Mandolin Oddities

[FolkMusician]

Looking at all these builders' renditions of the F-5 sure is awesome, but it has been mentioned on here before that it can get a little boring. Anyone have any little oddities they'd like to show off? There's the watermelon mandolin, but I'm sure there are more. So, post away!

[mandopete]

My favorite.

(A.K.A. the "Bat-Mando")

[Jim M.]

Well, there's the reverse scroll Unicorn&Mustang at Gryphon:

http://www.gryphonstrings.com/instpix/21250/2125002.jpg

Sounds great, too.

[Jim Hilburn]

Before I started doing this for a job,I did it as a hobby. I liked to do whatever can to mind ,but sometimes the mind got ahead of good design and proper construction techniques. So,#12 was unleashed on the earth, and oddity is the only word that defines it, other than maybe "bad idea".Sounds pretty odd, too, although Steve Stone said I should put a pickup on it and sell it to a jazzer. But I think it will just remain a curiosity on my wall.

[Jim Hilburn]

The photo's don't do justice to it. How asymetric its anyway. I anyone has ever seen Irving Sloane's book on how to build a steel string guitar, you would see the most bizarre method of making a mold for the rim. That's what I tried here, and it's not a good way to do it. This was one way to waste a nice piece of wood.

[Jim Hilburn]

Charlie, don't sue me! I think I had recently been looking at Mother Maybelles L-5,and I really liked that peghead look. Kind of overdid it on this one, though. The inlay is another Gibson rip-off,but I took it off one of those vintage guitar calenders,and could barely tell what it looked like, so this is quite a bit different than the ones you see on those old white A-styles.

[FolkMusician]

Jim, I was thinking about doing something like that, in the spirit of the 60's hollowbody electrics, but never got around to it. I think for my first electric I'm going to try a Tele replica

[Jim Hilburn]

I've got one of those,too. I've got quite a few "oddities" around the house.

[Harrmob]

I found this on the net looking for John Duffey's duck. I kind of like this one....

[mandopete]

Another one of my favorites, the Coleson Flying-V

[Magnus Geijer]

Here's my #1, finished in September of -03. #2, #3, #4 and #5 are currently on the way.

[Bob A]

No photos, but Neil Gladd did make a few copies of the solidbody Gibson Flying-Vee as an 8-string electric mando. I really wanted one, but no one would sell theirs. Handsome instrument.

[PCypert]

Hey kyswede,
That's a sharp looking mando. What are the specs, etc?
Paul

[FolkMusician]

I love the lightning bolt f-holes on mandopete's V

[mandopete]

I love the lightning bolt f-holes on mandopete's V
It's not mine (I wish it was), but rather a Coleson built up in Alaska. He builds a real nice F-5.

[Hoovetone]

kyswede, I really like your sound holes. Good work-everybody has f holes. I like the change.

[neal]

That is totally awsome!!!

[Bob DeVellis]

With the possible exception of the hardware store items (which are truly oddities and cool in their own special way), those are some great looking instruments. Perhaps all weren't acoustically successful, but you gotta play to win, as the saying goes. Must be tough finding cases for some of those rascals, though.

[Jim Garber]

Great thread!

I posted this picture elsewhere some time ago, but I think it bears repetition. This is a OM built in 1931 by an Italian-American named Achilio Puccinelli in Chicago.

Jim

[Jim Garber]

Another oddball. Not sure what the maker intended. Nicely made (with dovetails) box with a mando neck. Lots of soundholes, tho.

Jim

[mikeomando]

(Carnival barker's voice) Step right up, stick and stay and don't go away, one tenth of a dollar! Amaze your friends with stories of oddities that you won't believe...How about you sir, are you MAN enough to see the wonders of the mandolin world?

(great thread, by the way)

[Magnus Geijer]

Thanks for the praise, guys!

They're all Sitka tops. #1 has a mahogany neck, while 2, 3, 4, and 5 will have curly maple. #1 and #2 have poplar sides, whereas 3, 4 and 5 have curly maple. Tips are mahogany and backs are all curly maple, most of them one-piece. Fret boards are all ebony, flat on #1 and radiused on the rest of them. Although the first is not bound, the rest of them are intended to be. TruOil worked so well for me on the first one, I intend to stick with it. I'm intensely happy with the sound, which I think is something a little between an f-hole and an oval-hole, something I'm guessing is due to the sound holes.

Again, thanks for noticing!

Magnus

[Hummingbird_Mandolins]

I know this does not look very odd style wise. What I am building here is a "mando-guitar". Strings 6th--3rd will be singles and 2nd--1st will be double. Tuning will be standard guitar tuning--I do play in DADGAD but I am not sure what that will sound like w/this instrument.

The scale length is 15 3/4". I did this because the standard mando scale is too close for guitar fingering. Fingerboard width at the nut is 1 7/16" and 1 13/16" at the 12th fret.

I would be interested in hearing your comments.

Matt

[Jim Garber]

Here's (http://www.pamelasmusic.co.uk/images/Forsale/string/mandolins/M101.htm) one I came across tonight. Well-made but blatantly bad Gibson clone.

Jim

[G'DAE]

Funny how they used "The Gibson", but didn't even put a Flower pot on it.

[mandopete]

Funny how they used "The Gibson", but didn't even put a Flower pot on it.
Looks like someone just got plain lazy when it came to the scroll work!

Here's some more oddities...

[Jim Garber]

Another oddity (http://www.mugwumps.com/turturro.htm) from the house of Calace (last posting) is this "turnover" instrument -- half mandolin. half ukulele. I actually owned one of these long ago. Had no sound tho.

