Official Luthiers Forum!

I'm thinking of trying an octave mandola. The scale length seems to be around 20" or so.
I understand that the templates from LMI and Stewmac can be used for shorter scale lengths by not using the first few frets.
Has anyone ever tried that?
Is there any info anywhere on which template to use in order to get a required scale length?

Charles.

Here is a great page with info on the various mando family instruments and their differences. It includes scale lengths. Also look up Graham Macdonald. He has a great book on irish bouzoukis and a new mandolin book. I haven't read the mandolin book yet...Mike
http://www.ceolas.org/instruments/cittern.html#MANDOLA

http://www.mcdonaldstrings.com/

The scale on these instruments can vary a bit from maker to maker anyway. You have a bit of leeway to work with. I have used my regular guitar templates to make octave mandolin fingerboards and it works fine....measure the ones you have and you'll find something close to what you need.

_________________
Mark Swanson
Swanson Guitars
http://www.MarkSwansonMusic.com

I've bought both the Macdonald books.Both are really good, particularly the mandolin book. I've made three mandolins from the plans and all sound and play very well.
It's more the use of the tempates that I would like to find more about.
Charles.