i hope the Music Event in Eugene called "Uketoberfest" is still alive,, , keep building ,, Oral in Hilo, Hawaii

[@danielgeng2306]

Awesome, do an F style next Annabel ! Did I mention I have 20 + guitars and plan to build one, Stew Mac is the best (as is woodcraft) and of course you

[@gdpjm]

You should visit Don MacRostie near Athens, Ohio. He is one of the finest mandolin makers in the US. Don and I (I make violins) have been friends for thirty years. Not only a great maker, also a great person.

[@ramezhabashi1138]

Amazing, and I actually envy you on such experience of building your own mandolin. Greetings from Egypt.

[@markwilloughby2686]

From the first video where you played. I thought “when is she going to build a mandolin”? Great video and I love your playing!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Heheh yes it's been a long time coming for sure!

[@andrewbowler4863]

Your video has inspired me, so I've started by ordering the Roger Siminoff book. There are several tiny planes on the Woodcraft website that all look very similar, can you tell me which one you were using? Also, I'm not familiar with a travisher, is it significantly different from a spokeshave?

[@JohnAmerisun]

Just like Cowbell.. We need more Mandolin in your videos! You're mandolin music would be great for intro's, cut scenes and the like!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I'm working on getting set up so I can do some more recording, that would be fun!

[@whp57]

Awesome, love what you are doing. You might like looking at Rosa String Works on KZbin. He has built some very beautiful instruments.

[@Nomadboatbuilding]

Hey Anne, now that you have a new axe, you should think about coming up to the Nimblefingers old time and bluegrass workshop and festival up in Sorrento BC. It's a total blast!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I'd love to!

[@Nomadboatbuilding]

@@AnneofAllTrades Mark your Calendar. August 16th - 28th. We had John Reischman teaching a five day mando workshop this year. It's like a musical bootcamp. Sore fingers, no sleep, constant ringing of Angelina Baker in your ears.

[@randywl8925]

Your next mandolin build is in this video. Someone mentioned a Led Zeppelin song. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p53doX2CaL11hrc This version I think he was referring to. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmnFYYKPrcmnr68 You do amazing things. Enjoy your humor too.

[@DavidParker]

Maybe I’ve been into instruments too long but what’s funny about f holes?

[@DavidParker]

Also very happy to hear you’re going to make more!

[@scottyadon6006]

I remember the feeling of playing my first violin build, for the first time. We strung it up "In the white" just to hear the sound. I do this now for all of my builds. Your mandolin looks and sounds great. I hope you keep building instruments. There is nothing better than playing an instrument that you built.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Oh I absolutely will. I've already got plans to!

[@ShawnHighfill]

I know lots of people do a French polish, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you play it a lot. Especially out with a band, or professionally. It doesn’t hold up to the sweat for very long. It’s beautiful on a museum piece, but who builds an instrument just to look at it. 😂

[@praiseYAHalways]

very well done! that is a beautiful piece of work...and now that you are in Tennessee, well you know...start or join a bluegrass/fold band :)

[@JayWC3333]

Anne, if you weren't married I'd ask to be your suitor. However, since it is the case you're taken, I will instead be satisfied if I can mould my 11 year old daughter to be one quarter the woman you are. You continue to surprise us with your talents, passions and motivations. I hope you always keep your joy of life.

[@secollectiv5086]

That look awesome! And I love the way mandolin sounds it’s just so relaxing

[@tonyburelle6633]

Well, first off, you asked for it, a seamless butt joint we should all try to attain, ok, I loved watching this even more than the IG, chapters, you are so meticulous and caring in your creations, easy to see that here, the unbelievable joy on your face throughout this video especially when playing, great build, bravo!

[@guitarnut97]

So it's an ANNE-dolin! Nice work!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

ha! It sure is.

