Handcrafted instruments

After learning to build acoustic guitars, I started developing mandolin family instruments (citterns, mandolas and mandolins) for my own professional use in 2013 after trying unsuccessfully to find my 'perfect' instrument available to buy. Over time I have experimented with different woods and designs - including scale-lengths, laminated and jointless necks, neck profiles, and ensuring responsiveness with headroom (I play hard). After working on a commission for an artist with with very different specifications, I realised how enjoyable and satisfying it is to work with an individual musician to craft their ideal instrument, reflecting their own playing style, desired sound, and personal ergonomics. I could make production-line instruments, but much prefer to work on the string arrangement, scale-length, design, woods, hardware, pickup, action, decoration and finishing touches to make it your perfect instrument.

Crafted for you

Bespoke custom instruments

Most instruments are made to commission over an agreed period of around 12 weeks, with a small selection of new and used instruments available for immediate purchase as described below. There is also usually at least one of each kind of instrument I make available if you want to visit and try them. At that visit, or at an online meeting, we can discuss your current instruments, playing style, preferences and wish-list, and together create a list of requirements and specifications for your ideal custom instrument. Pricing of custom instruments depends on number of strings, scale length, design, woods, hardware, decoration and pickup, typically starting around the figures below, with a £500 deposit for materials. We are also happy advise on cases or purchase these on your behalf.

Customers are encouraged to collect their finished instrument in person, however worldwide shipping can be arranged if required. Similarly, as long as the customer arranges transport of an instrument, there is a lifetime warranty to the first owner against manufacturing issues or defects.

We also undertake repair, restoration and set-up work on a wide range of string instruments.

• Cittern (10 string) £2,600

• Mandola (8 string) £2,000

• Octave Mandolin £2,000

• Mandolin (8 string) £1,800

• Mandolin (10 string) £1,900

• Guitar (dreadnought) £3,000

Instruments for sale

The following instruments are available to try and for immediate purchase. Please click the pictures for more detailed images and video, and e-mail or submit an enquiry for further information or to arrange a time to audition or buy any of them (details below).

Mandola / Octave Mandolin

£1,850 NEW

Cittern

£1,950 USED

Dreadnought Guitar

£1,450 USED

10-string Mandolin - coming soon

NEW

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4 paired strings currently tuned GCGD. Laburnum body, striped mahogany / maple neck, cedar top, ebony fredboard. Gold coloured hardware, K&K Twin Spot pickup. Click for more details.

5 paired strings currently tuned GCGDA. Yew body, maple / mahogany / wenge neck, cedar top, ebony fretboard. Gotoh tuners, K&K Pure Mini pickup. Click for more details.

6 string in standard EADGBE tuning. Indian rosewood body, mahogany / maple / wenge neck, cedar top, ebony fretboard. Fishman acoustic matrix blender pickup. Click for more details.

Two 10-string mandolins are currently in development. See the 'Teaching' page and social media for videos and updates of the building process.

Join Mike Mandolins

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