What is a Mandonator™?

I build high quality custom resonator mandolins with 4 or 5 strings. I call them Mandonators™. A 4-string has standard mandolin tuning, EADG (high to low). A 5-string is tuned EADGC (high to low), combining a mandolin and mandola. They’re loud, sweet-sounding, and easier to play than regular 8-string mandolins and mandolas. Here’s why.

 

Because Mandonators™ are so much louder than standard mandolins, single strings are all that’s needed in order to produce the tone. Also, because the instrument has so much volume, light-gauge strings are quite adequate to make lovely tone. The result is that you can more easily press the strings down. It also means that you can play a Mandonator™ fingerstyle. It's hard to play fingerstyle on a double-course instrument, but it works well on this single-course instrument! An example can be heard on the tune Rusty Bucket on the Listen page.

 

Yet I think the main joy of these instruments is their pure, sweet tone. The tone is a bit like a blend of an electric mandolin (think Tiny Moore with the Bob Wills Band), a resonator guitar, and a standard mandolin. I find it’s exceptional for Celtic, swing, and blues playing, and quite functional in country, rock, and folk settings as well. And I’ve played bluegrass with it - why not?

Custom Instruments

Commercial resonator mandolins are only available with 8 strings, and with no choice of body, head or neck configurations. When placing a custom Mandonator™ order, you can choose from a wide variety of woods, configurations, and decorative features. Your choices begin with 4 or 5 strings, type of wood, single or no cutaway, and snakehead or curvy paddle headstock. But that's just the beginning! Write or call me for details about the many custom options. I'll be happy to talk about building your dream Mandonator™.

 

Hear sound samples of a Mandonator™ on the Listen page, see detailed photos of completed Mandonators™ in the Gallery, and view some Mandonators™ under construction on the Shop Talk pages.

 

For more information or to order a Mandonator™, please contact me.

Mandonator™ Newsletter

Five or six times a year, I write a short description about what's been happening Mandonator™-wise in my shop and email it to people on the newsletter mailing list. If you'd like to receive the Mandonator™ newsletter, send me an email saying so. I will not share your email address with anyone else.