[@patrick4625]

That's a beautiful mandolin Anne.... Nicely done.... 🤙

[@tudormiller887]

I'm a brand new subscriber watching from London UK 🇬🇧❤️

[@idryfiretwentytwos]

Do you have a twin sister and is she single? Asking for a friend.

[@kanemeasham-pywell92]

Greg Walton ^ identical

[@robertphillips3078]

Nice line. She is a Gem of a girl. Has a real sweet spirit.

[@hauti749]

Just remembered that i have an Mandolin rusting in the closet. You inspired me to give it a try again. Whats the name of the melody you played at 11:12?

[@midnighttoker8663]

It's sailors hornpipe

[@sadiqmohamed681]

Very impressive. When I saw the last shot, I thought "She's sitting in a chair she made, in her garden playing a mandolin she made! Awesome".

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you so much!

[@jnix112]

The line at the end about sitting on a chair you built in the garden you built playing the mandolin you built perfectly captures what’s so wonderful about this video! (And what you do in general!) love it!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you so much! It was a fun moment to realize the depth of that accomplishment. Made me smile big.

[@mrstan3997]

Anne, You're an amazing craftsperson, keep it going. Very enjoyable channel.

[@DamienAM75]

The pure magic of this video is realizing how many of us think like 12 year olds and leaving room for puns.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

hahahahaha TRUTH

[@jvd2468]

Nice! Love your channel. And your music. 8^) JVD

[@jude.v25]

Found myself smiling at the end of the video! Guess that means you did a good job with the build, playing it and the video. Thanks.

[@Sides1160]

Looking forward to watching you build a F style mandolin.

[@alternativetech]

Amazing build Anne and in your garden setting, you play so well the joy of your achievement is self evident

[@mikethompson6713]

Good lord girl, is there no end to your talents. 😁❤️. Thanks for sharing your wonderful stories.

[@jkmcdonnell1]

I have to agree about staining wood on an instrument . I build all kinds of stringed wood instruments and refuse to stain any of them .

[@JohnOCFII]

Made me smile. Fantastic story to go along with that beautiful creation. Thanks for sharing.

[@JSmith-mu3fq]

It seriously doesn't get any better than this.... ❤️💪

[@the_crafty_studio_official]

Fantastic Anne! Wonderful project and such satisfaction on a job well done! Amazing! Felt the same way when I built my son a full chess set. Nothing is better

[@Halak014]

hehe, F hole, hehe... Anyways great to see a dream completing and hearing a nice little tune at the end.

[@davidmcduffie1398]

Another great job Anna. I love the wood that you used for the build, especially the dark stripe down the center of the front !!! Absolutely BEAUTIFUL !!!!!!!!!!!!!! By the way, you play very well ! THANKS FOR SHARING.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks so much!

[@codyscott1682]

What number TD Blue Chip are you using?

[@shecky308]

where is the school and contact info,thanks.please vrespond soon..

[@blakeolson7869]

I want to take a mandolin building class but don’t know where to start or where to go

[@highnoon891]

Can someone please name those two tunes please? That second seems especially familiar

[@pedalman4595]

Anne your joint is the best because you are the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep it up. Your Amazing, Deal with it !!!!! :)

[@AnneofAllTrades]

ha! You are too kind.

[@nelsonattwood3821]

Hi Anne, Beautiful Job! Maybe one of your future Mandolins could be a Mandocello? As a carpenter, woodworker, and "guitar-basher" of 36 yrs, Ive had a dream of building a working, sweet sounding musical instrument. You've inspired me to get at it and give it a go. Good Onya! God Bless, N.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I'm hoping to build a mandola once I get the school finished!

[@rick91443]

Blown away by your multiple TALENTS...cheers...rr Normandy, France

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you!

