View Full Version : Mystery mandola
I have recently bought this Italian mandola.
The string length is about 43-44 cm and it came with G-D-A-E tunning although I am not sure if this is the correct tunning. I also bought a C-G-D-A set but the instrument doesn't really play well at the moment, it needs a bit of work so i can't tell. I was wondering if anyone might have an idea about the maker or the right tunning for this instrument. From a quick look on the net, I believe that IL GLOBO mandolins look quite similar but I never came across a mandola.
It is currently being restored in Athens as it is a bit warped and shrinkage has created few gaps at the back.
A last question: could someone tell me why nobody bothers making bowlback mandola hard cases anymore? I had to have one made for mine....not cheap!
Many thanks
KristinEliza
Aug-21-2010, 6:12pm
If you find a supplier for bowlback mandola cases...let me know!
I get confused with all the terminology, so maybe someone else will chime in here...but if I remember correctly:
Mandola in the US means C-G-D-A tuning...but across the pond, a Mandola is G-D-A-E.
Europe Mandola = U.S. Octave Mandolin
U.S. Mandola = Europe "Tenor" Mandola
If I have this wrong...please correct me!
Thank you for the reply. I found a guy in athens(Greece) who makes bouzouki cases and accepted to make one for this mandola when he gets the chance to measure it. Its going to be about 180 euros i think....The restorer arranged that for me.
Now, I thought that italian bowl backs were made as CGDA(but i might be wrong)....The viola which has the same tunning is called Alto.So I don't see why it should be called Tenor.
I really am confused here so I should stop writing what I think is right.....
KristinEliza
Aug-21-2010, 6:25pm
Yep...I'm a violist by trade...hence all my confusion!
I get confused with all the terminology, so maybe someone else will chime in here...but if I remember correctly:
Mandola in the US means C-G-D-A tuning...but across the pond, a Mandola is G-D-A-E.
Europe Mandola = U.S. Octave Mandolin
U.S. Mandola = Europe "Tenor" Mandola
If I have this wrong...please correct me!
A mandolin = a violin and is tuned EADG, from bottom to top (mando) or right to left (violin). Music is written in the treble clef.
A mandola = a viola and is tuned ADGC in the same fashion, a 5th below a mandolin/violin. Music is written in the C Clef.
An octave mandolin = a cittern, or a bouzouki, tuned the same as a mandolin only an octave lower.
Never heard of a tenor mandola, myself.
You also have a mandocello and a mandobass.
KristinEliza
Aug-21-2010, 8:43pm
http://schneidermusik.de/shop1/index.php/cPath/397_22?osCsid=7c6aa293c8c8afcd822e02f4f4b82a41
The above is the example of "tenor" mandola terminology.
KristinEliza
Aug-21-2010, 8:48pm
http://www.mandolin-player.com/instruments/tenor-mandola/index.htmlhttp://www.mandolin-player.com/instruments/tenor-mandola/index.html
And here's another link discussing the naming issue.
Since I'm in the States, and I'm more classically oriented, a Mandola will always mean Viola/Alto/CGDA tuning to me!
Jim Garber
Aug-21-2010, 11:01pm
I believe that the correct term in Europe for the viola-tuned mandola (CGDA) is a mandoliola. I have a Calace mandola and the scale length is 44cm/17 inches. I currently have it tuned to CGDA but with very light mandolin strings. I bought a set of light gauge mandolin strings and strung the 1st ,2nd, and 3rd string with the lower of the three and figured out the gauge for the c course. I believe tho that it was intended for octave tuning. On the Calace price list they say that this instrument can be tuned either way. You might experiment.
KristinEliza
Aug-22-2010, 7:21am
Thanks Jim...I was hoping you would see this and set us all straight!
http://www.mandolin-player.com/instruments/tenor-mandola/index.htmlhttp://www.mandolin-player.com/instruments/tenor-mandola/index.html
And here's another link discussing the naming issue.
Since I'm in the States, and I'm more classically oriented, a Mandola will always mean Viola/Alto/CGDA tuning to me!
I agree with this link, I think the lower mandola tuning(GDAE) should be called Tenor or Octave mandola and the higher just Mandola, or Alto Mandola (actually Mandola Alta in Italiano)
thank you for all the information
My mandola has no label, so if anybody can guess who the maker is , would be great.
Also, I am still not sure if both types of mandola existed 100 years ago in Italy as bowlback instruments. I wonder if they only had the ALTO (CGDA) tunning at that time.
72222
Finally had the mandola repaired. I still don't know what it is and who made it but it sounds very good. Someone asked about a hard case so I am attaching a photo after the restoration in the case I found for mine...