Jim

[Mandopickr]

Some time ago on this message board there was posted a pic of the Paul Stanley tripple neck f-style. Does anyone have those pics still available...that was indeed an oddity

[mrmando]

I don't think Paul Stanley has a tripleneck F ...

You might be thinking of John Paul Jones, in which case you can find the photo at emando.com.

[Mandopickr]

That's it....sorry...rock&roll hasn't always been my first pick. I think that that one fits the category

[Jim Garber]

This one was at Elderly a few months ago.

Jim

[delsbrother]

Hey, somebody on the MC classifieds was looking for one of those..

[Brain]

Did somebody say banjo killer?

[Igor The Cat]

attack of the MandoBass!!! Ah!!!http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[Jim Garber]

Here's (http://web.dkm.cz/mandoweb/mando_x.htm) another odd one described as far as I can determine as a balalaika-like mandolin. This off a Czech web site that a few photos of my mandolins have been pictured somehow.

Jim

[Igor The Cat]

Weird!!

[Jim Garber]

We haven't had any oddities in a few days. here is another one that was on eBay sometime last year. The amazing part is that there is a contoured case that came with this one.

Jim

[delsbrother]

Whoa, check out the multicolored string silencers! Beats ol' grommets any day. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Stranky o Mandolinach!

Darrell

[mrmando]

Wow -- any Wallace & Gromit fans here? That last mandolin looks almost exactly like Wallace's head.

[Landgrass]

And it has Grommits!

[Jim Garber]

Here is an interestingly-shaped mandolin by a maker named Delucia from the Top Shelf Music web site.

Jim

[FrankenMouse]

Odd but beautiful. Photo credit to 12th Fret, Toronto:

[Jim Garber]

FrankenMouse, That Beardsall is a updated variant of the Kaycraft look. Great stuff!

Jim

[FrankenMouse]

Yeah, love the soundholes in the side!

[grandmainger]

Not a mando as such, but not far from being the weirdest thing I've seen:

http://www.rfcharle.com/Images/ListeInstr./SioratFace2.jpg

There are more photos of the beast (http://www.rfcharle.com/HTML/PhotosInstruments/Siorat.html) available on the site.

Germain

[AlanN]

That thing looks like a cross between a StairMaster and a cranial support apparatus.

[JGWoods]

Mutant_Dan- I looked at your café profile. Any chance the homebrew came first, the barbecue dobro right after?
That is great stuff, you made my day
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
best
gw

[Eugene]

Not a mando as such, but not far from being the weirdest thing I've seen:
I am a little reluctant to say it and reveal myself as a human oddity, but this looks like a pretty standard hurdy-gurdy to me.

[Bob DeVellis]

Eugene took the words right out of my mouth.

[grandmainger]

Mmmhh... Ze poor little french boy doesn't know what hurdy-gurdy is. Can you explain http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif ?

[Eugene]

A hurdy-gurdy is the thing pictured above. #From Merriam-Webster:

1 : a stringed instrument in which sound is produced by the friction of a rosined wheel turned by a crank against the strings and the pitches are varied by keys.
The external strings are drones. #The keys stop melody strings. #The aural effect is the stringed equivalent of the bagpipes (i.e. la musette). #Hurdy-gurdies are kind of trendy for playing dance tunes from the French renaissance.

[grandmainger]

I see! It sounded so bizarre I didn't even think of looking it up. Thanks for the explanation http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Now for another true oddity:
http://www.johncalkin.com/shotgun1.jpg

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[Eugene]

Yikes!

[John Flynn]

This thread has gone on for three pages and Bill Bussman hasn't waded in yet? It's like waiting for the other shoe to drop. Bill, where are you?

[Philip Halcomb]

This is my favorite odd mandolin...

[jim simpson]

flip,
Isn't this the mando the David Grisman has been playing?

[Philip Halcomb]

Yes it is, it's pretty neat... Not overly odd, but odd and interesting... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

By the way I love the little clefs on it...

[grandmainger]

By the way I love the little clefs on it...
Yes, they are odd.

Have you tried covering them and playing to see if the sound difference is noticeable?

Have a look at this very odd piece on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10179&item=3745284331&rd=1) right now... very odd.

[Eugene]

Have a look at this very odd piece on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10179&item=3745284331&rd=1) right now... very odd.
What a beast! #I especially like the claim "Every 8 stringers' dream bragging toy." #It is so baffling as to inspire the reply of "Errrr...?"

[mandopete]

"Put a pickup on it and play with your favorite country, bluegrass, gospel, dixie, or new age band. It's a really neat instrument. Every 8 stringers' dream bragging toy."

I had a dream that it could mounds of julliene fries too!

[jim simpson]

I thought it was one of those Kentucky mandolins with a failed scarf joint!

[Bill Snyder]

This one is on ebay. Built with wormy poplar top and back and cedar sides. Says they are hand made and he has 100 of them. Here is the listing Ebay mandolin (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3700789830&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores)

[Magnus Geijer]

That's interesting. It says "One of a kind" in the description, and "100 available" at the top. That's some advanced existentialistic math.

[Eugene]

A classic alluded to above, it slices, it dicees, and entertains at your luau or hoedown. there is a fine Turnover (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=359&item=3745678133) for sale along with plenty of campy, collectible kitsch.

[mandroid]

Cool, the Webbers meet, (page one) and as crossbreeding cousins do, you never know what the combinations will become.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[mandoman15]

Whats up with this beast??
http://www.emando.com/images/builders/Bussmann/Bill_Bussman_Guppy.jpg

[Eugene]

Mandolin, lute, zither, potato grater...? Naw, it's the rightfully rare and frightfully freakish Stössel-lute (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=623&item=3746591816). For those with a cat-like penchant for fatal curiosity, Gregg Miner (http://home.earthlink.net/~gcminer/stoessellute.htm) wrote a nice article on such stuff.

