Bowlback alternative

[phlattgetit]

I've found from watching a lot of youtube that I like the sound of a bowlback (instead of the archtops I have). I've never seen one in working order where I live. What makes and models of mandolin might have a similar tone?

[Jim Garber]

There is no one bowlback sound IMHO. I would think cylinder backs might be a good compromise. Then again, why not just get yourself a nice bowlback. Where do you live that there aren't any?

[phlattgetit]

Hi Jim,
I'm in Kentucky about 30 miles from Bill Monroe's birthplace. most of the bowls I've come across have been wall hangers or piano or mantle setters or often have staves missing and other structural issues.
I'm not so well-versed in the different types of bowlbacks that I can compare the more subtle aspects (I've seen some of the posts on German vs Italian styles)what I'm hearing in my ears anyway is that bowls have a sweeter sound compared to the arched-top instruments (or flattops).
Yes I'm thinking I would like to get a nice bowlback (Where how and what is another thread I'm sure) but I wondered if there might be a third alternative that I was not aware of?

[Woody Turner]

As Jim suggested, you could look at cylinderbacks, especially the old Vegas. You might be able to pick up one for a few hundred. Make sure that there's no serious top sinkage near the pickguard. You could also custom-order a new cylinderback, but naturally you'll have to make more of an investment. Either way, you're likely to find these instruments yield a sweet, bell-like tone. For an excellent overview, check out Bob DeVellis' article at http://www.bellsouthpwp.com/r/d/rdevelli/Vega%20307%20Mandola.htm.

Many folks think that the old Lyon & Healys emulate the European classical sound.

[Eddie Sheehy]

Check out the classifieds, an Italian bowlback just listed.....

[Bob A]

While nothing sounds quite like a good bowlback (and I'm partial to the Italians from around 1900), my best advice would be a Lyon & Healy carved-top. The A, B, and C styles all have pretty much the same sound, the price differential is in the increasingly fancy construction, with body points and scrolls.

They have a treble that is as close to a good bowlback as you'll get (without getting a bowlback) and a better bass response than you can pull from a bowlback. ANd if you're already used to the Gibson style mando, you won't have to suffer thru the months of "how do I hold this thing?" that inevitably plagues newcomers to the Bowl.

On the other hand, a good bowlback mught be cheaper than a L&H. But getting ahold of one that doesn't need work and that has The Sound takes a little time and a fair amount of consultation with folks here, to avoid the wallhanging firewood.

To put it in perspective, a Style C L&H will run you over a grand, and will probably sound wonderful, and is suited for all types of mando music outside Bluegrass. A bowlback can be considerably cheaper, (I got a beaut for 200 bucks, but it was a very lucky find; 4-500 is probably closer to reality); the problem is finding one that doesn't need work, and that didn't start life as a MSO for the tourist trade. (Mandolin-Shaped Object). Not at all impossible if you deal with a shop that will ship you something on approval. Ebay is only an option if you have time, good advice, and a luthier who knows how to work on the thing.

[Jim Garber]

Style C in the classifieds #28126 sold by a friend of mine tho NFI. I haven't played that particular one but as Bob says they are mostly good instruments across the board.

[CES]

Rumor has it Eastman is putting out some bowlbacks these days...haven't researched what one would run you.

[phlattgetit]

I've heard that Lyon & Healy was close. Also heard about the new Eastmans although my experience with imports has not been rewarding.
I've recently discovered bandolims how would any of you compare them to a round back?

[JeffD]

Eastman has a good reputation. Lots of folks sware by them.

Their bowlbacks are not a new offering. I understood that they have been selling the bowlbacks in Asian markets for years. What is new is introducing them here.

[JEStanek]

IIRC the Eastman bowls are in the $1-2K range.

Jamie

[SChase@EastmanStrings]

Here is a short video of a back being constructed...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CBG2gt2byA

[SChase@EastmanStrings]

...and here is a sound video teaser.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6xxxfv_ExI

[allenhopkins]

How about a Weymann mandolute? I had one for about 15 years, and it sounded quite similar to the bowlback I own (B&J Victoria). Induced-arch top, flat back.