Italian Bowl-Back Mandolins
Here are instruments photos and videos from past restoration projects "gallery only"
, for instruments available for sale please see page "Instruments for Sale"
Raffaele Esposito 1895
Raffaele Esposito, son of Giovani Esposito worked as Violin Maker between 1883(?!)-1894 (then 1895 - 1910 Mandolin Maker). Often mentioned alongside Vinaccia and Calace as a important instrument maker for Napoli, according to sources he was usually making Gagliano style violins but as modern copies labeled "Raffaele Esposito in Napoli anno 18888" were being made, it suggests he must have been making viloins in own style as well. Karel Jalovec in his book Italian Violin Makers mentions same label but under name Giosue Esposito (then aforementioned label under it) - Mandolin Maker 1890-1900 but in my opinion he has mistaken Giosue with Giovanni his father not Raffaele himself, also dates given are unprecise as instruments with labels dated as early as 1869 (Viola listed on auction in 2011) and as late as 1906 (mandolin) were found. As in late 19th century Neapolitan Violin makers started to struggle selling their instruments due to many old instruments being available on market and with Germany making cheaper and good sounding instruments in places such as Markneukirchen, they had to seek other opportunities to make a living out of building instruments. As at that time mandolin was at the beginning of it's golden age it was easily understandable why so many violin makers focused more on mandolins. So was Esposito, first making his own mandolins at Vico Lungo Pontecorvo 27 Napoli around 1890's, but later has become a student of Vinaccia continued making Mandolins until late 1900's (mandolin with label dated 1906 has addition of "Allievi di Vinaccia" but still at same address). There is an easily distinguishable difference between two mandolin mentioned. The one dated 1895 has "premium" parts used - Brass tailpiece and brass tuners with button having ornate lead covers, bowl is slightly larger and deeper. Latter one, made under Vinaccia eye is very similar to all other mandolins made under "Allievi di Vinaccia" (Maratea, Rubino, D'Isanto and Fratelli Gaetano & Achille Vinaccia themselves) all having same parts, most likely drawings and templets, basically using same source of materials. It is possible that students were obliged to use parts and materials sold/sourced by Vinaccias if they were to use their name on the label. There were two brothers Gaetano and Pasquale Esposito also Vinaccia students at that time but it is not known if there if any family connection to Raffaele Esposito. About the instrument itself, I was very amazed when finally got to play the instrument as how well it sounds, it has beautiful rich, deep and ringing tone and best intonation I have come across on a bowl backed mandolin from that period. As mentioned before this instrument was made before he has worked with Vinaccia family and although it seems lacking precision in some aesthetic elements Esposito had used his knowledge well in making well sounding mandolin. The bowl is made of 15 maple ribs and is slightly larger than similar Vinaccia mandolin, it is more similar to Calace mandolins with the bowl deeper towards the neck. The Soundboard is well selected thin spruce which produces good volume and sustain, the angle of the neck is parallel to the soundboard which allows low and comfortable while having thin fingerboard and what goes with it thinner neck. It was one of the more difficult repairs I've done so far which required complete removal of table in order to bring it back to original shape, the purfling has been replaced, fretboard completely re-fretted with T bar brass wire, tuners cleaned and lubed, tail piece cleaned and polished, whole body was gently sanded using fine to micro fine grades sanding sponge. Bowl and neck has gloss shellac finish where as table has little shellac polished to mat, in a all over appearance I was aiming at refreshing finish whilst maintaining antique character. Original bridge was beyond repair so I have made a copy using ebony and cattle bone, also new pin was made in place of hook on head (though it'll serve as ornament not a hanger). Mandolin is fitted with new set of Pyramid Silver wound strings (.009-.032)
Antique bowl-back Mandolin
Raffaele Calace
1923 Naples
