Low-Cost Bandolim

[JerseyPicker]

I just watched today's Mandolin Mondays (https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/entry.php?1203-Mandolin-Mondays-120-w-Special-Guest-Elisa-Meyer-Ferreira) video, and really liked the sound of that Bandolim that Elisa plays.

Are there any factories making low-cost import bandolims, like the equivalent of a Kentucky or Eastman? I am curious to try one, but not $1,500+ curious.

[DavidKOS]

https://produto.mercadolivre.com.br/MLB-958233387-bandolim-giannini-gbsm1-serie-mpb-acustico-_JM

http://www.giannini.com.br/produto_grupo/19/4/6/255/bsm-5%20eq%20bandolim.html

I used to work a company that got them from Etros music, but I do not know if they are in business. So I can't help with USA landed sources.

[Seter]

Giannini would fit the ticket, authentic and affordable. I really like their older made in Brazil classical guitars, a lot of beautiful woodwork once you get above the basic models. I heard on one of their social media accounts that Giannini is resuming larger production in Brazil again.

[DavidKOS]

Giannini would fit the ticket, authentic and affordable. I really like their older made in Brazil classical guitars, a lot of beautiful woodwork once you get above the basic models. I heard on one of their social media accounts that Giannini is resuming larger production in Brazil again.

I've used a moderate priced electro-acoustic giannini cutaway nylon string for years - great guitar, affordable, etc. (not the Craviola)

I'm happy to hear they are going for larger construction.

Del Vecchio is another maker to look for.

[Seter]

I'd like to get my hands on a Del Vecchio or Di Giorgio instrument at some point. For Giannini, the old catalogs are an invaluable resource for figuring out which used models are best: http://www.giannini.com.br/catalogos-antigos/ Look especially for ones with "maciço" in the description, Portuguese for solid.

[Randi Gormley]

I picked up two giannini bandolims, one from a shop that specialized in remains from auctions ($80) and the other new off the wall (it's the one in my avatar) and I like them both. The new instrument was about $500 after discussion with the store owner since it had sat on the wall for a while. ymmv

[Jim Garber]

I have an upper-end all solid wood cavaquinho by Giannini. I also have a Rozini cavaquinho which is another budget brand from Brazil. They also make bandolims.

BTW the bandolim that Elisa plays was made by Manoel Andrade. I have an older maple model from the same maker. I thought he passed away a few years ago, but perhaps I am mistaken

Pretty nice instrument. I recently acquired this Del Vecchio bandolim. I am still experimenting with strings on it. I got a set of ball end light gauge strings. I was told by folks at Del Vechhio that the back and sides of mine is pau ferro.