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.
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.
Just guessing:
Could it be a Laud
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
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
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