The mandolin made by the most famous mandolin maker and composer Raffaele Calace in 1923 at Via Egiziaca a Piazzofalcone 75, Napoli, Italia. It has an additional label of importer or shop in Switzerland where this model was very popular, eventually it found it's way into UK going from Italy – Switzerland – Germany and now England. The instrument is in very good condition for it's age and has all original parts, there are no splits to soundboard or to bowl, neck and fingerboard are all sound (gold mother of pear has been added to back of headstock), frets were showing little sign of wear so had to be levelled and crowned, tuners were cleaned and lubed (though as many brass tuners turn bit hard when reaching final tension). There are two barely visible hairline cracks on the soundboard where the fretboard ends but it does not affect the instruments playability and isn't structural concern. The finish is mostly original apart from soundboard where it had to be removed and replaced with light protective layer of shellac. Mandolin is fitted with new set of strings - Calace Dogal RW92B soft tension. Approximate measurements are as follows: - total length 62.5cm, - body width 19cm,- from nut to 12th fret 165mm (total scale length 330mm) -Neck width at nut is 26.4mm, at 10th fret 37.8mm
Umberto Ceccherini
A well regarded mandolin maker from Naples, producing very good quality mandolins and guitars from late 1870's till late 1910's. His mandolins were mainly imported to UK by Alban Voigt & Co. a company based in London, 14 Edmund Place. Mandolin virtuoso Leopoldo Francia is thought to have played exclusively on Ceccherini mandolins. Umberto's instruments also have been distinguished at Esposizione di Milano in 1881, “The Italian National Exhibition of 1881, or also the Italian Industrial Exhibition, was the first major industrial exhibition that could really be defined national and that followed the much smaller one that took place in Florence in 1861, the year of the birth of the new Kingdom, unified Italy. The Exhibition was held from 6 May to 1 November 1881 in an area now occupied by the public gardens of Porta Venezia and in the premises of the Royal Villa. With 7150 exhibitors, of which 314 from Sicily, the Exposition took on a truly national character for the first time. It had over one and a half million visitors and definitively consecrated Milan as the capital of Italian industry. Five additional exhibitions were added to the actual industrial exhibition, including an exhibition of fine arts hosted at the Palazzo del Collegio Elvetico, now Palazzo del Senato, and whose honorary president was the historian Cesare Cantù” (text borrowed from Da Wikipedia It.) This particular model resemble those of De Meglio at first glance however it differs from it few small details. Headstock is made in more traditional style,soundhole is larger and of course an addition of internal soundboard installed in an area between soundhole to tail block under the main soundboard. String tensioners are a 4 separate screws, one for each course of strings rather than wooden bar across all strings. Bowl, almost identical but without holes on sides, feels much more precise and finely finished. Mandolin was in excellent condition for it's age therefore interference in it's antique state was only minimal. Restoration included the following: Frets re-levelled, crowned and polished. Fretboard lightly reconditioned, tuners and tailpiece cleaned. Soundboard lightly cleaned and re-finished with french-polish, rest of body only cleaned up, shows a little wear but is mainly intact. Original bridge has been slightly modified by replacing fret saddle with compensated bone to improve intonation. Action is set to 1.5mm on E side and just under 2mm on G side and so it's very comfortable to play with clean buzz free tone. Mandolin is fitted with new sets of light strings – Fisoma 3010 Silver wound For sound sample see video below (video to follow shortly) Soundboard – Solid Spruce with Tortoiseshell pick-guard inlaid with M.O.P and Silver Internal soundboard – also solid spruce Bowl – 15 Rosewood ribs & 2 side slats Neck & Head – Maple with rosewood veneer Fretboard – Original Ebony with MOP inlay Nut – Original brass Bridge – Original with added bone saddle Tuners – Enclosed with bone buttons Frets – 17 Original, possibly silver Additional accessories – Engraved tail guard Instruments measurements are as follows: - total length 61cm - body width 19cm - body depth 14.5cm - from nut fret to 12th fret 168mm (total scale length 336mm) - Neck width at nut is 27.7mm, at body merge 37mm
Antique Roman Style Mandolin
Unknown Maker
circa early XXc.
