CBOMs of Note

[ptritz]

It has VERY low down pressure and is very lightly braced. It is clamped to the top with a wooden cleat below but as you can see from the photo, the string tension lifts the rear graphite rod while it pushes down on the graphite saddle - this adds up to (I think) torsional force on the top instead of simply down pressure with a floating bridge. So I guess the action of the top would be a little more similar to a pin bridge without the pin bridge's tonal characteristics.

Here's a link to a photo of a couple of Nick's instruments, in which you can see his bridge design pretty well. http://www.nikosapollonio.com/bouzoukis.html I hadn't thought about it before, but I think you're right that the result has to be some torsional force on the top. In any case, it's pretty interesting that both of these luthiers came up with what's basically the same concept, independently of each other as far as I know.

[Tavy]

I thought I would post a few photos of my latest bouzouki, made by Herb Taylor last year. It has a western red cedar top, myrtle back and sides, maple neck with pau ferro fretboard, slotted peghead, and an experimental low-pressure bridge. It's a cracker!

Very interesting bridge. Not dissimilar to the DeMeglio "string tensioners" used on bowlbacks, but perhaps most closely resembling the Gelas mandolin's which used a similar arrangement (albeit all wood). Also similar to Rick Toone's Patented bridge design.

Just curious, is the bridge glued to the top? I would assume that it would have to be?

[zoukboy]

Just curious, is the bridge glued to the top? I would assume that it would have to be?

No, it's not glued - it's screwed to a cleat under the top through two slots in the top, so clamped, I guess.

[lucho]

I just added an old K2 mandocello to my CBOM crew....
bought in Chile. http://articulo.deremate.cl/MLC-3644...cello-1911-_JM
More info and photos at my instruments photo file.

[Tavy]

Oh boy Lucho - I looked at your instruments gallery and that's some collection you have there!

Out of interest is that a bowlback mandocello in the image above?

[lucho]

Hi John: I have gotten this collection bartering and trading through the years, and trying to keep down the crew around a couple of dozens. The napolitan axe you wonder is an argentinean Breyer mandola made around 1900-1910. I also looked your photofile and I liked your restored waldzithers too.....

[mandomentch]

Here's a recently completed 22.5" scale octave mandolin with Koa back & sides, Red Spruce top and Mahogany neck.

[Tavy]

Love that Koa - beautiful!

[violmando]

Being a mandocello freak, I think this one's FANTASTIC--has anyone played his instruments? If I had the money, this one would be mine....a real BEAUTY!!! The Bohemian Behemoth mandocello by Redheaded Mandolins.

http://redheadmandolins.com/2012/05/...mian-behemoth/

[ollaimh]

i have palyed greek bouzoukis as long as anything. some are great and some are crap. you have to look closely. the older ones from the forties to the sixties are usually made for players. now a lot are made for tourisrts and do not either sound well nor do they last. the best beater i ever had i sold when i was broke but luckily the guy sold it back to me! it is funky with real mother of toilet seat pickguard and inlay but it sounds great and palys gra]eat. greek guys go wow at the sound.

i also have a german like octave mandolin with five courses. i say german like because i think it's actually made in america by a german influenced luthier. the body id nuch bigger than the one pictured above so the sound is really big. the bridge is in the middle of a sound board area the size of a guitar. it has a shorter neck than a greek bouzouki but it can be used for greek music as well as celtic\
once you start playing a bit of grek music you will never stop. it is so unique for a canadian scotts/french player. i will never be a master of it but it makes me think outside the box.

i've seen really crappy bouzoukis go for a lot on ebay and some nice ones not get bid on so ask someone knowledgeable before bidding. good ones do show up on occasion. i have several now so i am unlikely to buy one unless its a real antique

[Ed Goist]

From Weber's Facebook Page:
Photo album of a nice Custom Weber Yellowstone OM
NFI