Steel String Mandolin (Take 2)

Steel strings are used for many musical instruments because they provide the clarity and projection just not possible with synthetic strings. This is especially true for a bluegrass instrument like the mandolin that has to compete with banjos and fiddles. But the extreme string tension of steel strings makes for a unique design challenge. This is my second design for a steel string mandolin. It features the use of PET-CF for increased stiffness and dimensional stability under the 150 lb combined string tension. The use of PET-CF eliminates the need for additional metal ribs, making it much easier for the novice to construct. The other big simplification is that I integrated the frets right into the fretboard, eliminating the need for any special luthier skills. Steel strings will eventually wear down the 3D printed frets, but the fretboard screws on (rather than traditionally being glued on) so that the fretboard is easily replaceable. Lastly, I've included a wall bracket specifica