An exceptional mandolin, likely of Italian origin, unfortunately no label is present therefore exact place or date of make in not possible to establish. Unusual bowl with a shape that has a mix of German and Roman characteristics but with ribs continuing through to neck and ending just before headstock. Soundboard has beautiful Mother of Pearl inlay, edges finished in M.O.P. and abalone binding with a very ornate ebony arm rest at bottom. Mandolin has now a new bone nut with equal spacing and low action at first fret, a new ebony bridge with bone saddle, compensated and set up for very low action – 1.5mm at 12th fret over treble side, raising to 1.9mm on bass side making it very easy to play. It has a nrrow V shaped neck and extended fretboard with 21 frets. Mandolin has deep yet crisp and powerful tone with very good sustain, a sound sample to follow shortly. Mandolin is restored to fully playable condition and following work was done: New Rosewood fretboard fretted with 1.1mm crown width frets and original M.O.P. transferred from old to new one. Very small split in soundboard repaired (next to fretboard, just above soundhole), there's a little deformation around this area as well which does not affect structural strength. Pickguard had few splits but apart from cosmetical imperfections it's holding well. Tuners work fine only requiring good clean and so did tailpiece. Bowl only had little shrinkage split between ribs which is now repaired and almost invisible. Original finish throughout the body was lightly cleaned, re-touched with shellac and polished to semi gloss. Mandolin is fitted with new set of light strings Ernie Ball .009 - .034 Original case is present however it's in poor condition so only good enough to provide extra protection during shipping. New wooden hard-shell case can be added at extra £80, original case is included free of charge. Soundboard – Solid Spruce with plastic pick-guard inlaid with M.O.P. Bowl – 15 rosewood ribs & 2 side slats with added M.O.P inlay and ended with tulip-wood strip. Neck – V shape made of maple with rosewood ribs and tulip-wood Fretboard – New Rosewood with MOP inlay Nut – New bone Bridge – New Ebony with bone saddle Frets – 21 Japanese Nickel silver1.1mm crown width Instruments measurements are as follows: - total length 61.5cm - body width 20.5cm - body depth 14.5cm - from nut fret to 12th fret 165mm (total scale length 330mm) - Neck width at nut is 24.7mm, at body merge 35mm
C. & V. Carabba
CATANIA
Premiato e Brevettato Stabilimento Musicale (Awarded and Patented Musical Establishment) C. & V. Carabba, Corso Etneo 244 Catania. Label also carries medals awarded at – Esposizione Nazionale del 1891 in Palermo & Esposizione Italo Americana 1883. There's an actual video on Youtube on National Exhibition in Palermo showing how great and celebrated this event was at that time, see link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4WeFyGc47U Carabba company was making all sorts of musical instruments from string through brass to pianos. It is mentioned in an advert of Annuario D'Italia, Calendare Generale del Regno dated 1893. Mandolins label does not carry a date of make but label appears to be of an earlier style therefore estimated mandolin date would be somewhere 1890's. Craftsmanship instantly shows that it isn't just another mass produced mandolin in style of other luthiers but an attempt to create something original and a quality instrument for serious players. First element that grabs attention is an unique head stock with tuners mounted on sides with string posts directed outwards. A less obvious elements are tuned braces and a longer scale length of 340mm. Wood appears to be cut slightly thinner compared to most mandolins with a soundboard sitting in a body where side slats are acting as a binding rather than sitting on top sealed with biding strip around as per usual standards. Tonal qualities feel more balanced, soft and warm, with good volume and sustain. For sound sample please see video below, as always music has been recorded on this very mandolin with raw, unedited audio. Carabba mandolins are rather scars and rarely seen so when restoring it I was aiming at retaining it's natural aged appearance with minimum interference in original parts whilst bringing it to fully playable state. Mandolin is structurally fine with no cracks to soundboard, there was some movement between ribs at back as in places they are not aligned correctly but still hold tight together. Bowl did not require gluing but any gaps have been filled in as a precaution to prevent from further movement. Neck is at correct angle, original frets were high enough for reconditioning so re-leveled and crowned. Fretboard was in very good condition only requiring good clean up. Tuners were cleaned internally to ensure they work smoothly but I decided to keep outer plate of tuners and tail-piece in it's natural aged condition rather than polishing them