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Thread: Need help identifying Mandolin from Ukraine

  1. #1

    Default Need help identifying Mandolin from Ukraine

    Hello, I received this instrument from my Grandmother who was Ukrainian and am guessing this is from the 1930's to 1950's. I'm not familiar with the manufacturer nor any further detail. It it in excellent condition and trying to find anyone whom has owned or played one and can provide any further information. Pics are attached. Thank you.





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  2. #2

    Default Re: Need help identifying Mandolin from Ukraine

    I think it is a four course ( eight string) bouzouki and the label appears to be in Greek. "Mousikos Oikos" which means Music House.

    Here is a guy playing one with a guitar backing track:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYtpW9fC6_k

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  4. #3
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    Default Re: Need help identifying Mandolin from Ukraine

    Nice! What a great gift from your grandmother! Enjoy learning to play it!

  5. #4
    Registered User Sevelos's Avatar
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    Default Re: Need help identifying Mandolin from Ukraine

    Like rsohlich wrote, this seems to be a non-expensive Greek 4-course bouzouki. I don't know the maker.
    I play the Greek bouzouki and it is an amazing instrument.

  6. #5

    Default Re: Need help identifying Mandolin from Ukraine

    That would be your "babusya" (your "grandma"--spelled бабуся there, or something like that)…a VERY important person in Ukrainian culture...and now you know why, given the cool instrument that she gave you and all. Not an expert here whatsoever (actually I know almost nothing about the Ukraine or your instrument); just liked your story, and have heard a bunch of great babusya stories from my friend from Ukraine. Guess I better not say anything more about the U. word, these days, on this non-political site anyway.

  7. #6

    Default Re: Need help identifying Mandolin from Ukraine

    Dave Apollon came from Kiev so that's the most important link the mandolin has to the Ukraine in my opinion. I have a mandolin hand made by the estimable luthier Dick Knight back in 1982. He told me that Dave came to play the London Palladium in 1930. He was booked for two weeks and early on, few came to his show but Dick was one. He was lucky enough to meet Dave- and was invited back stage to talk- then word got around of his prodigious playing ability- and his talent as a natural comedian and he became a sensation- he was rebooked and stayed for 26 weeks. Dick later photocopied a page in Frets Magazine and gave it to me about Dave. Of course, now with the internet revolution we can see him play and most of his recorded output is online. He's not a distant figure from the past now- he's making me feel pretty inept every time I watch him play!

  8. #7
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: Need help identifying Mandolin from Ukraine

    Definitely Greek. I can make out Thessaloniki on the label; the luthier's name appears to be S. Anthomelidi.

    And it turns out that Mousika Anthomelidi still shows up as a business listing in Thessaloniki. Here it is with a street address. The shop may still be kicking.

    https://www.xo.gr/profile/profile-909060435/en/
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  9. #8

    Default Re: Need help identifying Mandolin from Ukraine

    Quote Originally Posted by mrmando View Post
    Definitely Greek. I can make out Thessaloniki on the label; the luthier's name appears to be S. Anthomelidi.

    And it turns out that Mousika Anthomelidi still shows up as a business listing in Thessaloniki. Here it is with a street address. The shop may still be kicking.

    https://www.xo.gr/profile/profile-909060435/en/
    my greek is very rusty but i think your translation is correct. it is definately a greek bouzouki, but although not a top quality one, these average ones are often very nice sounding and fun to play

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