Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: Can anyone identify this 12-string instrument?

  1. #1

    Default Can anyone identify this 12-string instrument?

    I was given this instrument in 1953. It was old then. No marks except for the #4. Bowl back in good condition. Top is partly separated from back, needs new strings.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0378.jpg 
Views:	1145 
Size:	253.2 KB 
ID:	47031   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0381.jpg 
Views:	276 
Size:	235.5 KB 
ID:	47032   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0397.jpg 
Views:	212 
Size:	181.6 KB 
ID:	47033  

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0399.jpg 
Views:	187 
Size:	226.3 KB 
ID:	47034  

  2. #2
    Beginner kalenh's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    North Central PA
    Posts
    72

    Default Re: Can anyone identify this 12-string instrument?

    Just guessing:

    Could it be a Laud

  3. #3
    Registered User Martin Jonas's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    North Wales
    Posts
    6,431

    Default Re: Can anyone identify this 12-string instrument?

    It's a mandriola. Basically just a normal mandolin with triple courses instead of double, supposedly to increase volume. They were pretty common in the early 20th century, particularly made in Germany, but died out when amplification came around.

    There are loads of them around on Ebay, going for little money. If you had yours for over half a century, it presumably has sentimental value. However, purely in monetary terms, it probably does not make sense to invest in a repair of the separated top.

    Martin

  4. #4
    Studies dead guys. Mandoviol's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Hunched over a desk.
    Posts
    895

    Default Re: Can anyone identify this 12-string instrument?

    It is a mandriola: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandriola. According to the Wikipedia article, there are two forms: the tricordia and then the mandriola. The mandriola actually has octave tunings, whereas the tricordia is like straight mandolin tuning.
    "When I heard what Socrates had done on the lyre, I wished indeed even [I had done] that...but certainly I labored hard in letters!" - Cicero, "Cato the Elder on Old Age"
    Weber Gallatin Mahogany F
    19th Century Ferrari(?) Bowlback
    Early 20th Century British Mandoline-Banjo & Deering Goodtime Tenor
    1960s Harmony Baritone Ukelele
    The Magic Fluke Flea Soprano Ukelele (in 5ths!)
    1910 German Stradivarius 1717 copy, unknown maker
    1890(?) German Stradivarius 1725 copy, G.A. Pfreztschner, maker

  5. #5
    Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    4,881

    Default Re: Can anyone identify this 12-string instrument?

    As hard as it is for some people to tune two strings alike just think of the problems they would have with this baby.....Willie

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •