(Book). The Ultimate Bluegrass Mandolin Construction Manual is the most complete step-by-step treatise ever written on building an acoustical string instrument. Siminoff, a renowned author and luthier, applies over four decades of experience to guide beginners to pros through detailed chapters on wood selection, cutting, carving, shaping, assembly, inlays, fretting, binding and assembly of an F-style mandolin. A special highlight is an in-depth chapter on the art of tap tuning. This fully-illustrated manual boasts more than 250 photos, a full-color section on the staining and finishing processes, numerous detailed illustrations, and a bonus set of 20 full-size blueprints. Spiral bound.

The Mandolin Manual is a detailed guide to constructing instruments belonging to the mandolin family: the mandolin, tenor mandola, and octave mandola. Logically structured and clearly written, it introduces the art of these beautiful instruments, describes the various techniques of the craft, and explains the science of their unique sound. The book includes detailed instructions explaining the techniques for making a mandolin; chapters on the nature of wood, adhesives, and other materials for those new to woodworking; sections on the acoustics and dynamics of the bridge, belly, and sound box, as well as string technology, tone theory, optimum performance, and playability; an overview of the origins of mandolins; and grid-scale plans for all the instruments’ templates and critical dimensions.

A new book on improvisation is now available for bluegrass mandolin players. Based on the concept of learning by playing, this 200 page book covers a wide range of improvisation tools and how to implement them in your playing. A large number of examples are presented in both tablature and standard notation, so that a theoretical background is not required. the small amount of theory needed is simply presented and easily learned step by step.A series of exercises designed to help the player develop improvisational skills are included in the book. As an instruction tool, the book can easily be combined with the instructor's individual philosophy or by a student wishing to study alone. the subject matter is varied in difficulty and can be used by both the beginner and more advanced player as an instructional guide and reference book. the major-themes in the book are: the pentatonic sound, scale and major-chord based improvising with any Bluegrass-Tune, Double-stop improvisation, Minor chords and Keys, the blues sound, Melody oriented improvisation, How to use: Monroe Style, Cross picking, Hot licks, how to simplify a lick, and more. MP3 CD accompanies book featuring all examples.Click to hear the author discuss the book.

The final book in this power-packed mandolin method continues with a study of advanced harmonies and provides mandolin chord forms in all twelve keys. In-depth studies of important forms such as the 12-bar blues and "rhythm changes" are included as well as chord/melody playing and chord substitution. The book also takes an exhaustive approach to melodic studies, covering the modes of the major scale, the pentatonic scales, the chromatic scale, the whole-tone scale and improvisation.

(Guitar). The definitive work on the design and construction of an acoustic archtop guitar by one of the most talented luthiers of the twentieth century. Benedetto walks the reader through all aspects of construction through to marketing your finished work. Includes a list of suppliers to acquire all the tools and materials listed; a list of serial numbers for Benedetto guitars; full-color plates featuring the author's models; photos from the author's personal scrapbook of players who endorse his guitars; and fold-out templates for construction. 8-1/2 x 11 .

(Reference). This beautifully detailed manual gives clear, step-by-step directions from raw materials to a magnificently finished mandolin through the use of simply-stated texts, photos and templates. Written by one of America's foremost authorities on acoustic instruments. 56 pages, spiral bound, including 19 full-sized blueprints covering each phase of construction. Also features a glossary of terms which enable the reader to more easily follow the instructions.

The mandolin is a fascinating and diverse musical instrument that spans across centuries and continents. With photographs and in-depth details, this book traces the history of the mandolin and its family that can be found around the world. There are detailed stories that tell who, where, why, and how each beautiful piece was made. Included are chapters such as "The American Mandolin," "Gibson," "The Middle Ages & Renaissance," and "Spain, Portugal & Beyond."