Building a 2 point, 5 course mandocello on a 5k budget. Feasible?

[thecelloronin]

Hello all,

I'm a long-time lurker of this forum, and now I've decided to come forward and tap the collective wisdom here in hopes of gaining some direction. I am a mostly happy owner of a 1914 Gibson K1, but recently I've been dreaming of something a little nicer. Don't get me wrong, the K1 is a perfectly fine model and has tons of that vintage Gibson cool. Mine is just quite beat up thanks to a previous owner, the C strings really lack punch, depth and brilliance, the top is a wee bit warped, and the neck could really use a replane (among many other small fixes). I also really want the extra E course on top.

I've recently come upon the Campanella Dué in my search, and as a classical cellist I must say it was love at first sight. While I can't find a price anywhere, I must imagine they're just a bit out of my price range of ~5k.

As stated in the title of this thread, I'm looking for a 5-course 2-point mandocello, preferrably with a carved rather than flat top. Once upon a time, I'd discussed this very build with Walt Kuhlman for a very reasonable price (somewhere around 2k), but I was saddened to learn that he'd passed when I reached out again.

So, who is making mandocelli of note for a reasonable price? Or, can anyone vouch for the value of the Campanellas to justify the extra expense?

Thanks for reading and posting, folks!

[mrmando]

It seems like a couple of other 5-course cello builds have been discussed here in the forum. You should do a search.

Herb Taylor might take this on within your price range. There are a couple of others but names escape me.

[Mandobart]

Tom Jessen of Cricket fiddle built me an awesome custom built 26" F4 10 string. Carved redwood top, carved maple back. I should disclose I've bought 5 instruments by him so I get the friends/family rate. $3 k. Including the custom western redcedar case.

[mrmando]

Thanks, Mandobart, yours was one of the builds I had in mind but I couldn't remember who made it.

[jvkelly]

Have you checked out Paddy Burgin of New Zealand at http://www.burginguitars.co.nz/ ? He offers citterns beginning at S2540 (US dollars). I briefly tried out one of his bouzoukis at Swannanoa years ago and it was very nice.

[thecelloronin]

Hey guys,

These are all great suggestions so far. I've spent some time on each site, and have written a few emails based on these recommendations.

[CES]

Bart, that instrument looks awesome, but that case is spectacular!

[thecelloronin]

Hello everyone,

Happy to say that I've struck a deal with Don Paine at Pomeroy Instruments to build my custom mandocello. It should be done in early Spring. Will post updates, as I know Don has his fans here in this forum (after speaking with him at length several times, I may be already as well!)