to shine. Whole body has been cleaned and finish surface retouched to revive wood grain and bring more gloss. Mandolin has new bone nut and compensated rosewood bridge as both nut and bridge were missing when I got it. Playing action is set to 2mm at 12th fret and despite very gentle twist it is comfortable to play even more advanced music. Bridge height is 4mm therefore gap between strings and soundboard is rather tight (which is common for mandolins from late 19th c.). Mandolin is fitted with new ultra light set of strings - Fisoma F3010 Silk & Steel Soundboard – Solid Spruce Bowl – 25 rosewood ribs, Neck – Maple with rosewood veneer Fretboard – Rosewood with MOP inlay, Nut – New bone Bridge – New rosewood, Frets – 17 Approximate measurements are as follows: - total length 63.5cm, - body width 20cm body depth 14.2mm, - from nut fret to 12th fret 170mm (total scale length 340mm) - Neck width at nut is 29.9mm, at body merge 36.9mm
Francesco Salomone
Antique Italian Mandolin labelled Francesco Salomone, Fabbrica di Mandolini, Napoli via Chiara N.16 Date of make not present but may be estimated to early 1900's. Mandolin is in fully playable condition with new fretboard, bridge and nut, set up to low action of 1.5mm over treble side and 1.9mm over bass side making it very comfortable to play. Bridge is made in traditional Italian style but with a modern saddle allowing string compensation to provide correct intonation. Soundboard is made of solid spruce, beautifully decorated with lots of Mother of Pearl around it as well as inside the tortoiseshell pick-guard. Soundboard has some age related wear but has no splits or cracks. Bowl is made of 26 Rosewood ribs with addition of Tulip-wood strips on sides. There were two splits between ribs and one rib cracked, all now repaired. Original finish was mainly intact therefore only refreshed using shellac to revive wood grain. Tuners and tailpiece cleaned of rust and lubricated, all working fine. Fretboard has been replaced with new thicker ebony to allow better set up and to increase a gap between soundboard and strings, it is fretted using narrow 1.1mm Japanese Nickel-silver fretwire. Mandolin is fitted with new light set of strings – Optima Silver 2145 Sound sample available upon request Soundboard – Solid Spruce with tortoiseshell pick-guard and M.O.P. inlay Bowl – 26 rosewood ribs & 2 side slats, ended with tulip-wood strip Neck – V shape, made of maple with rosewood veneer Fretboard – New Ebony with MOP inlay Nut – New bone Bridge – New Ebony with bone saddle Frets – 17 Japanese Nickel silver1.1mm crown width Instruments measurements are as follows: - total length 60.5cm - body width 19.2cm - body depth 14.3cm - from nut to 12th fret 166.5mm (total scale length 333mm) - Neck width at nut is 29.5mm, at body merge 38.2mm
Giuseppe Puglisi Reale & Figli
Fashionable mandolin made by one of the best instrument makers in Catania Giuseppe Puglisi. This particular instrument has a label dated 1915. Mandolin has 29 rosewood ribs, mother of pearl fretboard, beautiful butterfly scratch plate, sound hole and edging all inlaid with MOP The instrument has been finished with shellac on bowl, neck and head plus sealed with Tru oil, table is finished with two thon coats of Tru oil. Soundboard has slight warps near soundhole, also because the table is quite thin it couldn't be sanded to remove old stains and marks (see photos) Apart from beautiful look it also sounds very good, thanks thin soundboard it has richer and louder tone.
Giuseppe Puglisi
Although the label does not indicate date of instrument it is possible that this is rather earlier Mandolin as since about 1904 Puglisi labels included also his Sons – “G.Puglisi Reale & Figli”. Label quotes date 1820 however this is only a date suggesting when Puglisi family has established their business. This particular mandolin is very unique to what is usually available on the market. At first I thought that holes in the soundboard were just an experiment of previous owner but having looked inside I realised this is actually how the mandolin was made originally. It appears that there is some kind of box created under those holes, another piece of spruce is added on to sound bars covering only area between two struts which are placed between sound-hole and cant. Instruments measurements are as follows: - total length 61cm - body width 20cm - from nut to 12th fret 168mm (total scale length 336mm) - Neck width at nut is 30mm, at 10th fret 38mm
Antique Italian Fluted Bowlback Mandolin
One of the most beautifull Mandolin I had a chance to work on so far with fluted rosewood bowl, mother of pearl inlayid tortoise shell pickguard and engraved closed tuners. Obtained this mandolin from a person who brought it from Italy for restoration, it had no frets and looked like someone gave up the process. Fretboard has been refretted with modern brass frets, body finnished with Linseed oil then French polish and Tru oil.
