Portuguese mandolin

[tiagocunha12]

https://www.olx.pt/anuncio/bandolim-...tml#eed97ff3ec

I was not on the market for a mandolin but after seeing this on a classified site near where I live, I really feel tempted...funny looking thing don't you think?

[Jim Garber]

That is what most Brazilian mandolins (bandolims) look like which derive from the Portuguese style. As described, "Bandolim com formato de corpo de guitarra portuguesa." Mandolin with the form of the body of a Portuguese guitar. They often have the radiused fretboard and a bone bridge like the guitarra. I have one made in São Paulo.

[tiagocunha12]

What do you think of yours Jim, in terms of playability and sound?

[danb]

Stefan Sobell took this design (heel blended into sides) with his Irish/Celtic mandolins/bouzoukis. They have a quite similar tonal quality too- bright/punchy, lots of sustain.

There are only a few other instruments in quite this same ballpark.. Vega Cylinderback mandolins also live in this region..

[Jim Garber]

I have two and they are induced arch tops and backs. Usually strung with light strings. Sound great for choro.