Double bound mandolin top

[Ira Chavis]

Forgive my stupidity, but what does the term "Double Bound" mandolin top mean and how are they constructed? How to they add to the mandolin in either sound, strength, etc.

Thanks for any info.

Ira

[Yonkle]

It simply means the binding is put on twice, first with white and black celluloid then with ivory celluloid... hence double bound. Has nothing to do with the sound.

[Darryl Wolfe]

Although Yonkle is technically correct, most folks would refer to that as triple bound due to the appearance of 3 distinct lines. #Double bound more often implies ivoroid and black only, as seen on A2Z's and A3's. #The actual color of the binding is irrelevant to the term of double bound or triple bound. #A mandolin is still considered triple bound even if you use the stuff that comes in one piece.

[Ira Chavis]

Thanks..it sounded to me like there were 2 pieces of wood bound togther...i.e double thickness to double the thinkness of the top. So its really a binding issue not a wood issue. im enlightened!

[Darryl Wolfe]

Correct, I would venture to say that your A3 is double bound and your LR A5 #44 is likely triple bound

[dave17120]

As it happens, there are mandolins with double ops, made by an old French luthier called Gelas..... I have no idea what they sound like, or what the rational behind the 'double top' was.
Here's a picture, this ones from 1912, Dave