Antique Italian Mandolin
Rafaele Disantino
Very elegant looking mandolin made by Rafaele Disantino, a Neapolitan maker who produced good quality instruments. The is no date quoted on the label however judging by style of make it is likely that mandolin would have been made around 1910's His instruments must have been very popular in France as even the labels (some) were written in French rather than Italian. It is not clear though whether he was making instruments in France or just labelled them in a way to be sold there (or moved from Italy to France at some point). Mandolin is fitted with Nylgut set of strings "Sugar Reds" by Aquila - it is a test set that is still in development and is not yet available for sale. Approximate measurements are as follows: - total length 60cm - body width 19cm - from nut to 12th fret 165mm (total scale length 330mm) - Neck width at nut is 28.3mm, at 10th fret 36.7mm
Stridente Mandolins
Antique Italian mandolin made under brand Stridente which was a popular import to UK back in early 20th century, recognised as well made instruments within mandolin community.
Antique Italian Mandolin
Il Globo
Mandolin made under brand of Il Globo. Just as Stridente, Il Globo were likely to be made in Naples and were a popular import back in early 1900's. This model would have been classed as a higher end with 30 rosewood ribs, enclosed tuners, MOP binding, purfling as well as MOP inlaid tortoiseshell pick-guard. General condition of this mandolin was very good for it's age with no cracks to soundboard and only one split between the ribs. Mandolin must have been overstrained at some point, the soundboard did not sunk in but the angle of neck suffered lightly, this has now been corrected via new thicker fretboard which improved both action and bridge height. Original MOP has been transferred on to new fretboard, fretted with narrow 1.3mm fretwire with scale length of 330mm . Original finish was intact requiring only slight touch up to revive gloss and to emphasize wood grain a little more. Tuners and tailpiece both in good condition only requiring clean up. Action is set to 1.8mm at12th fret on treble side and 2mm on base side therefore very comfortable to play whilst playing cleanly right to 17th fret. Mandolin has new bone nut and new ebony bridge with bone saddle improving a sustain and compensated string length for strings G and A ensures instrument plays in tune well. Mandolins is fitted with new set of light gauge strings – Galli G1400CL Mandolin sounds quite decent, a bit deeper than usual mandolin thanks to a slightly larger bowl, for sound sample please see video below. Bowl – 30 rosewood ribs Neck – Maple with rosewood veneer Fretboard – New rosewood with MOP dots Nut – New bone Bridge – New ebony with bone saddle Frets – 17 Nickel-silver, 1.3mm crown width Approximate measurements are as follows: - total length 60.5cm - body width 19.4cm body depth 15mm - from nut fret to 12th fret 165mm (total scale length 330mm) - Neck width at nut is 27.5mm, at body merge 37.2mm
A. Cappellani & C.
Antique Bowlback Mandolin
Catania
Circa early 20th century
Unique mandolin with exceptional ornate peacock inlaid with mother of pearl. Instrument has been finished with shellac and copal manila mixture to give it extra gloss.
New fretboard has been made as old one was beyond repair, it has modern narrow style frets which are very comfortable and do not cause intonation problems (like too high frets)
Apart from beautiful look it also sounds surprisingly good, see video below.
Barazzi Piero
Antica e Premiata Fabrica di Instrumenti Musicali
Luino del Poppino, Lago Maggiore Italia
Circa early 20th century
Interesting Mandolin made by Piero Barazzi (label shows second letter "a" in surname amended to "o" but the reason for that is unknown) from Luino region which is very close to Switzerland's boarder so very far from main mandolin production cities like Naples and Catania. This definitely had an impact on it's more original look that combines Neapolitan style mandolin with some other features similar to Calace – round sound hole, plastic binding, extended fretboard and different shape of scratch plate. Mandolin has been carefully restored to fully playable condition. The bowl and has been finished with French polish and table with Tru oil. Fretboard was cleaned and frets levelled, tuners cleaned, lubed and work very well. Scratch plate was missing some plastic inlay elements and a pearl imitation has been used instead. I have decided to fit it with Nylgut strings (newly developed nylon strings by Aquila) for two reasons, first it is a lot kinder to the instrument of tht age as tension is much lower and second, as the action is usually higher in old bowl back mandolins it is a lot easier to play on nylgut strings because they are much softer, this is certainly an advantage for players who do not like fighting with high tension when playing.
