Electric Mandolin Build

In this video, Gary gives a brief insight into how he builds a custom electric mandolin.

[@JCHaywire]

Beautiful build. That "metal box" is a Faraday Cage. I don't think anybody calls it that, but we do in MRI technology. An RF-proof enclosure. Again, brilliant build, my friend.

[@oletrenner]

Thanks for the closeup look on the building process. Very informative! And beautiful instrument. Cheers.

[@robertshorthill4153]

Hello Gary. Your vid here inspired me to build an electric mando for myself a few years ago. I purchased some parts from StewMac of which I was employed at the time, so got a nice discount. I used two layers of MDF glued together. Scarf jointed head stock on hard maple laminated stock, CF rods for stiffness, etc. Everything you incorporated into your build, with a couple extras I think. Anyway, it turned out spectacularly. It's in the hands of a good friend and high school class mate who was grateful for my craftsmanship and generosity. I must admit it is built like a tank and very handsome. I painted it with automotive spray lacquer and several clear coats. Thanks for the idea to build one of these great musical instruments. Bob in Montana 10/21/21

[@NavaGuitars]

Hello Bob, Thanks for another great comment. It’s very gratifying to know that my video inspired/helped you to make your own emando. Working in StewMac’s eh? You’ve must have suffered from a kid in a candy store syndrome! BTW 16swg is 0.064” Take care, Gary

[@robertshorthill4153]

@@NavaGuitars Gary, no I worked at Waverly machine tuners for 21 months, in Bozeman , MT before Athens called our plant to close and be moved to StewMac so they could have " better control" in house. It was another case where a great meaningful job was taken from me. Seems like the best jobs I've experienced have left me -- like a dear girlfriend or wife. I have since retired, but have had to take a part time form of work to make ends meet due to the price of everything going up and up. Maybe I can hold out the next 10 or 12 years without the need for a walker or wheel chair. Cheers, my friend. Just wanted to clear up my affiliation w/ StewMac. It was with Waverly Mfg.

[@NavaGuitars]

@@robertshorthill4153 Sounds like you've had a tough time, Rob- sorry to hear that. Didn't know that Waverly used to be in Bozeman. That's where we based ourselves whilst visiting Gibson. If you need to, you can always email me, via the address on my website. Take care & keep safe, Gary

[@robertshorthill4153]

@@NavaGuitars Thanks for comments and reply, my friend. Waverly had been in Bozeman for several years I believe, before I got there. We had a small crew of about 7 people, including one machinist that did all the metal/ CNC milling of brass parts for mando plates--4 to the side. One guy put the thumb knobs on the worm gears. The rest of us did the posts, gear fitting and adjustments to eliminate any backlash. Our tuner sets, guitar, ukes, banjo and mando tuners were the best quality available. Now they are made in Athens, Ohio. Waverly mando tuners are about $535 US. Way too expensive except for the top of the heap mandos in the high four figure range. I put a set of Grover tuners on my old Flatiron A-5 early last year and the price was under 60 bucks. Flatiron used the cheapest Schallers they could get. I didn't have a lot of trouble with the Schallers, but they were stiff. Grovers turn like they are lubed with butter on an English muffin,. Ha, ha....All has not been too tough for me -- maybe the price for growing old and outliving my usefulness -- Another joke !! Thanks again, Gary and many cheers,. Bob in Montana

[@robertshorthill4153]

@@NavaGuitars I wonder if this text didn't cut some of my comment out. Waverly prices are expensive, used mostly on instruments in the high four figure range.

[@leemccomish1923]

thanks for posting.

[@johncostelloe743]

Hi Garry I would just like you to know that the twin point mandolin you built for my Brother Patrick is being played a lot and is cherished I cannot recommend your mandolins John costelloe Limerick city Ireland

[@NavaGuitars]

Hello John, Thanks for the comment. Hope that all is well with you and Patrick. So glad to hear the Patrick is still enjoying his “Nava” mandolin; it’s been a few years now! Take care, Gary

[@manusharte1160]

Very impressive! I'm going to try to build one myself. Where did you get the pickup?

[@NavaGuitars]

Glad you like it! It's a blade style humbucker; they are made by a variety of manufacturers and it really depends on your pocket which you choose. Have a look on ebay and you'll find one. Good luck with your build. Cheers Gary

[@HairpieceThieffeels]

Awesome

[@NavaGuitars]

Thanks!

[@TechTins_Projects]

Hi really would love to build one of these. Do you sell a book on how you do this from start to finish?

[@NavaGuitars]

Sorry, I don't think there are any e-mando books- but there are plenty of books on electric guitar building and it's not a great leap to an electric mandolin. All the best with your build. Cheers Gary

[@janviljoen41]

Lefthanded mandolin.