[Jim Garber]

This (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3746969520) one just came on eBay: another wacko shaped one, part Wandre, part lethal medieval weapon. Go for it!

Jim

[danb]

How about an original vintage F THREE (http://www.mandolinarchive.com/perl/show_mando.pl?2952)?

http://www.mandolinarchive.com/images/3196top.jpg

[mandopete]

The scroll looks kinda funky.

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[TommyK]

Before I started doing this for a job,I did it as a hobby. I liked to do whatever can to mind ,but sometimes the mind got ahead of good design and proper construction techniques. So,#12 was unleashed on the earth, and oddity is the only word that defines it, other than maybe "bad idea".Sounds pretty odd, too, although Steve Stone said I should put a pickup on it and sell it to a jazzer. But I think it will just remain a curiosity on my wall.
Ya know, I've heard rumblings (I don't know where) that the mando may be the next new sound in Jazz and GODLESS Rock and Roll. That Jazzy mando may have a market.
Of course those rumblings could by my supper not settlin' too well. But that Jazzer with a pickpup might find a bunch of buyers.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[TommyK]

Odd but beautiful. Photo credit to 12th Fret, Toronto:
ONe of the guitars Django played had a itty bitty oval hole like that. It was a Selmer variant. But, I don't think you can call it a Djangolin.
Notice the bass side side's holes. Are they for pourin' the beer in or pourin' the beer out?
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[TommyK]

This is my favorite odd mandolin...
My aunt had painted on eyebrows like those back in the '60s. Liked to scared me to death! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif
Thank God that went out of style! Looks good on the mando tho.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[TommyK]

I've heard of Hurdy Gurdies, but until now have never seen one. I'm haveing a little difficulty judging the size of this thing. Does it take 2 people to play? I'm guessing, if it's a one man affair you crank with the left and key with the right? ..... right?
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[TommyK]

I think Frank's got you all beat. #For those who have never INVESTED in the time to peruse Frets.com. #Here's a LINK (http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Museum/BelieveIt/MidMoWow/midmowow.html) to a Mid Mo that will knock your Keds off. #I posted the link because I didn't want to copy/paste his pic without permission.
It's got 8 tuners (they line up and everything) book matched top of CDX. Book matched.. yes. From the same book.... no. #It's gotta be a Mid Mo 'cause Mid Mo is penciled right there on the head stock.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

Sorry about monopolizing the thread, but it was so much fun! #I'm gonna go do something else now.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[Eugene]

I've heard of Hurdy Gurdies, but until now have never seen one. #I'm haveing a little difficulty judging the size of this thing. #Does it take 2 people to play? #I'm guessing, if it's a one man affair you crank with the left and key with the right? # ..... right?
Exactly...almost. Yes, a single player, but the typical technique is to crank with the right hand and key with the left. #The keys face away from the player, and the player reaches over the top to access them. #The keys are analogous to the neck of other chordophones. #They're typically maybe 2 feet long or so.

[danb]

I borrowed a hurdy-gurdy for a while. They're really cool, haunting sound. It's played on the lap, right hand turns crank, left works keys. If it's a bowlback, it's played with a strap stand-up dobro slide style. Personally, I think they make really cool substitutes for pipes or Bombarde in Breton/Celtic music.

[FrankenMouse]

TommyK,

That Mid-Mo "Messterpiece" is hilarious. I especially like the fact that the plywood bridge is compensated -- as if it matters!

[TommyK]

Given the profuse 'bear clawing' and 'quilting' along with the cross grained book matching from different volumes (G and XYZ I think), there needs to be a whole lot of compensatin' goin' on!
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif #
I'm gonna have another> http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif #
Have one on me> #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[neal]

I wonder what the MidMo sounds like....hmmm

[Bill Snyder]

Here is one for you scroll lovers http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Jim Garber]

Here's a better pic of this. It was actually sold on eBay in 2000.

Ther maker is George Seilinshrick, whoever he was.

Jim

[grandmainger]

And now, the Violin-Mandolin:

http://i11.ebayimg.com/03/i/02/73/0d/60_3.JPG

From this eBay Auction (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3748204686)

[Jim Garber]

Ah, thatone is from Antonio Tsai of Taiwan. he has been mentioned a number of times on this board.

Jim

[grandmainger]

Ah, thatone is from Antonio Tsai of Taiwan. he has been mentioned a number of times on this board.

The front looks not pretty at all to me, but the back and sides are quite sexy, especially the double points. I kind of like the sides.

[uncle ken]

Here is one from ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10179&item=3748421821&rd=1) today. It looks like it could also be used as a battle axe. You probably wouldn't want to set your strap too low when playing this one.

[Eugene]

On violin-shaped mandolins, Brandt was doing that 100 years ago. Check out this mandola (http://www.topshelfmusic.com/S9911960048.jpg) from Top Shelf Music (http://www.topshelfmusic.com/).

[ethanopia]

since we are on the violin shaped mando branch of this thread check this one out, I think I posted this one last year. I kinda like it because it blends F5 design ideas with violin ideas.

I think Todd Phillips built it but I'm not positive. I got the pic from an old MWN

[mandopete]

I kinda like this one, it sort of grows on you. #It reminds me a bit of the one that French Guy (seen elsewhere in this section) built.

[Strado Len]

Another great piece of folk art from ebay: the flying wedge mandola.

[Strado Len]

The "Yoni Goddess" mandola:

[Strado Len]

Close-up of soundhole, er, aperture.

