I admit it - I am a big time mandolin fan. There is something about the small size of the instrument that makes it fun to build and play.  I can also use scraps left over from larger projects to hold down the cost.  Unlike the Ukulele, I feel like I have a “real” instrument in my hands when I am done (sorry to you uke fans - I don’t mean to slam your choice). The Jazz Guitar Mandolin on the banner at the top of this page is my most recent completion.

See my plans in action: Kent Barnes of Texas builds an “F” style mandolin.  The picture on the left is his first attempt. Last I checked, he was working on a second one, which he says will be even better!

Some day, hopefully in the near future, you will be able to order a chord chart on this page.  It is about half finished as we speak.

Flat Topped Teardrop Mandolin

Comes on two plates - the first one shown above. Very simple flat topped construction. Low cost for parts. Plan does not include truss rod details. Includes fairly complex rosette. You do not have to make the rosette. Don’t expect the power and volume of a carved top instrument out of this one, but it is much easier to build. Not a bad starter instrument.

Flat Topped Teardrop Mandolin - 2 plates ............... $5.00

”A” Style Mandolin

Comes on two plates - the first one shown above.  Classic plans.  Uses easily available parts.  Plan does not include truss rod details.  Carved top requires experience to construct well.  Similar in construction to a violin, but you do not have to carve a scroll.  Includes details of "Lily" inlay on the peg head.

”A” Style Mandolin - 2 plates ............... $5.00

Jazz Guitar Style Mandolin

The plan that started this web site.   Comes on two plates - the first one shown above. Options for round hole and f-holes.  Optional cutaway.  A rare striking design that is much easier to construct than the classic "F" style.  Uses commonly available parts. Includes detail of floral inlay on peg head.  This is the plan that began donsplans - I developed it first for my own construction. Other people liked it, so I started drawing more instrument plans...

Jazz Guitar Mandolin - 2 plates ............... $5.00

Two Point Mandolin

Try finding this anywhere else!   These beautiful drawings build two different mandolins.  The neck is the same as our F-Style shown below, with only moderate changes to allow it to fit the slightly different body.  The fret scale is the same 13.875 as is used on our other mandolins.  This allows you to purchase pre-slotted fretboards.  This is a highly detailed plan with several options.  A very impressive mandolin that is still much easier to complete than our classic F-Style.

Two Point Mandolin - 4 plates ............... $7.50

”F” Style Mandolin

My interpretation of the classic bluegrass mandolin. Highly detailed plans. Comes on four plates - the third one shown above. Very difficult construction, but oh so beautiful when it is done. Includes design for a simple floral inlay on peg head. This is an advanced plan. Enough said.

”F” Style Mandolin - 4 plates ............... $7.50

Mandolin Value Pack - Save over 15%

Buy all of our mandolins, and save.  You get the tiny “teardrop” mandolin, the classic “A” mandolin, the innovative “Jazz” Mandolin, the unique “Two Point” Mandolin, and the venerable “F” mandolin. With these plans, you can make all of the mandolins pictured above, and more.  Get all 5 for the price of 4.

Mandolin Value Pack - 14 plates ............... $ 25.00

Excellent interpretation of a Teardrop Mandolin by Tim Wilson.

So you built all 5 of the mandolins, and now you want to play them.  Congratulations, and send me the pictures so I can spruce up this dull web site! Then, get a chord chart. Coming soon...

(You do NOT have to make a web site to send me photos, and if you are someone who does not want your name mentioned, just tell me.)