Based in Florida, John L. Smith builds these Telecaster-style electric mandolins in aqua, light blue, cream, and arctic white in addition to sunburst and custom colors. He writes: "Consider me a builder who believes that comfort, playability, and tone are the three most important issues when building, and I do my best to lean that way with my instruments." For a player's perspective on John's work, read this review from a satisfied customer.

     Here are the standard specs:

• Solid body (alder or poplar)
• 1-piece maple neck
• EMG Select humbucker
• 2-way adjustable truss rod
• Andrew Jerman bridge with barrel saddles
• Scale length: 13.875 in.
• Rosewood fretboard with mother-of-pearl dot position markers, 12-in. radius
• Side mother-of-pearl dot position markers
• Width at nut: 1.125 in.
• Width at 12th fret: 1.5 in.
• Waterslide decal logo
• Fully copper-shielded pickup cavity
• 500K mini pots
• Volume and tone control knobs

John also offers quite an array of custom options:

• Custom colors
• Ebony or maple fretboards
• Figured maple tops
• Gold-plated hardware
• 5-string option
• Other scale lengths
• Custom pickup configurations, with switching
• Hardshell case or gig bag (Access brand)

To discuss options and pricing for your mandolin, you can reach John by or call 772-202-4750.