Handcrafted instruments
Bespoke Scottish Citterns, Mandolins, Mandolas, Bouzoukis & Guitars for artists
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 design aspects such as scale-lengths, composite and jointless necks, neck profiles, and ways to enhance responsiveness with headroom (I play hard). My first bespoke commission for an musician with with very different specifications helped me realise how enjoyable and satisfying it is to work with an individual to craft a unique instrument which reflects their playing style, desired sound, range and ergonomics. I could make production-line instruments, but would much prefer to work on a design, scale-length, string number, components, pickup, action and decoration to make your perfect instrument.
Crafted for you
Bespoke custom instruments
Most instruments are made to commission over an agreed period of around 12 to 16 weeks, with a small selection of new and used instruments available for immediate purchase or to visit and try as detailed below. If you need help choosing or want to commission an instrument, we can discuss your current instruments, playing style, preferences and wish-list. From these we can create a list of specifications for your ideal custom instrument. Pricing of custom instruments depends on number of strings, scale length, design, hardware, woods, decoration and pickup, typically starting around the figures below, with a £500 deposit for materials.
Cittern (10 string) £2,600
Mandola (8 string) £2,000
Octave Mandolin £2,000
Mandolin (10 string) £1,900
Mandolin (8 string) £1,800
Guitar (dreadnought) £3,000
Regular updates and photos of the build process will be provided. We can also advise on cases or purchase and fit these on your behalf.
Customers are encouraged to collect their instrument in person, however worldwide shipping can be arranged if required.
As long as the customer arranges transport of their 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.
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
£1,950 NEW
Cittern
£1,950 USED
Dreadnought Guitar
£1,650 USED
10-string Mandolin - coming soon
NEW
→
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.
Connect with MikeMandolins
Get an e-mail about new instruments for sale and instrument-building tutorials