[SternART]

Ethanopia, that one was built by Darol Anger if I'm not mistaken.
Todd Phillips used to build in the back of my art studio & I saw all of his instruments.

[french guy]

I kinda like this one, it sort of grows on you. It reminds me a bit of the one that French Guy (seen elsewhere in this section) built.


Hmmm Mandopete , I appreciate a lot , that you remember my last construction , and you class it among oddities

Here a pic take just a few minutes ago

[mandoryan]

French Guy,
That is even cooler than I remember it. I really like the finish on it. Very good work.

[danb]

I can't even begin to speak about how (in)appropriate to "mandolin oddities" this is..

update: oh well, the eBay listing expired. The soundhole was.. well.. sorta Female-looking..

[mandoryan]

That mandolin would be nice if it didn't have that "rosette" or whatever you want to call it with the little jewels on it....as Dale says..GAK!!!

[danb]

The brand name gives a clue to what's going on with the soundhole..

[Jim Garber]

I can't even begin to speak about how (in)appropriate to "mandolin oddities" this ebay listing (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10179&item=3751262566&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW) is.

http://i4.ebayimg.com/01/i/02/88/31/2d_1_b.JPG
Dan:
So... what is up with this mandola.. you seem very mysterious about it. Do you know the maker. He sounds like a character.

Jim

[neal]

Jim, think on the feminine side for a moment. #Think about the name "Yoni Goddess". #I think Yoni is an eastern name for a body part, I believe I've seen that name in an Indian book of love. # I could be wrong, though, someone more familiar with tantric relations will chime in. And the soundhole certainly does represent it.

I think it's great. # Most of his work is really interesting, even #that checkerboard mandolin, that took a long time to sell on ebay, if it even sold. # But pretty time consuming work at any rate.

[Jim Garber]

I figured that much from the "goddess". His web site -- what of it there is-- is pretty entertaining also. A real character.

Jim

[mandopete]

Hmmm Mandopete , I appreciate a lot , that you remember my last construction , and you class it among oddities
Well, it is, how should I say it? ....different?

And I mean that in a good way!

[mandopete]

The "Yoni Goddess" mandola:
Oh! I thought we were talking about Joni Mitchell again - sorry!

[tzigan]

Here's my wife's first mandolin -- we understand they gave these away as premiums at feed stores in Oklahoma in the '30s if you bought enough feed. #When she showed up for her first mandolin orchestra practice it was politely suggested that she buy a "real" mandolin.

[Jacob]

A 1914 Pablo Picasso (http://www.gnosis.art.pl/iluminatornia/sztuka_o_inspiracji/pablo_picasso/picasso_mandolina.htm)

http://www.gnosis.art.pl/iluminatornia/sztuka_o_inspiracji/pablo_picasso/picasso_mandolina_1914.jpg

[John Bertotti]

I love those Hurdy Gurdies. If they didn't cost so darn much I'd try to get one. Oddly enough in most other countries the Hurdy Gurdy is just as the picture but most Americans call the crank box thing that you see the monkey around a Hurdy Gurdy. John

[Jim Garber]

Here (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10179&item=3753774048&rd=1) is an oddball that just came on eBay: a Vietnamese masterpiece. Not sure if the top is double-layered or just for decoration. nice finish right?

Jim

[neal]

Here's one from ebay, kinda cool

[Mando Medic]

Well, let's not forget this one. And Pete, don't say it! Kenc

[Jim Garber]

Hey, for another heart-shaped instrument, check out my 1930 Puccinelli OM on the first page of this thread (scroll to the very bottom of this page.

Jim

[mandopete]

Well, let's not forget this one. And Pete, don't say it! Kenc
Now Ken, you know that I wouldn't dream of commenting on that one!

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

(at least you have your pants on!)

[Keith Newell]

Ken, I know you didn't have that down there this weekend because the mando's are hanging different then the way you do now or I woulda loved to have seen that one.

[jasona]

Ken I swear that is the same mando the maker in Toronto was showing me photos of when I was in the 12th Fret getting some work done. I later saw it on a wall at a pawn shop. Funny looking bugger, that's for sure.

[Jim Garber]

Here's an oddball by the German Gotz Company. Hey, you gotz any mandolins shaped like fiddles? :-)

Currently on eBay, should you need such a thing (http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=21591&item=6533976981).

Jim

[Jim Garber]

Here's a pic for after it is long gone. Enough soundholes for you?

Jim

[mandolooter]

semi odd w/great tone

[Steve Davis]

Available at the Vintage Fret Shop
http://www.vintagefret.com/pages/11881.html

[Jim Garber]

Available at the Vintage Fret Shop
http://www.vintagefret.com/pages/11881.html
Here's the description:

11881 Musikalia Mando-Bizzaro (used, date unknown) This very strange and large mandolin is a mysterious product of the misty Mediterranean. It has a WIDE neck, and its elongated body is very resonant; decorated with metal putti and filigree. This would be a great choice for anyone who needs a mandolin with a wide rosewood fingerboard. $595.00

Musikalia (http://www.musikalia.it/en/english2.htm) makes tons of inexpensive instruments. I believe that Lark in the Morning sells quite a few of them.

Jim

[Steve Davis]

Thanks Jim for the info on the company. I particularly like the "Gybson" model. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Austin Clark]

semi odd w/great tone
Semi odd?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

That one is REALLY odd! Thanks Jeff,I like the tone too!
-austin

[Jim Garber]

Do you think that these can be confused with Gibsons?

