Overview
Our Mandolin Assembly Camp is a unique 6-day course designed to introduce you to the method of assembling a mandolin. By the end of the class, you’ll have a fully functional instrument you can cherish for years to come.
- Tip: Our Intermediate-Advanced Inlay class can be taken as a precursor to an assembly camp for a seamless experience. Create your unique inlay design and bring it to life during this assembly camp.
Mandolin Models
You will have the choice of assembling one of the following mandolin models:
- F-5 style
- A-5 style
- Campfire or Army Navy model
Woodworking Experience
No worries if you have limited or no woodworking experience! The more intricate and difficult components will already be completed for you. This is why we describe the camp as an assembly camp. For those interested in scratch build instruction, it is available on a one-on-one basis. Please feel free to ask about this option.
Build Process
Throughout the camp, we will discuss all aspects of the build process, including the use of jigs, fixtures, and set-up techniques. By the end of the camp week, you will have a completely assembled mandolin ready for finishing.
Finishing Options
Upon completion of the assembly, you can choose one of the following finishing options:
- Leave your mandolin for finishing in our shop
- Sign up for our French Polish finishing class
- Take it home to finish in your own shop
Materials and Hardware
You will have a choice of woods, models, and hardware to customize your mandolin to your preferences. Additionally, if needed, you can purchase a case for the mandolin or bring your own.
Community and Collaboration
In addition to the technical skills taught, the camp fosters a sense of community among participants. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from one another’s experiences. This collaborative environment encourages growth and innovation, enriching the overall learning experience.
Additional Camp Details
All of our camps take place at the Foster Mandolin & Guitar Co. Shop, located at 3045 Henley Way in Spring Hill, TN, near Nashville. Breakfast, snacks, and lunch are included. Currently, lodging is not included. However, we are happy to provide information about nearby hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and much more upon request.
After making the downpayment (or full payment when applicable), you will receive more class details and a questionnaire that will provide us with more information about you and your camp project.
Questions and More Info
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions or if you need more information. Instructor, David Foster can be reached via email at [email protected], phone at 931-698-5502, or you can contact us using our online form.
Please Note: This is the $1,875 downpayment for our Mandolin Assembly Camp. The total cost of the camp is $3,750. The remaining $1,875 balance is due on the first day of the class.
About the Instructor
A musician since childhood and dentist by profession, Dr. David Foster has always had a natural talent and passion for working with his hands. David combined this with more than 30 years of woodworking experience to launch his lifelong dream and labor of love – Foster Mandolin & Guitar Co. – in 2020.
He has since launched Doozy, a line of instruments using Tennessee-sourced materials, and continues to deal in vintage instruments and parts – a hobby he adopted more than 35 years ago.
Most recently, David introduced the Foster Mandolin & Guitar Co. Camps, which offers inlay, banjo and mandolin assembly courses, and more. By providing comprehensive training, he hopes the academy will help nurture a new generation of talented instrument makers, preserving the art of creating these intricate and valuable objects.