Mandolin Kit Parts List #MN-A10

*Neck-preshaped maple with rosewood fingerboard

*Maple back

*Body w/sides and top

*2 pieces bracing/tone bars

*Black truss rod w/screw

*Strings

*Rosewood bridge

*Tuners w/white buttons, bushings & screws

*Strap button

*Tailpiece w/screws

*White binding strip

*2 wood strips

* Plastic slotted Nut

*2 pieces dowling

Email support is available for first time builders. We try to answer within 24 hours on business days, since emails sometimes get lost, don't hesitate to send the question twice. Photos of your completed instrument are welcome and will be posted on our website: www.GRGuitars.com
Q & A form builders:

Q: Can I thin the carved top down for better tones?

A: Yes, the top can be sanded down a little for tuning purposes. It's important not to over do thinning it down or the structural integrity may be compromised. This gets into the area of tap tuning, which is trial and error. Exact optimum thickness depends on the individual piece of wood, it's hardness or softness, grain pattern, moisture content of the wood, etc. As a guide, the area that goes around the entire top should be between .105 -.120 thick. Regarding calipers: We have several sets and each one will give us a different reading when measuring the same thing, so allow for a little plus or minus when using them.

Where to start: READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING

Inventory parts in kit to make sure they match the parts list. "Dry fit" parts to become familiar with them and check fit.

You can begin by customizing the headstock or installing the bracing.
More info on bracing is provided with the kit.
Be sure to pad clamps to prevent denting or marring the wood. We use scraps of thin wood-cardboard, thick felt or something similar would work.

Painting & Staining.
Disposable rubber gloves recommended. We used recycled plastic containers (from a fast food place) & cotton swabs to mix up the stain. If you're unsure or inexperienced in finishing wood: Try your stain or color on a scrap of similar wood. If you don't have any wood pieces on hand, the inside of the top or back may be used to test a stain. However, before doing that, read below: Stay away from glue lines, because glue sets up much better on bare wood. Do not put any finish on the inside of the top until the bracing system is complete or problems with gluing the bracing to the top may result. Remember, the inside of the back can be seen if you peer through the sound holes on the front

Here's what not to do-cherry stain was accidentally spilled over the inside back, making blotches.