Jim

http://www.musikalia.it/foto/703E-fr.jpg

[delsbrother]

Ok, I know there's been discussion of Antonio Tsai's work before, but did anyone notice the double-soundhole beast in this photo?

http://images.andale.com/f2/118/122/20613767/1118288489569_DSC04891.JPG

Whoa. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Elem21wed]

I purchased a bowlback mandolin at a local flea market with a faded label and green canvas carrying case. #My hope is to restore it and learn to play it at the local folk music school. #I would like to be able to learn some certral european and Italian music. #The label as mentioned is very faded and in the shape of a rectangle with stamped letters. #Using photoshop I was able to pick up "JUP..., TRADEMARK, and REG US PAT NOTICE." #The faded ink looks like it came from a simple oval shaped rubber stamp. #I think the mandolin is a Jupiter by Lyon and Healy, but the stamp dosen't look anything like the diamond label with the stylized LH logo. #Is this an earlier label for the Jupiter Mandolin, if so does someone know the age of this instrument? #If anyone has any information on this mandolin I would very much appreciate it very much

[Eugene]

Click here (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=6;t=14886;st=1050) and here (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=6;t=14886;st=1075) and read in a bit, maybe search for the text "Jupiter."

[Jim Garber]

Elem21wed,
Can you post a photo of the instrument itself? That would help id it.

Probably more appropriate in this thread (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=15;t=14185).

Jim

[Jim Garber]

Does it look like this one?

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/uploads/post-6-07889-jupiter_1912_sm.gif

Jim

[Elem21wed]

It looks exactly like the one pictured in the B&W ad. Thanks to everyone who has emailed me privately and posted on the message board.

[Elem21wed]

Since I don't have a digital camera, I had to go out on the web and find a mandolin that looked like the one I purchased. I found the image I posted above at Ederly Instruments' website, although the label inside this mandolin does not look like the one I posted earlier.

[Jim Garber]

Elem21wed,
Do you have the link to that Jupiter page at Elderly? I would like to see the other pics they have of it.

Thanks
Jim

[Elem21wed]

Here is the link to the page on Elderly Instruments website.

vintage jupiter mandolin 1910 (http://www.elderly.com/items/90U-3950.htm)

[Jim Garber]

Accompany yourself on this one.
Jim

[duuuude]

Weren't those successfully separated awhile back? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Jim Hilburn]

Now that has been a fantasy of mine for a long time, only with the mandolin on top. Ideally, you'd take a 44 'bone and cut a hole in the shoulder just the right size to accept a Loar so the f-hole was inside the guitar. Then you rig some 14/20's with wingnuts and washers to hold them together.

[JEStanek]

Didn't Jimmy Page play that on MTV unplugged? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Jamie

[Jim Garber]

This one is on Palm Guitars (Netherlands) site. It is a triple-strung, double top (like Gelas) mandolin by Garozzo.


ca1910 a rare and beautifull patent model, triple course mandolin,made by garozzo in catania ,the secondary top pierced by a star shaped rozet,and with inlaid wooden scratch-plate,the high bride standing on the inner primary top which is painted gold.neck and back look like they are walnut.

http://www.palmguitars.nl/PHPShop/catalog/images/garozzomandolindoubletop.jpg

Jim

[Jim Garber]

Here is a frightening one from the inventory of Marc Silber Music (http://www.marcsilbermusic.com/inventory/db-pages/desc.asp?instid=1539)

http://www.marcsilbermusic.com/inventory/photos/0605-03-04.jpg

Jim

[mandoman15]

one might wonder what the luthier was smoking when he carved that.... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
then again, it looks like it would be a blast to play

[Professor PT]

Just add a melting clock and call it "The Dali."

[delsbrother]

More Tsai..

http://i3.ebayimg.com/03/i/04/f1/bb/9f_12_sb.JPG

[wmferg]

Here are some real strange bluegrass instruments...
Is it a Weber...?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

Sorry....I couldn't resist.

WmFerg

[Jim Garber]

Here is a frightening one from the inventory of Marc Silber Music (http://www.marcsilbermusic.com/inventory/db-pages/desc.asp?instid=1539)

Jim
Here is that one ... seems to have lost the link...

Jim

[Arto]

Jim´s Frightening one is lovely! Would love to see it offered at eBay as "vintage Gibson mandolin"! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Interesting construction, really. It seems to have been made in 1945. Maybe large wood planks were rationed at wartime, too?

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Arto

[Jim Garber]

Speaking of triangular, balalaika-like instruments. This one by John Abrossimoff circa 1985.

Jim

[Arto]

By the size of the soundhole, it looks like Clarence White model balalaika!

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Arto

...in fact, it think it´s really cute! What kind of back does it have?

[Jim Garber]

...in fact, it think it´s really cute! What kind of back does it have?
Here's the back. BTW I don;t own this one, just got the jpegs off eBay some time ago. I have pics of another one just like it, so this maker liked the style.

Jim

[van]

Here is my oddity.

[Jim Garber]

Van,
That is wonderful. Who is the maker? It looks like there is a label. Does it actually play and sound like anything? Any more pics of, say, the headstock.

Did it come with a case that fits?

Looks similar to a maker named George Seilinshrick. (Pic below)

Jim

[JEStanek]

It looks a little like a decapitated Duck like the Duck in F5Journls posts of Festivals from way back. (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST&f=3&t=27992) The Norma Blake Photo a little over 1/2 way down on page 1. That's a cool looking mando. More info and photos, please.

Jamie

[van]

Thanks for the complement Jim, I made It. It is entirely cedar except for the aspen binding around the headstock and fretboard. It sounds great. It was my first archtop and including the time I spent on creating the design, it took three months to build. I am curently working on two new concepts, one is an old kay style and the other is a modified F5. I have posted other picks in this section under the title, JM-75 Mandola.

