Ian operates one of the more interesting custom shops around. His 4-string electric mandolin, above left, has a 14-inch scale, but he builds several other instruments that could be considered mandophonic. Above right, his electric aluminum tenor guitar—but you could get away with calling it a single-course mandola or octave mandolin. Below are ukuleles with a 13 7/8-inch scale—same as a mandolin, just a slightly wider, flatter fretboard. Restring, tune in fifths, and away you go. For more information, visit Ian's Web site. Contact:

Ian Schneller
Specimen Products
1240 N. Homan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60651
773/489-4830