In 1999, Phoenix Mandolins moved to Maine, where the upstairs of a two-story garage/barn has been reworked into a modern professional mandolin shop.

Foundation work on the 100-year-old barn came first, and then reinforcement of the supports and floor beams of the upstairs to allow it to hold the three tons of wood and equipment that would live there.

A study of other shops and personal experience dictated the best use of the space, which was: a main work area with cathedral ceiling and lots of natural light (including a picture window looking west at sunsets over the St. George River), a small "warm room" kept at the best temperature for glue and finish curing, a spray room with exhaust fan, two wood storage rooms with precise climate control which also include the buffer and compressor (for now), a large L-shaped room with all the larger power tools and dust control, and a loft over part of the power tool room for storage of boxes, cases and other stuff. The sanding area in the power tool room was worked out to have a large window bringing in sunlight in the morning, looking across the road to a large field and woods and an occasional moose.

The DELUXE People at Phoenix Mandolins: (l to r) Business Manager Susan; Shop Assistants Jenny and Meredith; Luthier Rolfe--- all holding Deluxe models.

The original unfinished space was re-roofed, insulated, over two thousand feet of wire run with 110 and 220 industrial outlets, walls and doors hung, and the loft built. Professional workbenches, including a special jeweler's bench for inlay work, were installed. Plumbing was built into the walls for the compressed air system. Precise climate control is achieved by a combination of baseboard heat, air conditioning, and commercial humidifying and dehumidifying units resulting in industry standard conditions.

Internal windows and a glass door between the main room and the power tool room bring natural light into every room and provide a measure of safety since anyone entering the shop can see what is going on in any room. Since the house and barn/garage are connected, in typical rural New England style, the shop is easily accessed from the house. Best of all, the space is triple the size of the previous shop in Virginia, and the dedicated power tools and equipment have all set up for efficiency. There is also room for expansion downstairs, if the need arises.

In 2003, a CNC router was added to the shop, and a master top and master back were digitized for precision reproduction. Dan Symonds, CNC wizard from Houston, spent four days at the shop, getting everything running right and setting up engraving capabilities for tailpieces. After working as a shop assistant during college breaks, Jenny has come on board as full time apprentice with a side interest in building guitars. She is pictured (above right) with her first guitar.

 
View a Slideshow of Phoenix Workshop Photos
by photographer Liz Grandmaison