Antique Italian Bowl backed Mandolin
Circa early 20th century
Unknown Maker
An antique Italian mandolin restored to fully playable condition. The Bowl is made of Rosewood, Soundboard is made of tight grained Spruce inlaid with Mop around the sound hole and beautiful scratch plate with image of Ponte di Rialto, Venezia.
Measurements are as follows: - total length 63cm - body width 19.5cm
- from nut to 12th fret 166mm (total scale length 332mm) - Neck width at nut is 28mm, at 9th fret 36.3mm
F.lli Ferrari & Co.
Fabrica e Deposito di Mandolini Napoli
Made in Italy
Fitted with Steel Strings
Fitted with Nylgut Strings
May Flower
Neapolitan style Bowl back mandolin made by Antone Valletti, Napoli for Harry J. Flower, a businessman from Chicago, an agent for May Flower brand distributed in U.S.A. (same person who was in business with Andrew Groehsl who is linked to origins of Kay instruments) In early 20th century. Luckily a copy of catalogue is available which helps estimating date of make. Closest match seems to be Style 6 Mandolin where Thos. M. Sims. On 18th June 1901 makes a comment on it – see PDF below for further details
Mandolin has been restored to playable condition and following work has been done: new Ebony fretboard and brass frets, new nut made of cattle bone, new bridge made of zabrano wood and cattle bone saddle (compensated for G and A strings), new tail piece, tuners cleaned and lubed – working excellent, whole body lightly sanded and refinished with Tru oil, finally – mandolin is fitted with new set of light Phosphor Bronze stings (10-34)
Comfort of playing is easy and the mandolin is suitable to all levels of playing (action at 12th fret 2.5mm)
Instruments dimensions: Neck at nut 28mm and 38.5mm at 10th fret, Nut to 12th fret 164mm, Total length 59.5cm, Body width at cant 205mm
Italian Bowl-back Mandolin
Restored unbranded bowlback mandolin. Piece being played on this instrument is an old Traditional Tarantella.
Carlo Lorenzo Mandolin
(my first restoration project)
Carlo Lorenzo, Stabilimento Musicali, Strada de Onorio, Napoli - a bowlback mandolin form around 1900's - because of it's rather simple built it was a great material for a first restoration project, as you see on first photos from the video the condition of this instrument was really bad with many cracks to the bowl but with a lot of hard work it's working again.
Antique Italian Bowlback Mandolin
Unknown Maker
circa early 20th century
Although no label is present, the mandolin was built in a style of de Meglio. It has all similar features like additional sound holes on both sides of the bowl, scratch plate fitted on top of table and inlaid with silver and mother of pearl, closed tuners, square shaped head, tensioner behind the bridge and lastly other type of finish used on bowl. There is a stamp on the table that says "Specialita Napoli Brevettata" - which would be something like "Special Neapolitant patent" (stamp itself is barely readable but having compared similar looking instruments, that is the closest match). Original finish was intact but surface refreshed with tru oil in order to keep natural sun bleached Rosewood whilst adding bit more gloss.
Antique Italian Mandolin
Giuseppe Casini
Napoli, circa early Xxc.
