Weymann 1911?

[Roarl]

Hi!
Just bought this mandolute (?) from a forum with second hand instruments in Norway.
It looks like the mandolin has been in the case since it was bought. Anyone know something about this instrument, or have opinions concerning history or value etc? NB! The string action seemed very nice (from a guitar players point of view). Thank You, sincerely Roarl

[allenhopkins]

It's not a mandolute. They were "flat-back" instruments with bodies that varied in depth; both the top and back were slightly curved. Here are some pics of one for sale. (http://crossroads-music.com/product/weymann-used-mandolute-mandolin-circa-1910s/)

This is a bowl-back mandolin, which is an earlier style, the most common type of mandolin in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, so your approximate date could well be correct. Here's a 2011 thread (https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?75767-H-A-Weymann-amp-Son-Bowlback-Mandolin-(circa-1900-)) discussing Weymann bowl-backs.

The leavingthisworld.com website, (http://www.leavingthisworld.com/weymann-serial-numbers-and-dating/) which says it's about "Cancer, Spirituality, Death...and Guitars," offers a table of Weymann serial numbers that would place #14735 in 1912. You can give that whatever weight you think appropriate.

This is a very nice instrument, ornately inlaid, and surely in excellent condition. And, it has a serviceable period leather case. That said, Weymann, while a top-tier maker, is not at the apex of bowl-back mandolin market prices. I might hazard a guess at a $300 price, based mainly on condition and obvious quality.

[Roarl]

Thank you very much for taking time to answer a novice in the world of Mandolins.
There is a lot to learn by reading the different forums. Now it's time to get strings on and start practising :-)

[LadysSolo]

Please use very light strings on it, otherwise you may damage the neck. And it is a beautiful instrument (from a bowlback fan.)

[Roarl]

Thank You for good advising. Would 10-38 be OK, or should I order even thinner strings?
I guess there's no idea to tune it lower to F?

[pops1]

Thank You for good advising. Would 10-38 be OK, or should I order even thinner strings?
I guess there's no idea to tune it lower to F?

I don't think there is a need to go lighter, I use 10.5-39 in the pure nickel from GHS.

[Christopher Stetson]

With respect, I'd start with .009 for the E string, and go to .010 if it sounds too thin. It's a beautiful mandolin, and I think Weymann might have used the term "mandolute" for bowlback as well as flatback mandolins, but I'm not sure. Confusingly, the Vega company also used the term for their cylinder back mandolins.

[pops1]

Thank You for good advising. Would 10-38 be OK, or should I order even thinner strings?
I guess there's no idea to tune it lower to F?

I agree with Christopher, I think I was confusing two posts. the 10-38 would be too heavy for this. A 9-32 would be a better starting point. Sorry for the confusion on my part.

[Roarl]

Thanks to all of you for good answers. Waiting for some 09-32 strings for a start :-)

[mathura]

As mentioned above I do have a website about Weymann including Serial numbers table which has recently been updated with the reasons I have given for the decisions:
http://www.leavingthisworld.com/weymann-serial-numbers-and-dating/#111 I can also be contacted charles@honucreative.com

Thanks mathura