[@clydedecker765]

I stand in awe of your multi-field talents. I grew up with a large family of musicians (mostly aunts, uncles, and cousins) and dearly loved the sounds they made with Mandolins, banjos, guitars, violins (fiddles), harmonicas, tubs, spoons, and even pianos, accordions (and various squeezeboxes) and of course voices. All had other jobs and played mostly for church and family. And they all played several instruments. Me? I'm a putz and pluck AT it and don't play it. BUT I do appreciate it. Thanks for being a Mandolinist. A great instrument. Looking forward to some serious finishing work and the NEXT one.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks so much! The next one is inevitable ;)

[@HovingtonInstruments]

Beautiful Mandolin and great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Amazing job, great video 👍 I have the Siminoff F-style plans sitting here calling me but first I’m going to build some ukuleles. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

ooo Ukes are fun too. I did one a while back. A good way to dip your toes ;)

[@woogaloo]

That's so impressive. It's like buying your first vehicle - you enjoy it more and cherish even more when you pay for it yourself (It's kinda like that, but maybe not the best analogy). That's a gorgeous instrument and the sound is amazing. Now when can we expect the CD of Anne of All Trades - Volume 1? ;)

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks so much!

[@inlikeflnt]

Totally cool Anne, just a dream to watch you do your stuff

[@timothyeldridge6822]

This video is excellent! You are an inspiration!

[@Kris_at_WhiteOaksFarm]

Sweet! I've built a Mountain Dulcimer, and have dreams of building a Steel stringed Guitar. There's a Mandolin piece you use in some of your videos. Kind of driving... Is that you playing? Some of your viewers have called it annoying. I love it!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

ha! Thank you! I like that ditty too. It's not me playing but I am working on getting set up so I can do more of my own background music. We used to have a recording studio at the house but had to downsize and sell off a lot of the equipment when we moved to the farm.

[@gdpjm]

Don’s mandolins are called Red Diamond Mandolins

[@DouglasTuret]

Hat’s off to you, Anne! I have a friend who builds guitars, and while I’m a fellow skilled craftsman (at some crafts), this is one skill set I’m content to appreciate from the sidelines. Nice work, though... seriously!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you! This was a really fun pne

[@AlfOfAllTrades]

Stumbled across this by coincidence, and I have to say that mandolin looks awesome. "Doesn't get any better than this" you say... how about adding the "drinking the cider or beer that you made" as well? :) That looks like a garden of contentment and tranquility though. Great job on... well, everything!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Haha I need to build cup holders for my rocker for that very reason!

[@davecharlesworth8176]

Nice build. If you like acoustic folk type music look up Show of hands and also Seth Lakeman . Some good old UK folk music about the life boats, smugglers and farming in and around Devon and Cornwall.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Great suggestions! Thanks!

[@debdottir]

That's just wonderful. ☺☺☺

[@billberry557]

Fantastic job and video. Now I have to agree with others with have bits and bites of your Music playing and some singing. But what is needed is a 15 to 20 minute video of you performing music with any backdrop you wish, but with you seriously playing the Mandolin mix the Mandolin's up use with the others you have as well as the one you just created. Allow the viewers to submit a list of songs to perform? Cover some traditional Mandolin and drop a popular song such as the Beatles "Yesterday or Norwegian Wood" it would an interesting treat for us all.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I LOVE Norwegian Wood. That's a really interesting idea.

[@forecon11]

She said "butt joint", ha ha ha. Great job Ann! Never give guys a license to inter butt jokes. Don't worry my wife slapped me for that one.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

hehehehe

[@mr.gabriel382]

Great work! I agree with you on the blond color.

[@donaldvanscoder4041]

Very cool! I enjoy your channel very much, it’s all of the things I love to do. I have just started trying to learn mandolin myself. Very interesting that you would post this video. Keep doing great videos. You’re very much appreciated.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks so much for your kind words! Best of luck on your mandolin playing, it sure is fun!

[@nautn]

Awesome! Yes inspiring video. I have daydreamed about making a mandolin, but beyond a kit. I am very new to would working, so, would you recommend taking a basic woodworking class to develop the necessary skills?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I'd probably actually recommend taking an instrument building class rather than a woodworking class, they are pretty different skillsets.

