Custom Mandolins
Each instrument is a unique build. Traditional methods. Modern precision. Clear, musical results.
Choose a Body Style
Top Bracing
Parallel Bracing
Traditional parallel bars produce warmer, more focused tone with strong fundamentals. Preferred by bluegrass and folk players seeking that classic mandolin sound.
X-Bracing
Cross-braced design offers brighter, more complex tone with enhanced projection and harmonic richness. Favored by jazz players and session musicians.
Behind the Craft
Follow the build from wood selection to setup. This is the core sequence used for every Rife mandolin.
Premium Wood Selection
Spruce and figured maple chosen for light weight, stiffness, and matched tap tones.
Template System
Registered acrylic templates keep centerlines, arching, and f-hole geometry consistent.
Custom Jigs
Purpose-built jigs ensure precise angles and repeatable results.
Top & Back Rough Carving
Joined plates roughed to arch, then thicknessed to responsive grads.
F-Holes: Layout & Cut
F-holes scribed, cut, and chamfered for clean airflow and voice.
Scroll & Detail Carving
Hand-carved scroll and points define the F-style silhouette.
Side Bending & Rim
Ribs bent on hot forms and assembled into a true, rigid rim.
Body Assembly & Clamping
Top and back glued to the rim with controlled pressure and alignment.
Pearl Headstock Inlay
Each inlay is hand-cut from mother-of-pearl, fit by hand, and leveled to the finish for a seamless edge.
Binding & Purfling
Protective bindings installed and scraped flush.
Hand Sanding & Prep
Surfaces leveled and pore-filled for a flawless finish.
Precision Measurement
Dial indicators verify thickness, relief, and action targets.
Final Adjustments
Action, relief, and fretwork dialed for clean, buzz-free play.
Internal Bracing
Tone bars tuned for projection and balance across the register.
Finishing
Multiple coats of finish applied and cured in controlled environment.
Branding
Rife logo and serial mark the build.
Hardware & Setup
Bridge fit, nut and saddle cut, tuners installed, intonation set.
Completed Mandolin
Finished instrument, photographed and sound-checked.
Ready to Commission Your Custom Mandolin?
Describe your tone goals, neck feel, and finish. We will spec a build that fits you.
Start Your Project