Noted luthier John Condino will be offering a ten day course on mandolin building later this month. The course runs from May 22 through June 3, but classes will actually be held 5/22-26, and again from 5/30-6/3 at the Oregon College of Art & Craft in Portland, OR. Students will study and analyze some of the great carved top instruments of the past century, and also get some hands-on experience with the various tools and techniques employed in modern mandolin making.

The OCAC course catalog describes the class this way:

The goal is for each student to produce an instrument that is aesthetically pleasing, exhibits fine tonal sonority, and has a good feel for the player. Topics covered will include wood selection, instrument design, carving and voicing the top and back plates, jigs and construction methods, fretting and neck structure, professional setup techniques, and spirit varnish french polish finishing.

Costs range from $700-$950, depending on whether you supply your own tone woods, and registration is open until May 15. You can get more information about this course by contacting the college at 800.390.0632.