[Jim Garber]

Van:
I love the off-the-beaten track styles. I have been wanting to build a Kay style and a regal reverse scroll.

Keep up the good work.. and have fun.

Jim

[LeonEvans]

Here's my Holst C-5, otherwise called the "Pointless F5"

Leon

[JEStanek]

I really dig the look of those Holst mandos. Yours is really cool.
Jamie

[Jim Garber]

EBay: the endless source of oddities... feast your eyes on this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/Mandolin-special-Body-2006-NEW_W0QQitemZ7357503827QQcategoryZ10179QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem).

Jim

[Jim Garber]

Radio six mandolafrom Harry and Jeannie West's site (http://www.harryandjeaniewest.com)http://web.iwebcenters.com/music/images/Radio-six.jpg

Jim

[jasona]

That's hideous.

[Jason Kessler]

...looks like mando road kill...

[PaulD]

...looks like mando road kill... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Couldn't have said it better! That tailpiece cover is interesting, though.

pd

[Tom C]

The hilarious part is they are selling that but-ugly folk art thing for $2,800. It looks like Andrei The Giant sat on his mando.

[Dave Gumbart]

Hey, holy cow! I don't know that Richard Levens, a builder from Scotland has been mentioned yet. He's on the Cafe's list of builders, in Scotland(web site http://www.dicklevens.co.uk/). Found him just by browsing the builders section, wondering who's building what and where. Now some of that stuff is original. Case in point...

[Darryl Wolfe]

check out this beast


<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Mandolin-Italian-Old-Carlo-Giuseppe-Picino-de-Napoli_W0QQitemZ7363724559QQcategoryZ10179QQ
rdZ1QQcmdZViewItem" target="_blank">link</a>

[delsbrother]

Ooh, I want it! I have a bunch of other photos of this style of mando (Gregg Miner calles them "Wappen" (shield style?)). The form is found on a lot of german harp-guitars. Ebay links seem to be kaput today; got an item number?

[Eugene]

check out this beast


<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Mandolin-Italian-Old-Carlo-Giuseppe-Picino-de-Napoli_W0QQitemZ7363724559QQcategoryZ10179QQ

rdZ1QQcmdZViewItem" target="_blank">link</a>
Wow. I wish the instrument rather than the founding of the shop was dated. It looks suspiciously like some "wappenform" guitars of the mid 1800s.

[Eugene]

Oops, in my excitement over potentially pre-Lyon & Healy wappenform mandolins, I wholly missed that you had already replied to this very image, Darrell. Try 7363724559.

[Jim Garber]

Here is another one of that ilk.

Jim

http://www.pamelasmusic.co.uk/images/Forsale/string/mandolins/M150f.JPG

[delsbrother]

Thanks Eugene.. Link works for me now (must be something on my end). I have an old photo of an old mando-orchestra player with a "wappen" mandolin, but with rounded points insteade of sharp ones. Did L&H make these?

Darrell

[edit] On second look maybe it's exactly the same model as the eBay one after all..

[Eugene]

Here is another one of that ilk.

Jim
That looks of a slightly more recent vintage somehow. Is it dated?

[Eugene]

Thanks Eugene.. Link works for me now (must be something on my end). I have an old photo of an old mando-orchestra player with a "wappen" mandolin, but with rounded points insteade of sharp ones. Did L&H make these?

Darrell
Not really. I was equating the two-point thing to wappenform.

[Jim Garber]

Here is another one of that ilk.

Jim
That looks of a slightly more recent vintage somehow. #Is it dated?
It is on the mandolin page of Pamela's Music (http://www.pamelasmusic.co.uk/mandolins.htm) in the UK. They just say "Wappen mandolin early 20thc".

While we are on that page, take a look at this contra bass mandolin.

http://www.pamelasmusic.co.uk/images/Forsale/string/mandolins/L071f.JPG

Jim

[glauber]

Oooh Mama! And paired strings too!

[Jim Garber]

Simultaneous cross posting on that 2-point wappen here (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=13;t=29248;).

Jim

[Martin Jonas]

Hmm. These are not what I know as Wappenform. Normally, the German word Wappenform is used for something like this mandola below (from a recent Ebay auction (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7358142890&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1) which in restrospect I regret not bidding on). "Wappen" means crest in German, and this shape is distinctly more crest-like than the ones posted above. It's also very similar to the shape of a Vega cylinderback.

Martin

[Steve Davis]

How about This (http://www.vintagefret.com/pages/11881.html)

[Jim Garber]

How about This (http://www.vintagefret.com/pages/11881.html)
That one is a product of the Musikalia (http://www.musikalia.it/en/catalogue/instruments_list.asp?cat=2) factory in Sicily. Not the highest quality, at least the few I have seen. Lark in the Morning sells a few models of that brand.

Here (http://www.demusica.it/collezione/images/23.jpg) is one of the originals that Musikalia copied from, cerca 1930 by Monzino & Garlandini.

My favorite from the Monzino shop:
http://www.demusica.it/collezione/images/67.jpg

Jim

[Capstoner]

http://www.acousticdisc.com/dawg_photos/15.sam_david.jpg

Here are a couple odd ones!

[Jim Garber]

This ostensible Gibson F2 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7362671331) (tho called an F4) is really odd in that at first glance it looks normal. Then check out the fact that the headstock is backwards and the scrtoll is wrong,. It looks tho that it was made by someone who knew what they were doing, sort of a mandolin joke.

Jim

[Jim Garber]

Here is a photo from the eBay posting (for the historical purposes of this thread).

