Taught by David Whiteman

On this course, you’ll make a flat back mandolin. Along the way, you’ll learn many instrument-making techniques including soundboard preparation, side bending and fingerboard and fretwork. As with the ukulele making a course, a choice of materials is available; traditional woods such as mahogany and spruce, but also sustainable, temperate hardwoods, many of which I’ve acquired from local sources.

Not only will you end up with a unique instrument, but you will also learn skills that will enable you to make more instruments, either by yourself or on another of our courses.

You don’t need any prior woodwork skill to do this course, but we do offer a basic woodworking course if you’d like to master some before you start on an instrument.

Mandolin Making Course Options:

6 Day course: £850 (9.30 – 5.30 with an hour for lunch) Maximum of 2 students to ensure you get the most from David Whiteman’s expertise and tuition. Materials are included in the price. Other timber options will be available at additional cost.

If you can’t commit to a whole week, you can also build a mandolin during 1 day or 2-hourly sessions.

1 day: £140 (9.30 – 5.30 with an hour for lunch) Maximum of 2 students.

2-hour session: £40 Maximum of 2 students.

Additional costs: if you choose to build a mandolin using the 1 day or 2-hour session options there will be an additional cost of approx £75 for materials.

Special Friends and Family Promotion: If you book for the same course on the same dates, receive 10% discount on the course fees.