About Making Custom Instruments I have experimented with a variety of stringed instruments, from violins and violas to harps, charangos, guitars, banjos and electric violins. I am now concentrating on archtop instruments. My bouzoukis, mandolins and mandolas (octave mandolin) feature hand carved, solid spruce soundboards, with a 5 degree neck angle for robust tone and volume, not limited by the structural and tonal problems associated with flat tops.
I use finishes that I have developed over the years, a combination of french polish and oil varnish--they age much more gracefully than lacquer. I use fine quality tuners, D'addario string, bone nuts and saddles, and wood or ivroid binding (your choice).
My stock of woods includes rare figured "claro" walnut from old Sacramento Valley trees; flamed maple and englemann spruce from Crater Lake; African and Honduras mahogany for bracing and necks.
Special inlay and carving embellishments are available on request. Other options include different neck widths and string spacing. Preamps and volume controls are available for an additional cost.
Your instrument will be perfectly suited to your playing style and needs.