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Thread: A new bandolim

  1. #1
    Mandolin tragic Graham McDonald's Avatar
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    Default A new bandolim

    Strung up yesterday, a bandolim in the Brazilian style. 13 7/8" scale. Sitka soundboard with H bracing, Tasmanian blackwood body, rock maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard. Rubber tuners and an old fashioned scallop tailpiece I found on the 'net somewhere. Shellac and oil finish. Loud, bright and punchy sound.

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  3. #2
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new bandolim

    A right beautiful instrument!
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  4. #3
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    Default Re: A new bandolim

    I love it Graham. Is it a custom order, or will it be part of your standard offering moving forward?

  5. #4
    I may be old but I'm ugly billhay4's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new bandolim

    Very nice, Graham. Those rubber tuners must give it a real bouncy sound. :-)
    Bill
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  6. #5
    Registered User Tavy's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new bandolim

    Simple, but classy, I like it

    Just curious, does it still fit in a regular case?

  7. #6
    Mandolin tragic Graham McDonald's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new bandolim

    This one is a spec build and will be looking for an owner. I got curious about them after spending a couple of days earlier in the year with the owner of a Brazilian one and figured I could make one. Haven't checked for a case yet and they are of course Rubner tuners.

    Cheers

  8. #7
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new bandolim

    Very nice, Graham! Have you any sound files? What kind of strings are on it? I find that mine work best with lighter strings. I think my main one has Elixir lights tho I had tried some Brazilian Rouxinols which i could not get to play in tune.
    Jim

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  9. #8
    Mandolin tragic Graham McDonald's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new bandolim

    It just has a set of D'Addario J74 on it. I might try some lighter strings, though the H bracing means the soundboard is stiffer than you would get with the usual two transverse braces of the Brazilian style of construction. It should mean a little less tendency for the soundboard to sag under the bridge.

  10. #9
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new bandolim

    Graham: I am also curious... do you recall the maker of the one you inspected?
    Jim

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  11. #10
    Mandolin tragic Graham McDonald's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new bandolim

    It was by Joao Batista.

  12. #11
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new bandolim

    Ah, one of the few makers whose mandolins do make it over here. They are very nice sounding. A good model for getting the specs right.
    Jim

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  13. #12
    Registered User Randi Gormley's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new bandolim

    someone told me the J-62s were closest to the strings commonly used on bandolims so that's what I have on mine. they give it a nice bright sound. fwiw
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  14. #13
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    Default Re: A new bandolim

    Really nice, Graham. Out of interest, what is the thickness of the top?

  15. #14
    Mandolin tragic Graham McDonald's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new bandolim

    Quote Originally Posted by tom.gibson View Post
    Really nice, Graham. Out of interest, what is the thickness of the top?
    Around 3mm/.120"

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  17. #15
    Mandolin tragic Graham McDonald's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new bandolim

    My friend Col Berneau, who is a much better mandolin player than I am, kindly recorded some of a composition by Jacob do Bandolim onto my Zoom H2 recorder.

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  19. #16
    Registered User John Kelly's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new bandolim

    Lovely instrument and a great sound, Graham.
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