Mandolins from other countries and other instruments
Antonio Tsai
Flat-back Mandolin
Taiwan
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Very ornate, large round body mandolin made by Antonio Tsai, Taiwan
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Approximate measurements are as follows:
- total length 68cm
- body width 32.3cm
- from nut to 12th fret 180mm (total scale length 360mm)
- Neck width at nut is 35mm, at 12th fret 42.6mm
Vintage Flat-back Mandolin
Suzuki
(Suzuki Violin Co.Ltd.) Nagoya, Japan
A flat backed version of Suzuki mandolin is quite rare as most Japanese brand mandolins available on the market are bowl-backed. The model as per label is No.605 and dated 1972, there's also a stamp on neck heel 720807. Suzuki with flat back isn't the only unusual thing about it, it is also the only instrument I've seen that has rosette made of real wood (rosettes in this style are usually just a label not a wood inlay).
The instrument was mostly intact and only following work was done – a knock damage to soundboard repaired, soundboard finish removed and replaced with Tru oil, Fretboard reconditioned, Frets levelled and crowned, tuners lightly cleaned and lubed- work very well, new rosewood bridge.
Mandolin has been converted to suit Nylgut type of strings but standard strings can be fitted as normal if preferred. It is fitted with new set of strings – Aquila Red Series M1
(G string shows a little wear as the mandolin was being played)
Instruments measurements are as follows:
- total length 62cm
- body width 22.2cm
- from nut to 12th fret 167mm (total scale length 334mm)
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Neck width at nut is 27mm, at 10th fret 36.5mm
Mandolin-Banjo
Unfortunately no label inside so make and date unknown but certainly has very interesting look and sound.
Charango
Made by Pedro Zambrana from La Quiaca which lays in Argentia just on the boarder with Bolivia. It's been made from real Armadillo shell but unfortunately it's not a playable instrument, probably just ment to be a tourist souvenir. It is inaccurately fretted, tuners are unturnable and construction doesn't withstand the tension so it's just a hairy little guitar that your missus wont even let you hang on a wall.
Tribal Ukulele - El Diablo
This was rather amateur/experimental project on a cheap Uke. The Tribal drawings has been done with just black permanent marker, then covered with a thin clear varnish layer for protection.
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