Neapolitan Mandolin made by Giuseppe Casini sometime around early 1900's. Mandolin is in fully playable condition and well set up at both nut and bridge, providing low action of 1.5mm at 12th fret over treble side and 1.8mm on bass side. Mandolin has now a new fretboard, fretted with narrow 1.1mm wide nickel-silver frets. General condition of mandolin was good with no cracks to soundboard, bowl had few splits between ribs which have been repaired (due to some twists in ribs not all could be perfectly aligned). Original finish was fairly good just requiring a clean up and reviving, only soundboard received and new coat of french polish as old finish was completely worn out. Tailpiece and tuners have only been lightly cleaned and left in aged condition as work perfectly fine so complete renewal was not needed. Original bridge was missing so a new one has been made of rosewood with mother of pearl saddle and edging, compensated for strings G and A to improve intonation. Despite very low action there's very good gap between strings and soundboard which makes it a lot easier to avoid hitting pick-guard with pick while playing. Mandolin is fitted with new light set of strings – Picato Nickel wound .010-.034 Soundboard – Solid Spruce with tortoiseshell pick-guard inlaid with M.O.P. Bowl – 21 rosewood ribs & 2 side slats Neck – V shape made of maple with rosewood veneer Fretboard – New Rosewood with MOP inlay Nut – New bone Bridge – New Rosewood with pearl saddle Frets – 17 Japanese Nickel silver1.1mm crown width
Antique Italian Mandolin
Pietro Tonelli
Neapolitan mandolin made by Pietro Tonelli circa early 1900's. Body resembles style of De Meglio mandolins with pick-guard settled on soundboard rather than inlaid in it, with tulip-wood binding and additional holes at sides of bowl. It's an upper end model with mother of pearl round the edge of soundboard, tortoiseshell pick-guard inlaid with M.O.P. and silver, one piece engraved tuners and bowl made of 27 rosewood ribs. Mandolin has been restored to fully playable condition and the following work has been done: damaged bowl repaired with added patches for extra support, replaced binding, replaced fretboard fretted with narrow 1.1mm fret wire and M.O.P. Transferred from old to new. Headstock repaired with added ebony face plate for re-enforcement. Hardware cleaned and polished, tuners work fine but a little hard as usual for that age. Soundboard was all intact only requiring good clean-up. Whole mandolin has been refinished with French-polish throughout. Action has been set to 1.8mm on treble side and 2.1mm on bass side at 12th fret and gap between strings and soundboard to 7.5mm making it very comfortable to play. New compensated bridge has been made for improved intonation. Tonal spectrum is stronger in mids and highs with good volume and sustain. Sound sample upon request (video to follow) Mandolin is fitted with light set of strings Fisoma F30110 Silver wound .009-.032 Soundboard – Solid Spruce Bowl – 27 rosewood ribs & 2 side slats Neck – Maple with rosewood veneer Fretboard – New Rosewood with MOP inlay Nut – New bone Bridge – New Rosewood with bone saddle Frets – 17 Japanese Nickel silver1.1mm crown width Instruments measurements are as follows: - total length 60.5cm - body width 20cm - body depth 15cm - from nut fret to 12th fret 165mm (total scale length 330mm) - Neck width at nut is 29.3mm, at body merge 38mm
Round back mandolin made in Naples but exclusively sold by Giuseppe De Bernardi music shop based in Genova. Label states model name as “Amor”, hand signed and dated 1912. Design of this mandolin differs from typical Neapolitan mandolin, suggesting that in 1910's luthiers were looking for innovations and to attract buyers something new had to be offered. Mandolin has been restored and is now in a fully playable condition, set up for Nylgut strings. Restoration included – reconditioning of fretboard and frets. Replacing bridge, cleaning of tuners. Repairing of crack on soundboard near fretboard, treble side and replacing missing tulip-wood pieces of binding. Pickguard had many chips which have been filled in. Bowl had only one minor split between ribs, now repaired, here finish was only cleaned and touched up to revive wood grain while keeping aged appearance. Mandolin has a new bridge made of Brazilian tulip-wood with added Purple heart saddle. Mandolin is fitted with new nylgut set of strings – Aquila M1Red Series This type of strings have very low tension compared to steel strings therefore are very soft which makes playing more effortless and long hours of practising scales less painful. Mandolin with Nylgut strings sounds more gentle and delicate, has less volume which is also good where a loud instrument isn't needed. Soundboard – Solid Spruce with tortoiseshell pick-guard inlaid with M.O.P. and Silver, rounded with Tulip-wood edging Bowl –15 rosewood ribs & 2 side slats Neck – V shape, made of maple with rosewood veneer Fretboard – Original Ebony with MOP inlay Nut – bone Bridge – New Brazilian Tulip-wood with Purple heart saddle Frets – 27 Brass Instruments measurements are as follows: - total length 62cm - body width 19.5cm - body depth 14.5cm - from nut fret to 12th fret 166.5mm (total scale length 333mm) - Neck width at nut is 28.3mm, at body merge 34.8mm