Jim

[mandopete]

Here is a photo from the eBay posting (for the historical purposes of this thread).

[Jim Garber]

mandopete:
Who made that "holy" mandolin?

Jim

[glauber]

mandopete:
Who made that "holy" mandolin?
James Condino, from Portland. It's on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7368426778), and being discussed in another thread (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=15;t=29739;).

[Jim Garber]

Here are a couple of B&D's that have somehow escaped my clutches. I was negotiating a trade for this Ramona and was about to conclude it -- the dealer actually agreed to it -- when he found out that it had been sold while we were going back and forth. Grrrrrrr...

Did any Cafe member buy it out from under me??? If, so I forgive you.

I think these were carved top variations on the Regal reverse scroll flattops. They may actually have been made in the Regal factory in the 1930s for B&D. I don't think that B&D actually made their own guitars.

Jim

[Jim Garber]

This one is labelled Sultana and is a little fancier than the Ramona. Same body shape tho. I inquired of the dealer but never got a reply. Now it is off the site. I thought I had a full shot but only parts.

Jim

[Jim Garber]

Here is the headstock of that Sultana.

Jim

[MML]

Jim,


That Ramona was pretty cool. It had a little more going for it.

[Jim Garber]

I also think that both the condition and the photography was better. I have played some B&D guitars of the period and they are pretty much mid-grade instruments. I still like the look.

Jim

[Jim Garber]

This is a 1964 Ray Matty Electric from Banana's site. For those who love scrolls.

http://www.vintageinstruments.com/photos/inst27/matteoful.jpg

Jim

[Jim Garber]

Lots of butterflies were inlaid on bowlback pickguards but have you seen a mandolin body that was shaped like one?

Jim

[JEStanek]

Looks like a folk version of the Warlock mando.

Jamie

[van]

Here is one for the odd pile.
This is my #11, I wanted to see what a mandolin made entirely out of construction grade Yellow Pine would sound like so I built one. To my surprise it sounds great. This is a regular size mandolin body with a 17.5 inch scale with only four strings and it has that authentic bluegrass sound. I put a modified Virizi thing inside and it works but it is quite subtle. On the next one I will try a new Virizi modification that I am sure will work better.

[Michael Lewis]

Bluegrass sound? 4 strings, non F holes, loooonnnng scale. You may be on to sumpn. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[mrmando]

Love the fret markers, but the one on the 9th fret belongs on the 10th fret.

[mrmando]

Here's one from Nick Carpenter, an Australian builder I just learned about:
http://emando.com/images/builders/Wildwood/Wildwood1_small.jpg

[JEStanek]

The perfect e-mando for a Klingon Bluegrass band.

Jamie

[van]

Love the fret markers, but the one on the 9th fret belongs on the 10th fret.
I was thinking guitar frets instead of mando frets.

[mrmando]

The perfect e-mando for a Klingon Bluegrass band.
I was thinking, since it's Australian, maybe it's supposed to be a boomerang. Maybe after the gig you can go out and kill a wallaby or something for supper.

[Jim Garber]

Yes, you can own this long horn oddball (http://cgi.ebay.com/Mandolin-special-Body-2006-NEW_W0QQitemZ7379187305QQcategoryZ10179QQcmdZViewI tem).

http://i8.ebayimg.com/04/i/05/2c/28/b9_1_b.JPG

Jim

[mandolooter]

found this F/oval hole a days back...ok no oval but its got a hole.

[stevem]

Arman Mandoline

[stevem]

another...

[glauber]

another...
I think this is the one Picasso painted.

[Paul Hostetter]

Here's a bizarre little piece of detritus. It's said to be a mandola:

http://www.lutherie.net/radio-six.jpg

The dealer hawking this lovely thing informs us thus:

Radio Six Mandola
Radio Six is in the Mandolin Family. Unusual item,by an obscure maker. Larger then average Mandola. c. mid late thirties? Unique, good sound.
Our Price: $2,800.00

[Antlurz]

Looks like it's got a bad problem with Twinkies and Little Debbies......

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Ron

[JGWoods]

scroll on the tailpiece- I like it!

[Jim Garber]

Radio six mandola from Harry and Jeannie West's site (http://www.harryandjeaniewest.com)

Jim
Sorry Paul, I beat you to that one on page 7 of this thread.

Jim

[Paul Hostetter]

What page are we on now?? Gad. How could I have missed it? Perhaps my mind was numbed from so much beauty.

[Jim Garber]

Ain't that the truth! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Jim

[jefflester]

Harry and Jeannie West's site (http://www.harryandjeaniewest.com)
Also from there... this one should be painted red and have some white lettering on it.

http://web.iwebcenters.com/music/images/Oct-Mando.jpg

[JEStanek]

Eight Strings sound so nice
Eight sided makes me think twice
He should have stopped.

Jamie

[Martin Jonas]

Some strange soundholes (from <a href="http://cgi.ebay.de/Alte-und-seltene-MANDOLINE-wohl-um-1900-Top_W0QQitemZ6602839092QQcategoryZ21591QQrdZ1QQcmd
ZViewItem" target="_blank">here</a>.

Martin

[stevem]

Eba* specialty

[stevem]

Close up...

[Jim Garber]

Steve:
How is that bridge constructed?

Jim

[stevem]

billkilpatrick found it and posted it on another thread. (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=13;t=32228) I just put the pic up for posterity sake and don't know anything else...
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Paul Hostetter]

I think the real question is "why."

[Mental Floss]

In the builder section there is a guy that makes a mandolin out of a bedpan from the hospital.:p

[Bill Snyder]

From Mervyn Davis.

[Jim MacDaniel]

If Peter Parker picked a mandolin...


