Catania carmelo?

[melodicdreams]

I recently was given a mandolin from the estate of a dear friend of mine who passed away. He was a professor at SUNY Fredonia college, and had over 30 guitars, ukuleles, violins, cellos, etc., and I was given them all to sell for the family, and was allowed to keep three instruments of my choice. In addition to a Gibson Chet Atkins classical guitar and a J150, I found this beautiful little mandolin. Now, I know nothing about bowlback mandolins, but I couldn't pass it up. The label says:

" Made in Italy
Mandolino Tip. N10/Bis
Prodotto 20/3/1971
Matr... No. 30929
CATANIA CARMELO . . .

Mascalucia (catania)
Via Roma, 263 Tel - 612.104"

My question is, does anyone know anything about this mandolin? How much is it worth? Also, the tone is very bright and thin compared to my collings. I expected the brightness, but I want to get more sustain and body out of the tone. What strings should I use? Also, any general maintenance that should be done to an instrument like this that has not been played in probably 15 years? I bought some GHS ultra light classical mandolin strings but have not yet put them on. Thanks in advance!
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b41/melodicdreams25/camera045.jpg

[melodicdreams]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b41/melodicdreams25/camera046.jpg

[melodicdreams]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b41/melodicdreams25/camera047.jpg

[melodicdreams]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b41/melodicdreams25/camera044.jpg

[Steve Davis]

Very nice. Lucky guy.

[brunello97]

Nate,

Catania was for a long time (and still is) a city known for its luthiery. I don't believe the work has the cache of other Napoli or Roma, but many, many mandolins, violins, guitars etc. were built there in the 19 + 20th c. #I'm of the thought that a lot of components for Napoli made bowlbacks-at least the lower end ones-were produced in Catania and assemble or finished up north. (Much the way Sicilian wine has long fortified more presitge denominazione in Italy and elsewhere.)

Puglisi Reale is a Catania brand of some repute, with some appreciators around here. I've seen a broad range of their work for sale, some quite nice looking, often designed with quite a flourish.

Here is an interesting blurb on Carmelo:

http://www.fetishguitars.com/html/sicilia/index.html

A lot of their work abounds, some of it quite handsome to my eye-often featuring the bold, bright inlay that yours has, though I've never touched one. Seemed like their was a Youtube piece floating around here at one point with someone playing them. I'm no expert but my guess is yours is from mid-century or perhaps early '60s, though it could be older (not too, by the looks of it.) It seems to be in quite good condition. #Everyone around here would strongly second your use of extra light strings. Some might recommend some to provide more sustain. Many a bowlback neck has been torqued out of commission by overly hefty strings. You might have a look at the bridge, nut, etc. A number of Italian mandolins make use of a brass zero fret and a brass saddle, which to my ears add nicely to their sustain. #You might look into having such alterations done....

It has its own sound quality. #As you said it is not a Collings. I doubt if it will bark, but I'm sure you will make it sing. #I'm sure your friend will appreciate that.

Mick

[Jim Garber]

I would say it was made around March 20 of 1971... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

seriously that is what it looks like the label says. As Mick notes, catania was a big center of instrument making. In general the mandolins are not as highly regarded as those of Napoli or Roma, but decent instruments. Enjoy it. Don't worry too much about its worth... it is worth more than what you paid for it, for sure. Plus it holds the memories of your friend.

Jim

[brunello97]

Thanks, Jim. #I guess I ought to wear my glasses more often. #I though the label read Gigantic Caramel. That's a builder I'll bet even Eugene hasn't heard of.

Mick

[Eugene]

Mmmm... Very fine in ice cream.