Antique Mandolin
Felice Arpino
Napoli 1912
Ruocco Style Mandolin
A premium round-back mandolin made in Italy around 1910's. It resembles style of Luigi Ruocco, lack of label suggests it may have been ordered by a Music store based in UK to be sold under stores brand but never labelled in the end. It's a highly decorated model with lots of M.O.P. and Silver inlay to pick-guard as well as tortoiseshell and M.O.P. binding. Mandolin was in very healthy condition for it's age and restoration was mainly focused on frets, set up and light cosmetic work. Finish on body has been refreshed to revive gloss, headstock completely re-finished, soundboard lightly cleaned and re-finished with French-polish. Frets have very good height after re-levelling and crowning, fretboard cleaned and in very good condition, tuners cleaned and lubricated. Original bridge had some wood missing between string spacers therefore that section was removed and replaced with a once piece bone saddle. Action is set to 1.6mm over treble side and 1.9mm over bass side at 12th fret. In terms of tone quality mandolin sounds very bright with good volume and sustain (sound sample upon request). Mandolin is fitted with light set of strings - Optima Silver 2145 (.010-.033) Mandolin specifications: Soundboard – Solid Spruce Bowl – rosewood, 19 ribs and 2 side slats, tulip-wood decorative strip Binding – tortoiseshell and mother of pearl Neck – maple and rosewood veneer Fretboard – ebony with mother of pearl inlay Pickguard – tortoiseshell inlaid with silver and M.O.P Nut – brass with zero fret Bridge – original ebony with M.O.P. inlay and new bone saddle, compensated Frets – 17 possibly brass Tensioner – ebony inlaid with M.O.P. (will be removed for shipping for safety reasons) Instruments measurements are as follows: - total length 61.5cm - body width 19.5cm - body depth at cant 14.5cm - from zero fret to 12th fret 167.5mm (total scale length 335mm) - Neck width at nut is 27.8mm, at 10th fret 36.6mm
Marco Rebora
Antique Italian mandolin labelled Marco Rebora, producer of mandolins and guitars at Via Roma, Napoli. Date not present on label but style of make suggests late1890s to early 1900s.
Mandolin is restored to fully playable condition and set up for nylgut strings (see further down for details). Action is set nice and low – 1.6mm over treble side and slightly higher over bass side. Neck is slightly wider than usual which would be an advantage for players requiring more space for fingers.
Restoration included – replacing fretboard with new thicker rosewood, fretted with narrow 1.1mm fretwire. Replacing nut and bridge, cleaning of tuners, re-finishing of soundboard using shellac. Bowl had only one split between ribs, now repaired and one of the ribs is protruding slightly.
Soundboard had to be removed in order to correct it's shape around soundhole and near tailpiece, there was only one minor crack which has now been repaired and
re-enforced. Tail block has been replaced for slightly larger one to provide more gluing surface of soundboard near tailpiece.
Finish was mainly intact so only cleaned and touched up with shellac to revive wood grain while keeping aged appearance.
Tuners and tailpiece cleaned up, pegs turn easily and work fine.
Mandolin is fitted with new nylgut set of strings – Aquila M1Red Series
This type of strings have very low tension compared to steel strings therefore are very soft which makes playing more effortless and long hours of practicing scales less painful.
Mandolin with Nylgut strings sounds more gentle and delicate, has less volume which is also good where a loud instrument isn't needed. For a sound sample please drop me a message.
Soundboard – Solid Spruce with tortoiseshell pick-guard inlaid with M.O.P.
Bowl –27 rosewood ribs & 2 side slats
Neck – U shaped, made of maple with rosewood veneer
Fretboard – New rosewood with MOP inlay
Nut – new bone
Bridge – New rosewood
Frets – 17 1.1mm crown width, Japanese Nickel-silver
Instruments measurements are as follows:
- total length 60.5cm - body width 19cm - body depth 14.6cm
- from nut fret to 12th fret 166.5mm (total scale length 333mm)
- Neck width at nut is 31.6mm, at body merge 41.8mm