(Link to auction with more pics (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7417083320&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fse arch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26satitle%3D7417083320%26fvi %3D1))

[Martin Jonas]

Probably worth putting a link (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=7;t=35068) to this thread in the Builders forum in the oddities thread, for the byzantine construction shown in the plans below.

Martin

[Christian McKee]

Here's my Alembic inspired mid 70's Flying V from Micheal Dolan. It plays and sings just like a dream.

Christian

[Bill Snyder]

http://www.springersmusic.co.uk/Library/Instruments/Violins/V%20zither%20mandolin%20f.jpg

[Jim Garber]

Bill that is a hybrid bowed zither with 8 strings instead of the usual 4, I believe. They often can be seen with heart shaped bodies.

Violin shaped one:
http://www.fretlesszithers.com/images/bz.jpg

heart-shaped one:
http://www.henrystrobel.com/bowdzith.jpg

Jim

[Bill Snyder]

Jim I suspected that it was to be played with a bow, but it was listed with several other unique mandolins on a website so I posted away. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
How about this mandola? http://www.pamelasmusic.co.uk/images/Forsale/string/mandolins/M147f.JPG

[Keith Miller]

another from ebay

[Keith Miller]

and the back

[Jerry Byers]

Did you guys catch this one on eB@y? It's a true Kentucky.

[Jim Garber]

Guitar and bowlback combo from Gregg Miner/Harpguitars.net

http://www.harpguitars.net/history/org_images/Multi-neck/dbl-mandola-mandolino-rome-b.jpg

[JEStanek]

That looks like something Stanley Jordan would play...
Jamie

[delsbrother]

At $95 + shipping (http://cgi.ebay.com/Mandolin-New-unique-design-NEW_W0QQitemZ220046913390), you could outfit a whole orchestra!

http://i7.ebayimg.com/06/i/08/52/4e/02_1_b.JPG

[Jim Garber]

At $95 + shipping (http://cgi.ebay.com/Mandolin-New-unique-design-NEW_W0QQitemZ220046913390), you could outfit a whole orchestra!

Yes, but think of the cost of the protective armor you would have to supply. "Ouch, my eye" "You stabbed the conductor!!" http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Jim

[mandopete]

Now that's just plain UGLY!

[big h]

U.G.L.Y.You ain....uuu.....uhhhhhhhhhhmmmm.........ghuuuuuu... .... duuuuuuuhhhhhhh.... ..... I forgot the words to the song, but what I am trying to say is it is ugly.

[danb]

The scroll on this one doesn't pass the laugh test..

[JEStanek]

Looks like the lollipop swirl in the headstock would plug it nicely...

Jamie

[danb]

I think the two "eyes" on the front under the fingerboard are the other sides of the bolt on neck!

[JeffD]

Guitar and bowlback combo from Gregg Miner/Harpguitars.net

http://www.harpguitars.net/history/org_images/Multi-neck/dbl-mandola-mandolino-rome-b.jpg
I can't imagine a comfortable way of playing either side of that beast.

[cooper4205]

that orpheum looks rode hard and put away wet- sides of it look like it was used for a hammer (from the ebay pics)

[Jim Garber]

Here is a new oddball to keep this thread alive:

Roast Duck mandolin:

http://www.worth1000.com/entries/258000/258407afHE_w.jpg

I am not sure if this is tongue-in-cheek humor or real -- it looks Photoshopped):
This one-of-a-kind mandolin was made for a baroque performance at a beer festival in Munich in 1992. The body was carved from a pork roast, the neck was made with the skin of broiled duck and the headstock of baked Peking goose. It was eaten by the performers after the show.

Also take a look at this real vintage instrument from a maker in Bologna Italy prob 1920 or so.

Jim

[MikeEdgerton]

Well heck, I'll add my mystery mandolin as well (even though I sold it a few weeks ago)

[Sitka]

Sorry, I can't see the roast-duck mandolin

Micah

[Martin Jonas]

Also take a look at this real vintage instrument from a maker in Bologna Italy prob 1920 or so.
I think it needs the side view as well to get the full impression of this peculiar instrument. Both this photo and the one posted by Jim are from <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/MANDOLINO-PARTICOLARE-LIUTAIO-ALFREDO-MONTANARI-1919-88_W0QQitemZ110114922745QQihZ001QQcat
%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EegoryZ10179QQssPageNameZWD VWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem" target="_blank">this</a> Ebay auction.

Martin

[Bill Snyder]

Here is Jim's roast duck mando. The website it is posted on is Worth1000.com. A photoshop showcase site.

[Jim Garber]

Well heck, I'll add my mystery mandolin as well (even though I sold it a few weeks ago)
Mike!! You were supposed to give me right of first refusal on that one!!! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Jim

[MikeEdgerton]

You refused the last time. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Bill Snyder]

Currently for sale at shopgoodwill.com.

[MikeEdgerton]

That is one ugly mandolin. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[Jim MacDaniel]

Here smile seems to say, "I can't believe you are actually considering bidding on me"...

Mona Lisa smile (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330118777266&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1)

[JEStanek]

Jim, If that thing's shipping was only $30 I might bite. I bet there is a codex in there that could lead me to the holy grail. Imageine, my search for the holy grail solved by a mandolin instead of a search for the mandolin holy grail!

Jamie

Interesting??

Item number: 330119495246 on E BAY UK by the way.
It could be yours..

[Jim Garber]

Trapezoid... nuff said.
Jim

[MikeEdgerton]

Hey, I had one of those a few years ago. I'm pretty sure it was made by Regal. I always assumed they were aimed at some ethnic group that had similar instruments.