The Mandonator™: resonator mandolin & mandola

I build high quality custom resonator mandolins and mandolas. I call them Mandonators. They’re loud, sweet-sounding, and easier to play than regular 8 string mandolins. 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 - great if you have soft fingertips or tired fingers.

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?

Commercial resonator mandolins are only available with 8 strings, and with no choice of body, head or neck configurations. My Mandonators are available in a wide variety of woods, configurations, and decorative features. Typical Mandonator™ features are a spider bridge, a single cutaway, and 5 strings. Of course, if you prefer 4 strings, a biscuit bridge, or no cutaway, I’ll be happy to build your dream Mandonator™ to your specifications.

 

The photos on this page are of serial #2, my second prototype. This is the instrument I’ve been playing steadily since early 2009. It has 5 strings, tuned EADGC (high to low), making it both a resonator mandolin and mandola. It has a mahogany body with cutaway, camatillo rosewood binding, ebony fingerboard, and walnut headstock veneer.

 

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™, contact me.