I have been building mandolins for nearly 20 years, and have built nearly every conceivable classic model. The F5C and A5C remain the most requested build. Other models are still available, along with my hybrid 14 fret F4.
Somewhere along the way I decided to build some non classic instruments. Those instruments have undergone many changes and refinements through the years, and no doubt, will continue to evolve. The V6 and V8 are the current iterations and feature such innovations as Larson style “Tone Tubes”, tapered ribs, making the tailblock deeper than the neck block, and scalloped tone bars.
The V8 is the pinnacle of my labors.
F5C Classic
Measurements taken from Charlie’s Loar, and several others
Red spruce top
Flat sawn flamed red maple back
Brentrup flowerpot inlay
MOP dots
Triple sidebound
Traditional sunburst
Spirit violin varnish over oil violin varnish
Waverly tuners with MOP buttons
Bound ivoroid pickguard
James tailpiece
A5C CLASSIC
Loar A5 measurements
Red spruce top
Flat sawn flamed red maple back
Golden Age A style tuners
Fleur de Lis
MOP dots
Triple topbound
Traditional sunburst
Spirit violin varnish over oil violin varnish
Golden Age A style tuners
Bound ivoroid pickguard
James tailpiece
V6
Original design
Red, German or Italian spruce top
Flamed red maple back
Triple topbound
CF tone tube
Golden Age tuners
MOP dots
Blackburst or sunburst dye vignette
Spirit voilin varnish over oil violin varnish
Ebony fingerboard and pickguard
James tailpiece with ebony overlay
V8
Original design
Red, German or Italian spruce top
Flamed red maple back
Triple topbound
Tapered ribs
CF tone tube
Grover tuners
MOP dots
Blackburst or sunburst dye vignette
Spirit violin varnish over oil violin varnish
Tortoise or ebony pickguard
James tailpiece with tortoise or ebony overlay
Joe Trimbach (playing the V8) and the late Dick Nunnally, both from the Mando Boys