Cutting the Scroll Slot on an F-5 Mandolin

by Byron Spain

Originally published in American Lutherie #116, 2013



Over the years I have attempted, with varying degrees of success, a number of processes to match the scroll slot cuts — the thin, curved, empty space that defines the mandolin’s scroll — in the top, heel block, and back. Many builders separately cut each piece to a pattern, but the pieces never quite align, and hours are expended sanding in tight confines to make them flush after they’re glued together. One day it dawned on me that it only made sense to cut all three components at once, as an assembly. One caution: if you make a mistake, you risk ruining all three parts. Here’s how I do it. Note: The instrument in the photos is left-handed.

An 1/8˝ aircraft-grade birch plywood pattern, traced from the inside surface of a 1924 Gibson F-5 top plate, is used to transfer two index points to the plates: a small brad at the tail block and a larger hole for a dowel in the scroll button (Photo 1). This pattern also locates the f holes, tone bars, and dovetail mortise. Acrylic patterns are available from a number of suppliers, but they’re not as sturdy as plywood.