Reviewer: Michael N.

Outstanding!! I learned more from these DVD's than I did from a 10 day luthiery course that cost me $3500. These are very professionally made videos, and the close up camera shots are great. They follow the building of a Stewart Macdonald mandolin kit, but Dan also covers making the same mando from scratch. Definitely worthwhile, highly recommended.

Reviewer: Bade M.

It's exactly what you think it is - DVD versions of the StewMac video tapes of Don McRostie teaching you how to assemble and carve the StewMac F5 kit.

DVD format is much preferable to the video tape medium because this instruction bears watching and then reviewing several times over the course of the actual build.

Reviewer: Gerald K.

Very instructive. Good job of showing the different steps of mandolin construction.

Reviewer: Gerald K.

Very instructive. Good job of showing the different steps of mandolin construction.

Reviewer: Carl W.

Very informative and the best thing for the first time builder.

Reviewer: Jack M.

I am planning on building my own mandolin. This was a great DVD. Every step was outlined and reinforced by example. There were some very informative advanced tips as well.

Reviewer: bruce m.

Don is a very good mandolin maker, a friend has one of his mandos and enjoys it very much.

Reviewer: michael s.

This is a very well made video. I have learned a lot watching this. I am planning on building a mandolin and this will help me on my way.

Reviewer: Gary L.

If you've ever seen or played on of Don's mandolins, you know his work speaks for itself.

I enjoyed the DVDs and learned a few things too. While it's not a "down to the nitty gritty" type of detail, for the first time builders it will truly be a great help.

I'd recommend for anyone interested in building, or builders looking for a few tricks to help their craft.

Reviewer: Joseph T.

Good quality video, nicely done, and provided the information I was looking for.

I would certainly recommend Smartflix, and this DVD series.

Thank you.

Reviewer: Chris V.

I got these because I have always been interested in building a mandolin. If you are contemplating this, either from a kit or from scratch, you need to see these DVDs. The presenter is very good, photography is very good, and the info is great. Shows lots of tricks and tools. Well worth the rental fee.

Reviewer: jackson b.

Excellent Highly recommended One point. Would liked to have seen or been given dimensions of more of the special tools and jigs.

Reviewer: Rodney K.

Very good information. If you are building a Stewart Mcdonald Mandolin kit or like myself working from scratch.

Reviewer: Brett K.

Very fine clear picture on each video. These how to videos answered a lot of questions I had about carved top mandolins. If you thinking of building a mandolin you need to see this production.

Reviewer: Greg C.

This is a great video, straight from the master. I highly recommend it!

Reviewer: Bill M.

This is a well done DVD. Clearly oriented towards the building of a Stewart MacDonald F5 mandolin kit, it still covers all the essentials needed, with good side-trips on how to make all the items from scratch. Very helpful.

Reviewer: William H.

This introduction to mandolin construction is presented by someone who obviously knows his stuff. Most areas of construction are covered in depth. There are a few places that could have been covered better. The neck to body joint comes to mind. This is a tricky bit of business to do by hand and it is not addressed. Instead, some very specialized custom molding cutters are shown which really aren't available to most as well as a Stew-Mac kit with precut dovetail and dovetail parts. So, someone without those resources will have to look elsewhere. Also, color staining the face and back and how to deal with the inevitable blotchy finish that results from staining or dying the end grain on the carved plates isn't really explained but the balance of the videos are excellent, clear, and paced well.