12 string mandolin

[violdoc84]

I have an 1882 bowlback 12 string mandolin.The neck does not have a rod, so I need light or ultralight strings.
Anyone know what gauge strings should be used on each course? I believe it is properly strung in 4 courses of 3 strings.

Thanks for any help.

[swampstomper]

You could look at the d'Addario tension chart (http://www.daddariostrings.com/Resources/JDCDAD/images/tension_chart.pdf). On p. 13 are the mando strings they offer, with the tensions for various notes. You could pick the lowest tension that will keep the strings from buzzing.

There are also several string tension calculators on line (Google it).

HTH

[Eugene]

I would go for something lighter than any pre-packaged D'Addario set. Look into the GHS "Classical" string set (down to 0.009" on e") or the silver-plated strings by Mari (down to 0.08" on e") that are popular on Greek mandolins.

[swampstomper]

You can get D'Addario singles, that's the point of the string chart I linked to. Either ball or loop end.

[Celtic Saguaro]

By the way, it isn't necessarily the neck on a mandolin that is the problem with too heavy strings. The top can sag or cave in. It's a real danger on bowlbacks.

[Jim Garber]

Just curious about your 1882? That is pretty early for a bowlback. Who made it? Is there a label indicating date and maker?

Also how will you string it? I believe that the std would be the same gauge on each course thos others have put one or two of the three as an octave on the lower courses. Sort of depends on what you will do with it.

Of course you could also just cut a new nut and bridge slots and play it as a std 8 string with a wider neck.

Jim

[violdoc84]

Thanks to all for your help.
Jim, it bears two labels.....one is a legitimate appearing Calace label....but this is obviously not his work. The other is Gagliano and dated 1882. This label is a typical
Vicenzo Gagliano label of that period,although it is typical of the violin labels.It states the name , 1882, Naples. The 82 is hand written. The mando is well crafted but nothing
of a superior nature. My best guess is a shop instrument
of the late 90s from the Gagliano shop that made fiddles for a couple of American wholesalers.V.G. also
made and sold strings.He sometimes crafted instruments to display his strings for the European and American markets. That might explain the 12 string.
Whatever the answer may be, I still want to play the mandolin in the 12 string set up. Mostly just for fun.

Dale

[Jim Garber]

For a semi-illustrious Italian bowlback you may want to spring for native strings. I would suggest Dogal Calace RW92B (light gauge -- dolce). In the US you can get them from
Classic Bows, Inc., PO Box 81655, San Diego, CA 92138
Phone: 1-619-282-2010
email: classicbows@nethere.com
Talk to Greg Gohde who specializes in mandolins

Jim

[Jim Garber]

This is the only pic of a Gagliano mandolin I have in my files.

Jim

[johnl]

Pardon my jumping in, violdoc84; but does the tailpiece on your 12-string have 12 string hooks? I'm curious because I've got an old 12-string mandolin-banjo that has an 8-hook cloud/clamshell tailpiece. I think it's the original, but I'm curious if other 12-strings use the 8-string tailpiece, or if there are 12-string clamshells out there.
-JL

[violdoc84]

John L This has a 12 hook tailpiece. It is not a clamshell.

It does fit like a clamshell, but is square across the front.

I have seen 12 string tailpieces on eBay, but I do not remember who was selling them.

Try Folk of the Wood or Elderly instr.

If I see them again, I'll email you.

Dale

[violdoc84]

Jim, Thanks for the pic it bears a few differences and a few similarities. I learned a long time ago( dealing with violins) to not compare Gagliano instruments.There have been at least a thousand Gaglianos making violins,mandolins and guitars since the late 1600s, and probably as many fakers.

I have a beautiful bowlback mando( concert model with an extended fingerboard) with a label that proclaims
"A Galiano Fabbricante Mandolini e Chitarre"
Apparently when you drop fiddles and just make fretted instruments, your second "G" falls off. I have
no clue as to who made it, but it is beautifully crafted
and has a terrific sound.

Anyway, thanks for all your input.

Dale

[johnl]

Thank you, Dale. Yeah, I try to keep an eye out on eBay for parts (Bernunzio is a good place too); but the clamshells don't seem to come up very often (even the 8-string variety).

[Jim Garber]

Galiano was a fairly large shop in New York that sold guitars and mandolins -- I am not sure if they merely contracted out most of the instruments or made any there. Some of the better instruments were made by Raphael Ciani who was John D'Angelico's uncle. John learned from him and worked ijn his early days in his shop. I believe that most of those Ciani instruments have his name on the label as well as Galiano's.

Jim

[violdoc84]

Jim,,,,,thanks for the info. So Galiano has nothing to do with the italian family "Gagliano" ? This mando has only the one label,as described above, and no visible markings on the blocks.

Is Ciani's work considered to be at a master level?

This instrument has a fine tone and very good sustain.

I would be comfortable playing it solo with a chamber orchestra.