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One tip about using the online version--The design of the Kindle Reader software is that you have to set the screen width to "maximum' -- it's in the KR font control. If not, the staves will appear...

As I recall there was a recent thread where a D'Addario representative said they might be reconsidering their string gauges for mandocello. Hoping we'll hear news about that; I suspect we need...

I think the 70s-era Suzukis are more often the good ones. I've had a few, among the ones I tend to collect for students. I've heard about bent necks, but am thinking that's likely because of the...

Yes, and also there is a new edition, with full English translation, of the Calace method -- by Catarina Lichtenberg and Mike Marshall. Here is the Mandolin Cafe article:...

Seems to me that premium American bowlbacks are regularly going over $1k. As I recall, Carter's sold a 1902 Martin Style 6A for $1100, not too long ago. That's a higher model, although less...

Shouldn't be too long until the print-on-demand version is ready; maybe another week! Meanwhile, the online version is available, for those who prefer to use it on their devices. I prefer a print...

This book is designed for use on any computer, using the free Amazon Kindle Reader software.

I think of these as solid, entry-level instruments. I have had several, since I like to collect good instruments for students. Good materials, good workmanship. Yes, heavily built, but that's typical...

If the purpose is to sing Italian songs, I'd get an Italian-style instrument. There are some dealers who have vintage instruments in that price range and are reliable in terms of quality. Try...

Very few of those here in the USA, since Sr. G. Pandini speaks no English. I went to his workshop in Ferrara and met with him, and played several. High quality instruments, obviously, and I've seen...

Yes, but that doesn't necessarily reflect demand for bowlbacks: not so long ago you could go into your average store in northern Italy (and I assume this is a typical experience across Europe), and...

That link went to Musikalia, which was recently taken over by Alda Leone, daughter of Musikalia's founder, Alfio, and it appears there's been a lot of change there. I haven't seen the higher end of...

It's not always easy to find a good bowlback, but here are some ideas:

DEALERS: There are very few who sell good vintage bowlbacks, and even fewer who have the capacity to do quality...

German-style mandolins are available over at Trekel.

I'm confident it's only a matter of time until things turn around. There's a lot of interest at Berklee in "roots music" (actually, the ensemble I taught there from 2000-2014 had an official "roots"...

Thanks for the idea, Joe. I taught one of those ensembles for 15 years, through the Berklee Ensemble Department, so I have a good collection of ideas that worked for me. You may also find some of my...

I've played a few of these, in Italy. Haven't seen them here in the USA. The ones I saw were good, solid, well-made instruments, and the Calace name might give you some resale value. But here in the...

I think it has a lot to do with the reputation of the seller. There are well-regarded Italian luthiers who sell fully-restored mandolins of this type for several times that sum. Then there are...

I've been looking into this for years. What's really needed is an academic home for the American mandolin -- a university or college with the resources and interest to take on the cataloging and...

I suspect the bridge position is in correct for intonation, and the reason for the extra-high bridge is a sinking top. Can't tell from this photo angle. Bridge is way too heavy; if it was mine I'd...

As to the counterfeiting issue, my Italian luthier friends say it's a real problem with Calace and Vinaccia in particular. Not that anyone necessarily sets out to make fake Calace mandolins, but...

Originally, I believe those would most likely have been ivory. But anything is possible.

Agree, and didn't mean to disparage lightly-built instruments in general. As you point out, the design is key. My most recent instrument is a tiny little mandolino Bresciano by Lorenzo Lippi, and...

I am the proud owner of Jim's "Harpist" mandolin in post #6, above. I payed roughly 2-1/2 percent of the eBay asking price, which is probably more like its actual market value. Agree with Jim, this...

The eBay Calace I'm seeing, closest to the one we're discussing, is this one at 1600 Euros. I notice that's the middle of the range, which varies roughly from 20% to 200% of that price. That's a huge...