Campanella mandolin - opportunity to purchase

**johnmarkva** · Aug-10-2012, 10:34am

I've always been intrigued by these mandolins. Got to play an '09 F style and was impressed. It is being offered for sale and so far my research says if you can find one they will go for $6k or more. I might be able to get it for less than that. Anyone have an idea if this is right? Thanks

**mrmando** · Aug-10-2012, 11:25am

A new one is $6,500:

http://www.campanellastrings.com/ordering

Rule of thumb for a used instrument in very good to excellent condition is to pay around 80 percent of the new price, which would be $5,200.

**johnmarkva** · Aug-10-2012, 1:36pm

I took the plunge and was able to get it for $5,000. I appreciate the general formula for used instruments. For some builders it seems they often hold their value and there are many other variables... Even so I was able to get in under the 80% and it included free shipping. Now the waiting begins for fedex!

**dcoventry** · Aug-10-2012, 8:35pm

I think you will be happy, no estatic, no floored, no mind-boggled, no blown away, no......ah, what's next on the hyperbole chart?

**hank** · Aug-10-2012, 9:18pm

Great catch Mark, you snagged the real deal. Congratulations. Is this Campanella tuned to be a Dry woody pumper or sweet long sustaining songbird?

**sgarrity** · Aug-10-2012, 9:25pm

I've never played one but really like his aesthetic. Post some pics when you get it!

**mandobassman** · Aug-10-2012, 9:29pm

Congratulations!!! They are the most beautiful instruments. I have always loved the violin edge look. I have never played one, only heard sound clips, but what I heard sounded wonderful. Post pictures and audio if possible. Would love to hear it.

**blauserk** · Aug-10-2012, 10:10pm

Originally Posted by sgarrity

I've never played one but really like his aesthetic. Post some pics when you get it!

I agree with all of this. I've been sorely tempted myself.

**Jim Garber** · Sep-03-2012, 8:59pm

This F-model Campanella (#26) just showed up on eBay.

**Grommet** · Sep-04-2012, 2:25am

Takes my breath away!

Scott

**blauserk** · Sep-04-2012, 1:04pm

Originally Posted by Jim Garber

This F-model Campanella (#26) just showed up on eBay.

This is Mark's? Nice back on that mandolin.

**rb3868** · Sep-06-2012, 11:30pm

nice everything on that mandolin. I would so love to be able to turn some wood into something that beautiful

**hank** · Sep-07-2012, 9:03am

#26 ended with no bids. Mark must not have been too attached to it to add $500 and restart the bidding.

**Jim Garber** · Sep-07-2012, 9:47am

Originally Posted by hank

#26 ended with no bids. Mark must not have been too attached to it to add $500 and restart the bidding.

He didn't have it too long, tho he does say: "I hate to let this mandolin go. Unexpected medical bills has to take priority at this point."

**johnmarkva** · Sep-07-2012, 12:08pm

Originally Posted by hank

#26 ended with no bids. Mark must not have been too attached to it to add $500 and restart the bidding.

Hi Hank,

It was my mandolin and as fate would have it I found out the day before it arrived that I had to have 2 dental implants that are not covered by insurance.

It will be really tough to see it go if and when I sell it. Everyone who has seen and played it has been blown away. Cheers

**pickngrin** · Sep-07-2012, 12:12pm

Originally Posted by Jim Garber

This F-model Campanella (#26) just showed up on eBay.

Why...why...WHY did you have to post that!? Oh, the MAS...

**hank** · Sep-07-2012, 6:04pm

Hey Mark, life really is a balancing act for a lot of us. The last mandolin I bought was with my riding lawn mower money so I spend a lot of time trying to keep my old mower going. On a positive note it's good for your potential buyers here at the Cafe to get the warm and fuzzy about why you flipped it so quickly and not be holding off because of performance problems.

**johnmarkva** · Sep-07-2012, 9:01pm

Originally Posted by hank

Hey Mark, life really is a balancing act for a lot of us. The last mandolin I bought was with my riding lawn mower money so I spend a lot of time trying to keep my old mower going. On a positive note it's good for your potential buyers here at the Cafe to get the warm and fuzzy about why you flipped it so quickly and not be holding off because of performance problems.

Ok Hank, I don't know what to make of that post. Live long and play well

**fromsfca** · Sep-16-2012, 11:04am

I happen to own a Campanella mandolin.
A two point (is that a duetto?) with the violin appointments...after owning and playing Flatirons, Gibsons (inlcuding one signed by Bruce Weber), Weber's, Eastmans, Martins...this is the best.

The sound is sweet, but with a very nice chop, easy to get around (I play mostly bebop and swing, and being I live in Louisville, KY, some bluegrass)....the tone is consistent from the bottom to the top (I frequently play in jazz keys; Aflat and Bflat).

A super mandolin....one I would not part with.

**dan in va** · Sep-16-2012, 3:30pm

A very beautiful mandolin. But the lack of edge binding makes me wonder what one would look like if Bill Monroe played it for some 50 years.

Let us know how you like it.