Old Wave #453 - 10-String Mandola (C-G-D-A-E)

**Larry S Sherman** · Jul-01-2010, 11:53am

Like many on this board I've been looking for a 10-string, probably directly as a result of encountering the great Hamilton De Holanda. I did acquire an electric 5-string, but the search for a good acoustic 10-string has continued for several years now.

I've watched the ongoing discussion as to the innovations and pitfalls of 10-string mandolins. Fan frets seem to be improving, with attention being paid to string guages, body size, etc. Conventional mandolin scale 10-strings sometimes suffer with floppy low C strings, or tight "pingy" E strings. Lots of experiments going on, but I've still been waiting for the magic 10-String to come along.

My goal is to eventually save enough money to buy one of Tercio Rebeiro's 10-String bandolims (since I love Ham's sound). He let me check out his bandolim, and I took careful measurements in case I decided to commision a domestic luthier to do a version of Ham's axe.

In the meantime I've been keeping an eye out for alternatives, and was excited to check out an Old Wave 10-String made by Bill Bussman. I first became aware of Bill's work when I saw Will Patton playing an Old Wave GOM (with great tone and playability). I also went crazy when I first saw Jazzmando Ted's Old Wave Solocomp.

**Larry S Sherman** · Jul-01-2010, 11:58am

A regular cafe member was selling it, and promised that it didn't have either a floppy low C, or a tight "pingy" E string.

As promised, the instrument is surprisingly even across all strings, and plays true right up the neck. The scale length is in the mandola range (16"), so you can get a nice growl from the low strings, but it still sounds like a mandolin when you are in the higher strings. Unlike my Mowry Octave, I can use mandolin fingerings. So far so good...it's a remarkable instrument!

Some more pics:

**Larry S Sherman** · Jul-01-2010, 12:00pm

Some more...

**Larry S Sherman** · Jul-01-2010, 12:01pm

A few more...

**Larry S Sherman** · Jul-01-2010, 12:05pm

Some parting thoughts: Maybe the mandola scale more naturally lends itself to an even playing experience over 10-strings?

I will continue my pursuit of a Tercio bandolim, but in the meantime I can now reach for lower notes, use more chord positions, and get into the mandola range without sacrificing the mandolin range. If you're looking for a 10-string you can add Bill's 10-string variation to your realm of possibilities.

Larry

**JEStanek** · Jul-01-2010, 12:05pm

Ridiculously beautiful! Congrats to you and Bill!

Jamie

**rico mando** · Jul-01-2010, 12:16pm

oh thanks alot .just when i thought i was done wanting more instruments

**billhay4** · Jul-01-2010, 12:23pm

Bill is a superb builder and quite an interesting guy. That's a lovely instrument. Can anyone see who made the tailpiece?
Bill

**Larry S Sherman** · Jul-01-2010, 1:01pm

Originally Posted by billhay4

Bill is a superb builder and quite an interesting guy. That's a lovely instrument. Can anyone see who made the tailpiece?
Bill

It's an Allen TP.

**Larry S Sherman** · Jul-01-2010, 1:10pm

Other specifics:

Strings are D'Addario Mandola J72's: 49-34-23-14 plus a .008 for the high E.

The top is Colorado Engelmann spruce, x-braced with adirondack red spruce, 2 piece bookmatched quilted broadleaf maple back,Tortoise celluloid binding, Grover tuners, adjustable trussrod, pearl nut, 16" radius fretboard with 16" scale length, abalone rosette, Allen cast tailpiece, Nitrocellulose lacquer over shellac sealer finish, Adjustable bridge (hand-made by Bill), custom cedar creek case with cool purple interior.

Larry

**amowry** · Jul-01-2010, 2:01pm

Very cool!

**Jake Wildwood** · Jul-01-2010, 3:04pm

Nice one!

**B. T. Walker** · Jul-01-2010, 3:04pm

Whew! Really nice.

**Markkunkel** · Jul-01-2010, 3:57pm

So happy this instrument found yet another appreciative home, Larry. May it bring you many many years of pleasure, and may Bill continue to bring such beauty to the world for many years to come. Enjoy! Mark K.

**Skip Kelley** · Jul-01-2010, 7:01pm

Larry, congratulations! That's cool!

**Ted Eschliman** · Jul-01-2010, 7:50pm

Originally Posted by Larry S Sherman

Some parting thoughts: Maybe the mandola scale more naturally lends itself to an even playing experience over 10-strings?

Absolutely, Larry. I have a 14-1/2" scale 10-string, and the fanned fret 16" (Rigel Dola convert) 10-string, and I'm more convinced than ever you can only get the full body of the lower register with a mandola scale.

What an amazing instrument you acquired! Great catch...