Handcrafted in the Deep South
There's nothing like the feel and tone of a well-set-up mandolin.
At Mississippi Mandolin Makers, we're passionate about keeping mandolins
playing their best — whether it's a beloved vintage instrument, a student's
first A-style, or a battle-worn F-5 that's seen a thousand gigs.
Founded by lifelong musician Earl Thibodaux, our shop blends decades of
musical experience with a craftsman's attention to detail. We handle
everything from setups and restringing to fret work and precision repairs,
all with the care and respect your instrument deserves.
Welcome
When your mandolin feels and sounds right, the music flows — and that's what we're all about. From bluegrass to folk, Celtic to old-time, every mandolin that passes through our shop gets the same craftsman's touch. Our mission: help every player, from beginner to pro, fall in love with their instrument all over again.
Clients
From the Workshop
The Magic of Mandolin Chord Inversions
Why Do Bluegrass Pickers Tune Down a Half Step?
Tremolo Picking: Feels Like a Whole Orchestra in One Hand
A-Style vs F-Style Mandolins: Which Is Right for You?
The Secret Behind Bill Monroe's Tone
How Pickup Height Shapes Your Mandolin's Voice
The Power of Silence — Space Between Notes in Old-Time Music
Why Nashville Cats Choose Oval-Hole Mandolins
What We Offer
Mandolin Restringing
There's nothing like a fresh set of strings. We'll restring and stretch your mandolin's 8 strings properly.
$35Basic Setup
Optimize your mandolin's playability — action, intonation, nut & bridge adjustment included.
$70The Works
Your trusted old companion, but plays like new. Full setup, fret polish, cleaning, and conditioning.
$170Electronics Repair
All the tone you can handle. Pickup installs, output jacks, volume/tone pots replaced or rewired.
$125Our Story
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From the moment I first picked up a mandolin, I was hooked — not just on playing, but on understanding what makes each instrument come alive. Over the years, that curiosity turned into a passion for maintaining, repairing, and building mandolins so they play and sound their very best.
After decades of playing, performing, and helping friends fine-tune their instruments, I decided to turn that passion into something more — a place where mandolin players of all ages and skill levels can come for expert care, honest advice, and a little Southern inspiration.
At Mississippi Mandolin Makers, every instrument has a story. Whether it's a young student's first A-style or a vintage F-5 passed down through generations, I treat each one with the same attention and respect. Because when your mandolin feels right, the music just flows.
This isn't just a business — it's a community built around a lifelong love of mandolins. Come share your story with us.