[@chrisjamz2206]

Well done! First the challenging Windsor chair and now this daunting project. What is next?? I aim to master bowl turning someday. Thanks for sharing the process.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Who knows what's next, I have a short attention span ;)

[@TheAngryMushroom]

Great work. Nice jam on the Sailors Hornpipe. It is inspiring. Thank you!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

So glad you enjoyed the build!

[@LuckyEleven1177]

I love all of your videos. I enjoyed this one so very much. What first drew me to your channel was that you’re female. Then it was the variety. Then the detailed show and tell. For awhile things got more general, and while I still enjoyed it, this feels like getting back to full bodied AOAT, and I can’t wait for that bell to ring me on your next posting. Cheers!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I appreciate the kind words! I've got some really fun stuff I'm especially excited coming out over the next couple months!!

[@3madeamps]

your into bluegrass and chevy trucks and honda bikes !!!! oh hell yea iv got to subscribe .....

[@AnneofAllTrades]

:) :) :)

[@kirstenm3074]

I'm off to find a travisher! I have done a guitar making course, nerve racking to carefully prepare something then have to cut through it! 😂 Hello from New Zealand 😊

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Travishers are the bees knees! If you can get your hand on a Minihan travisher, all the better. Alan Williams also makes a great one.

[@stonee1968]

OK, this is the interwebs...any joke from an old guy is going to sound creepy - just insert 12 year old boy giggle and move along.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

hahaha good call.

[@thomastieffenbacherdocsava1549]

Didn't see an "R" rating on this. LOL! Great to see you having the support of friends and sponsors. Oh yeah. For me it's what you said. Gong slow at the end of any project, because it's back to the beginning and more time. I've heard you have to play an instrument over time for the tone to continued improvement in the sound.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That is true! Six months of daily playing will "wake" an instrument up.

[@jeffforbes3772]

Terrific!The mandolin is beautiful and the voice over an production were also great. I would have been upset if you had not played anything and yes I did recognize one of the songs from Popeye the Sailor Man! I just can't pick one joke as there were so many come to mind.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Hahaha yes there were far too many jokes during this process, and much giggling ensued.

[@jcbbe]

Very cool, I rented a studio /shop in March so I could do various things...Hopefully I will be able to build my own guitar and mandolin one day.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

oh awesome!! have fun with it!

[@Panufo]

Hi, Anne, Blake Simpson here - maybe you remember me and Carmen from Lakeside. It sounds great, looks great, and I gather it plays great from your demo at the end. May you always be spared the grisly spectacle of the work I do to my own guitars. You're manifesting enough skill and class for any five or ten people.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks so much Blake! Of course I remember you.

[@facelessman3685]

and now Anne is a Luthier as well! Nice build.

[@bryanwartelle7243]

Very cool. I took to instrument building myself after playing since I was a little kid. Nothing more satisfying than someone asking me who built my drums when I play them because they love how they sound. Funny how one passion leads to another. ...side note: I have had the opportunity to meet you before and was pleasantly surprised to find that you are just as nice and humble in person. 🍻

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks Bryan, you are too kind!

[@guitfidle]

Also, is there any information on the travisher you used? I am very interested in this!! I have a "spoon" plane, which is nice for dished forms, but that travisher looks really nice to use, and I use my drawknives and spokeshaves pretty regularly so that would fit right in.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Check out Claire Minihan or Alan Williams. Both make fantastic travishers

[@Jackc8201]

That was absolutely awesome! I'm a guitar player and not a fan of sunburst finishes either - much prefer the natural wood :) Now if you could play us a bit of Led Zeppelin's "Battle of Evermore" :)

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I'll see what I can do about learning it ;)

[@dennisdownes9319]

I loved watching this build..........DD

[@brockshields9336]

Love the blonde wood. Quite different. Now, if only you would do more videos of you, playing complete songs.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Check out the video I posted yesterday ;)