my mandola - what is it

[django]

anyone know anything about this mandola, there is no label or anything else to say who or where or when made.
http://www.fiddlelink.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/mando1.jpg
http://www.fiddlelink.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/mando11.jpg

[Martin Jonas]

Oh, that's lovely. This instrument has considerable similarity, in particular in terms of body shape and side profile (shallower at neck block than at tailpiece; a traditional cittern construction detail) to two instruments made by Monzino in Milan aroun 1900, as discussed here (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=13;t=31541;hl=liuto), with more photos here (http://www.trovatore-duo.com/liuto/). Your instrument also looks Italian to me, and it has a much nicer headstock than either of these Monzinos. The headstock and neck profile look wonderfully playable, although one might wish for more than 17 frets.

You say it's a mandola: what is the scale length? For an Italian mandola (to be tuned GDAE), it's likely to be below 20 inches; if it's around 24 inches, it's a mandocello.

Beautiful instrument -- I wouldn't mind having one of those. Thanks for sharing!

Martin

[django]

the measurement from tip of headstock to the bottom is 26 inches, the sides are very similar so i suspect its the same maker.....thanks

[Martin Jonas]

If the overall length is 26 inches, I measure the scale length (nut to bridge) on your photo as 16 inches. That means it's an alto mandola, to be tuned CGDA, like the viola.

Martin

[django]

yes its 16 inches bridge to nut, it plays and sounds fantastic and is being used at gigs all the time but i do worry about it sometimes and wonder how long it will last with a life on the road.

[levin4now]

...and you have the upgraded "Frosty Lucky Charms" fret markers!

Nice mandola! where did you find it?

[django]

bought it off a chap for 10 english pounds at a car boot sale.

[Chip Booth]

Very nice, what a score http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Chip