htaylor@herbtaylor.com
updated 13-Jun-2010


I love mandolins!

This directory lists the "mandolin family" of instruments: mandolin, mandola and mandocello. These are the instruments used in mandolin orchestras and correspond to classical music's violin, viola, and 'cello. My "octave mandolins" are listed in the "bouzoukis and citterns" directory because they aren't usually found in mandolin orchestras.

My models are my own invention and don't correspond to Gibson's "A" and "F" designations, but the oval-hole models with flat backs and X-braced tops are more soft and singing, whereas the instruments with F-holes, tone bar bracing and carved backs are more percussive and punchy (more suitable for bluegrass).

All instruments have modern 2-way truss rods in the neck and bridges with thumb-wheels for easy height adjustment. All of them have bolt-on necks which can be more easily removed or adjusted, compared to the traditional built-on necks.

AVAILABLE

Number 126 A mandolin in curly narra and red spruce. $2700
Number 118 Guitar-bodied mandocello in shedua with arched Engelmann spruce top. $3000
Number 110 A hybrid mandolin in curly narra and red spruce. $2400
Number 109 A two-point mandolin in western maple and Sitka spruce. $2600
Number 108 An archtop mandola made of makore, black top is western red cedar. $2400
Number 107 A mandola in curly maple and Port Orford cedar. $2500

GALLERY OF SOLD MANDOLINS

The mandolins, mandolas, and mandocellos in this gallery are either already sold or not for sale, but the photos may give you an idea of the range of body styles and ornamentation available if you choose to have an instrument custom made.

Click to view gallery