MandoTar: The Handmade Guitar Mandolin Hybrid Every Multi-Instrumentalist Will Appreciate

Imagine performing live and having to swap between a guitar and mandolin several times during every set. Every instrument change interrupts the performance, breaks the flow, and leaves audiences waiting.

One professional musician decided there had to be a better solution.

Instead of buying another instrument, he headed to his basement workshop and built one.

The result is the MandoTar, a remarkable handmade hybrid that combines a guitar and mandolin into a single instrument. Inspired by the incredibly rare Gibson EMS-1235 from the late 1950s, this custom build demonstrates what happens when musical experience meets expert craftsmanship.

The Story Behind the MandoTar

The builder is both a full-time luthier and a professional musician.

While performing with one of his bands, he regularly switches between guitar and mandolin throughout the show. Constantly changing instruments became frustrating and interrupted the live performance.

Rather than accepting the inconvenience, he created an instrument that lets him play both without switching.

His inspiration came from the legendary Gibson EMS-1235, an extremely uncommon double-neck instrument that featured both guitar and mandolin. After seeing one at auction, he couldn’t justify the price but couldn’t stop thinking about it either.

So he built his own interpretation.

Meet the MandoTar

The completed instrument weighs 10 pounds (4.5 kg) and combines two instruments into one elegant design.

Its name is simple but memorable:

Mando from Mandolin
Tar from Guitar

Together they create MandoTar.

Unlike many novelty hybrid instruments, this one was designed for real-world professional use.

Why Build a Guitar Mandolin Hybrid?

Faster Live Performances

Instead of placing one instrument down and picking another up, the musician simply switches necks.

Benefits include:

No instrument swapping
Less downtime during songs
Smoother transitions
Better audience engagement
More professional live performances

Inspiration: The Rare Gibson EMS-1235

The Gibson EMS-1235 remains one of Gibson’s most fascinating and collectible instruments.

Features included:

Double-neck configuration
Guitar neck
Mandolin neck
Vintage craftsmanship
Extremely limited production

Because authentic examples are exceptionally rare, many musicians never have the opportunity to play one.

The MandoTar captures that same spirit while being customized specifically for the builder’s own performance needs.

Basement Workshop to Stage

One of the most inspiring parts of this project is where it was built.

Not in a major factory.

Not in a custom shop backed by a large company.

It was created in a basement workshop using years of woodworking, repair, and instrument-building experience.

This highlights what skilled independent luthiers can accomplish when solving practical musical problems.

MandoTar: The Basement-Built Guitar Mandolin Hybrid That Solved a Real Stage Problem

What Makes This Build Special?

Unlike many custom guitars designed mainly for appearance, every design decision serves a purpose.

Practical Design

Reduces stage interruptions
Eliminates unnecessary instrument changes
Improves performance workflow

Professional Craftsmanship

Being a full-time luthier allowed complete control over:

Neck construction
Balance
Electronics
Playability
Weight distribution
Finish quality

Personal Customization

Commercial manufacturers build instruments for thousands of players.

Custom luthiers build instruments for one player.

That difference shows in projects like the MandoTar.

How Heavy Is It?

The finished instrument weighs:

10 lbs 0 oz (approximately 4.54 kg)

Although heavier than a standard electric guitar, that’s expected for a double-neck instrument containing two complete neck assemblies.

Most performers using double-neck guitars already anticipate additional weight in exchange for greater versatility.

Who Would Benefit From a Guitar Mandolin Hybrid?

This concept is especially useful for:

Touring musicians
Folk bands
Country artists
Bluegrass performers
Worship musicians
Studio session players
Multi-instrumentalists
Singer-songwriters

Any performer who frequently alternates between guitar and mandolin can save valuable stage time.

Custom Instruments Solve Real Problems

Many people think custom instruments exist simply because they look impressive.

In reality, most custom builds begin with a problem.

Examples include:

Neck profile preferences
Scale length changes
Pickup configurations
Weight reduction
Ergonomic improvements
Performance efficiency

The MandoTar is another excellent example of functional instrument design.

Lessons Every Guitar Builder Can Learn

This project demonstrates several important principles:

Build Around Your Needs

The best instrument isn’t always the most expensive.

Sometimes it’s the one designed specifically for your playing style.

Inspiration Doesn’t Mean Copying

Rather than replicating the Gibson EMS-1235 exactly, the builder adapted the concept to suit modern performance requirements.

Experience Matters

Years of playing informed every design decision.

Being both musician and builder provided unique insight into solving stage challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a MandoTar?

A MandoTar is a custom-built hybrid instrument combining a guitar and mandolin into a single double-neck design.

What inspired the MandoTar?

It was inspired by the rare late-1950s Gibson EMS-1235 after the builder saw one at auction but couldn’t purchase it.

Why build a guitar and mandolin together?

The goal was to eliminate frequent instrument changes during live performances.

How much does the MandoTar weigh?

The completed instrument weighs approximately 10 pounds (4.5 kg).

Is the Gibson EMS-1235 rare?

Yes. Original Gibson EMS-1235 instruments are extremely rare and highly collectible.

Can anyone build one?

Experienced luthiers can create similar instruments, but combining two necks while maintaining balance, structural integrity, electronics, and playability requires advanced woodworking and guitar-building skills.

Final Thoughts

The MandoTar isn’t just an eye-catching custom instrument. It represents thoughtful engineering driven by the realities of live performance. Inspired by the elusive Gibson EMS-1235 yet tailored to one musician’s needs, it shows how craftsmanship and creativity can solve practical problems. For performers juggling multiple instruments on stage, this basement-built hybrid is a compelling reminder that sometimes the best gear is the gear you build yourself.