Mandolin.org.uk
Paul Shippey
Maker of Mandolin & Bouzoukis

Bristol based Paul Shippey has been a mandolin and bouzouki maker for over twenty years.

Studied Musical Instrument Technology at the London College of Furniture and have since worked continuously to develop designs, techniques and understanding of the acoustical properties of the instrument.

 

F-hole Mandolins

Pictured are [from left to right]: a custom made scroll mandolin with carved top and back in Sitka Spruce and English Cherry; a custom designed ‘black top’ with additional round sound hole in Sitka Spruce and Flamed Maple; and a standard model in Sitka Spruce and Cherry.

These instruments have a very good projection and a bright cutting tone, usually associated with the Bluegrass sound, but which will lend itself to many styles.

Scale length 35.6cm

Oval-hole Mandolins

This model has a carved Sitka Spruce top; Indian Rosewood back and sides; Brazilian Mahogany neck with adjustable truss-rod; Ebony fingerboard (bound), head facing, bridge and edge binding. It has a hand-made rosette.

This is a resonant and powerful instrument with more bass response than is usually associated with the mandolin, and a more open sound than the f hole model.

Scale length 35.6cm

Bouzouki

Carved Sitka Spruce and an Indian Rosewood back and sides; Brazilian Mahogany neck with adjustable truss-rod; Ebony fingerboard (bound), head facing and bridge. Hand-made rosette.

Scale length 65 cm

Octave Mandolin

My octave mandolin is based on the same body size and materials as the bouzouki, but with a shorter scale. The carved top and slightly heavier strings give it a very solid chord sound with a clear and punchy tone for melody playing.

This instrument has the same tuning as the mandolin (GDAE), but is an octave lower in pitch.

Scale length 58 cm

Read/add your review on Shippey mandolins

Source http://www.paulshippey.co.uk
April, 2005