There are currently two styles of mandolin available—oval and double sound hole. Both styles are built using carbon fibre laminate bracing on the soundboard and back of the instrument. Soundboards are made from Adirondack spruce, Western Redcedar, King ‘Billy’ pine and occasionally Blackwood. With a very high stiffness to weight ratio, Adirondack Spruce is said to combine all the best qualities of the various spruces. Western Redcedar is very light, and ‘plays in’ quickly. King ‘Billy’ pine produces a mellow sound, and Blackwood, a bright, full sound.

The back and sides of the instruments can be made from Tasmanian Blackwood or Eucalypt. Blackwood is the more suitable timber, as it is more stable than Eucalypt.

The mandolin pictured above has ‘raindrop’ Blackwood back and sides. Raindrop Blackwood and other timbers may be available upon request.

The current price for mandolins is AUD$1250 which includes a good quality Epiphone case. Occasionally prototype and "cosmetically imperfect" instruments are sold at a reduced price. I can supply and fit a K & K under-saddle pickup for AUD$120.

For other instruments and prices, please contact me.