Re: 1904 Vinaccia Luito Moderna/Samuel Adelstein
This from Mr. Adelstein from 1905 Musical Trade Review (italics mine):
"It may interest those in this country who value their instruments because of their profuse ornamentation, to know that the Italian mandolin soloists perform on instruments perfectly plain in finish. Their best toned instruments are of fir top and maple body, the neck generally made of veneered rosewood, and in the best instruments of ebony. The Italians do not polish the tops of their mandolins, believing that it affects the tone.
From experience and experiments the writer knows that polishing the top. of the mandolin is the most fatal defect in all American instruments. Superfluous additions, however they may be pleasing to the eye, most seriously affect the tonal quality of the mandolin. If the manufacturers who take so much pains in ornamentation, etc., would be more judicious in the careful selection and take more time in the slow seasoning of the wood, and pay more attention to the joining and finishing, there would be less complaint of absence of tone and the resulting benefit would be of inestimable value for the reputation and standing of the tonal quality of the mandolin in the musical world in America."
A pretty early critique, actually. (I take no position viz his opinions....) Unfortunately, our library doesn't have a copy of "Mandolin Memories". Maybe I can hunt it down on ILL. I think I'd enjoy reading more from Adelstein.
Mick
Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
______________________
'05 Cuisinart Toaster
'93 Chuck Taylor lowtops
'12 Stetson Open Road
'06 Bialetti expresso maker
'14 Irish Linen Ramon Puig
Bookmarks