The Z Mandolins

The Z Mandolins is the modern interpretation of the classic F-Style, a fully custom design utilizing traditional methodologies and advanced carbon fiber materials. The Z Mandolin has only three main parts: a single molded composite body, the top/soundboard, and fingerboard.

Our single molded composite body includes the back, sides, neck, and headstock. The neck profile is a rounded V, and we utilize a GraphTech Tusq 1530 nut with the width being 1 5/32″. The neck joins the body at the 13th fret. Because each Z Mandolin is hand-made, there will be some minor cosmetic imperfections in the finish.

The scale length is 14,” and there are 20 frets (#FW37053 fret wire from Jescar) with pearl dot inlays. Our fretboard has an abbreviated extension with 20 frets under the top two courses and 18 frets under the bottom two courses.

The hardware includes Rubner Tuning Machines, an adjustable Ebony bridge, and an Allen MR-2 Rhodium tailpiece. We string it with D’Addario EJM75C Monel, Medium Plus, 11-41 or you can request your own string set.

All this adds up to a mandolin that is durable, lightweight and produces a sound that is resonant, clear with great sustain.

If you’re interested in amplification, please contact us for more information and options.

Only 25 of these Z Mandolins will be available for purchase.

$2,990.

Add to Cart

  • Body Style: A modern interpretation of the classic F-Style
  • Top: Carbon Fiber
  • Back: Carbon Fiber
  • Sides: Carbon Fiber
  • Sound Holes: Unbound cat eye

  • Tuning Keys: Rubner Tuning Machines
  • Bridge: Adjustable Ebony
  • Tailpiece/Cover: Allen MR-2 Rhodium

  • Profile: Rounded V
  • Nut: GraphTech Tusq 1530
  • Nut Width: 1 5/32””
  • Joint Location: 13th fret
  • Scale Length: 14″
  • Frets: 20

  • Species: Carbon Fiber
  • Frets: #FW37053 Fret wire from Jescar
  • Inlays: Pearl Dots
  • Extension: Abbreviated
  • Strings: D’Addario EJM75C Monel, Medium Plus, 11-41

With an elegant and modern design, the Z MANDOLIN will appeal to the player with a love of tradition and an eye towards the future.

At Z Mandolins, our mission is to foster creativity while changing lives.

We are proud to say that — for every mandolin sold — Z Mandolins will make a $1000 donation to the continued funding of creative scholarship programs. Current recipients include programs such as the Lee & Ageleke Zapis Songwriting Scholarship at Belmont University and The International Bluegrass Music Association Foundation Scholarship endowment fund.

The Case

Each Z Mandolin comes with a custom Calton Case. Featuring a beautiful, pure white exterior and stunning pink interior, the case is as rugged as the road, yet as fine-tuned as your Z Mandolin.

Calton Case’s dedicated team of Austin-based craftspeople take pride in building our mandolin case, so you don’t have to worry about your gear.

The Calton Case is included with your purchase of the Z Mandolin.

Photography by Caroline Hilber