Custom Builds
A collection of custom builds from the shop. Below are links to some build reports and information on some of our custom instruments.
*Our special orders take six to twelve months to fabricate and and a payment of half down is required to commence the project.
While I am relatively new to the mandolin scene, I have long had an interest in two other hobbies that I think have some strong parallels when it comes to craftsmanship, quality and beauty.Namely motorcycles and watches. All three have product lines mass produced in Asia which will generally please the average or beginning user, and all three can also be found in hand-crafted small batches made by skilled craftsmen with a passion for their handiwork. And those who know can always tell you why it's worth it to buy the latter!
Ralph & Ray source all of their woods locally in the Appalachian foothills of central Virginia. The customization options seem almost endless between the top, sides, back, neck, head, inlays & all the other little pieces & parts. They have some cutters working for them, but sometimes get out there themselves in search of just the right tree, and they will work with each buyer to build exactly what he or she wants. I find the idea of having an instrument that was made by one guy, to my exact specification, from cutting down the tree to handing it to me to play, to be absolutely amazing. The love for what they are making came through in everything Ralph & Ray talked to us about that day. And while their prices are not low ($3-4k), I could immediately see exactly just how "worth it" their instruments are. I cannot wait to have my own, made exactly like I want it - one of a kind. If you're looking to go down register & pick up an octave mandolin or mandocello, I would strongly recommend you check these guys out.
You can follow's Troy's process of building an instrument with us through his MandolinCafe posts:
Build Report #1
Build Report #2
Build Report #3
Build Report #4
Build Report #5
Build Report #6
Custom Build #89
Our walnut double top - #89 - was made on commission for Rebecca Cintron. She studied our previous builds and discussed possibilities with Ray and Jason. We show instruments that are for sale and also some that have been sold to suggest elements a customer may want in a custom instrument. This instrument was specifically inspired by #81.
Custom SP Double Top
This instrument is our usual SP double top but with cedar, nomex and walnut stump wood top sandwich. The back is also walnut stump wood. The stump wood is carefully selected to also be mostly quarter sawn. The side wood was carefully selected for its matched dark color. Notice #89 has an arm rest and a floating bridge which are both special order items.
