H4?

[red7flag]

Was wondering if mandolas are made in an oval hole with scroll configuration? #Are they made with raised or attached fretboards? #Most I have seen with scroll have f holes, but my experience is limited. #Any info would be appreciated. I am more referencing new buiders, but old Gibby info would also be interesting.
Tony

[danb]

here're a few H4 mandolas from the mandolin archive:

http://www.mandolinarchive.com/gibson/serial/28258
http://www.mandolinarchive.com/gibson/serial/71997
http://www.mandolinarchive.com/gibson/serial/86137
http://www.mandolinarchive.com/gibson/serial/74891
http://www.mandolinarchive.com/gibson/serial/76274

[red7flag]

Dan, thank you for those references. Those are some beautiful instruments. Would love to hear them.
Tony

[sunburst]

I am more referencing new buiders...
That's one of the reasons to go to a builder, rather than buy off the shelf.
You want a scroll mandola with oval hole and elevated fingerboard? Ask your builder! You can even choose the scale length! (You want fries with that? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif )

[Dave Voyles]

I think Jeff Cowherd at Mandolins & More has a Lebeda mandola with oval hole and scroll.

[Hans]

How 'bout a 3 point?

[red7flag]

John, Are most H4s raised or not raised? Sound difference?
Hans, Beautiful instruments, for sale, how much?
Dave, I played the Labeda during SPBGMA, I guess that is where my interest came from.
Tony

[sunburst]

My guess (this is only a guess) is that most H4 type mandolas are old Gibsons, and I doubt if they made any with a raised fingerboard. (Dan?)
Good question about the sound difference. I doubt if many people have heard enough of them, built both ways, to know.

Hans, you must be keeping that one on purpose. I figured someone would have bought it by now, as much as everyone as IBMA liked it!

[Darryl Wolfe]

Here is a lovely one that Dan may have overlooked. 81779

[Darryl Wolfe]

back

[Darryl Wolfe]

head

[red7flag]

Oh my!!!
Tony

[Eric F.]

There is (or was a couple of weeks ago when I was there) a Capek H4 style at Gruhns. Pretty sweet, but at $4,000 it's out of my league.

[Steve Perry]

I've played both the Capek at Gruhn's and the Lebeda that Mandolins and more have. #Both are pretty sweet and what got me interested in mandola. #Anybody know if there's somebody building "student model" carved top mandolas similar to the $600 Glenn A mandolins?

[bluesmandolinman]

that 3-Point Blackface Mandola from Hans is http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

I think there has never been a Gibson 3-Point Mandola right ?

[Mandobar]

that matches my 3 point brentrup mandolin................mmmm

[Hans]

John, neither the mandolin or mandola are for sale...Maureen has claimed them. Don't know if a 3 point Gibson mandola exists, but seems like a possibility.

[danb]

I think there has never been a Gibson 3-Point Mandola right ?
As far as vintage goes.. I haven't seen one, but the fact that there is a K4 in that style somewhat implies an H4. I've only seen one very old mandola, it's a hollow-neck 3xxx serial one that a friend in England owns.

[bluesmandolinman]

Thanks Dan,
I just checked the mandolinarchive and indeed there is a 3-point K-4 Mandocello. I assume it is new on the list because I never noticed it before.

That body scroll is huuuge !

[danb]

I just added the pictures yesterday.. we're talking about it in the "Vintage Gibson shot of the day" thread under Vintage instruments right now..

[Jim Garber]

Mandolin Bros. has this one from ca. 1925:

http://www.mandoweb.com/48-4217.jpg

Jim

[Miko]

The mandola section of the Dayton Mandoin Orchestra after a recent gig at the Schuster Center For The Performing Arts in Dayton. Ohio. On the right, 'Dola Dave Voyles with his brand new Rigel Comet, (the first one made) On the Left, Michael Hitchcock with his 1914 H4.

[Dave Voyles]

Here is the picture Mike tried to send.

[red7flag]

Dave and Mike, How does the F vs A style mandolas compare in volume, tone and projection? Thanks.
Tony

[Miko]

Dave and I had a little contest yesterday to see whether the 4 or the comet would sustain a note longer. After about five minutes we got bored and gave up. Any other comparisons between those two instruments would be unfair to the comet, because it was just built and Dave needs to play it for a while for it to open up to its true potential. I will say that in comparing my H4 to my H2, the H2 is definitely louder,but while they both sound better than just about anything else I've ever played or heard, I'd have to give the H4 the edge on tone. (Also on looks, although the fleur-de-lis is nice.)

[bones12]

Tony. My 1921 H4 is sweet indeed with a very light neck and body. Th sound is really woody and deep and is a joy to play. Perhaps my favorite thing is opening up the case and smelling the great smell that blends 85 years of being played. Those H4s are really nice. Doug