Classical nerd roll call: Lyon & Healy archtops

[Jim Garber]

Yeah, but without the personal connection among comrades here. Ah well . . .

(That cello is yummy.)

Frank Ford is a comrade here and, from time to time, does post in these forums.

[Tim Logan]

Because . . . why not?!

I admit: I'm a bowlback-fan kinda guy, especially of the Neapolitan type. However, I've been bitten by the elegance inherent in Lyon & Healy's (L&H) approach to archtop mandolins. Their Neapolitan-like later scale length; classically understated, Deco-era elegance; and quality of materials and sound have attracted many other fans of classical music as well.

I sold a 1926 L&H style C in January. I'm not sure why, but I never took photos of the style C and so cannot share. However, I sold the C in order to finance scoring this 1922 style A.

I've shared. Now, what you got?

I was searching for an old thread which might describe the difference between playing a bowlback vrs an arched top - to share my experience - and came across this thread. I have been playing my coveted L&H Model A for many months now and just began playing a bowlback - kind of the opposite of Eugene’s experience. I wanted to share that I always assumed adjusting to a bowlback would be a nightmare. I am happy to share that, for me, the bowlback took zero adaption time and is totally delightful to play. I share this for anyone who is considering their first bowlback!

[frankie]

I've shared. Now, what you got?

This isn't mine, but belongs to a friend of mine and I get to play it when I visit out that way. A Lyon & Healy "De Pace" model.

[Jim Garber]

Those De Paces are pretty rare but visually and aesthetically they look odd to me. I guess if you play most of the time in the nether regions, they are what you want.

[brunello97]

Those De Paces are pretty rare but visually and aesthetically they look odd to me. I guess if you play most of the time in the nether regions, they are what you want.

Agreed, James. That is one strange looking design, but I sure would enjoy stopping by and playing it.

Mick

[Jim Garber]

Agreed, James. That is one strange looking design, but I sure would enjoy stopping by and playing it.

Mick

I have a feeling it may be in Wisconsin, for some reason.

Here's a L&H ad featuring DePace in his clown costume. The mandolin looks like a standard one.



Here is one that was listed on Mandolin Brothers site around 2011:

From the photos it looks like this may have a deeper body than the standard model. Stan says it was labelled as Style 5283 which is the number used for Style A Professionals under the Washburn label.

[frankie]

Those De Paces are pretty rare but visually and aesthetically they look odd to me. I guess if you play most of the time in the nether regions, they are what you want.

Nobody would describe it as particularly warm sounding, but it projects well, has a nice bright sound and plays great. I'm not crazy about the scroll headstock - seems to add more weight than is really necessary. I agree about the overall aesthetics - the 14 fret neck/body join really throws off the nice sense of proportion that the regular style A displays. Is there any other mandolin with this particular design feature? Can't recall any...

[Eugene]

Agreed on the de Pace visual aesthetic. All off.

[Eugene]

I wanted to share that I always assumed adjusting to a bowlback would be a nightmare. I am happy to share that, for me, the bowlback took zero adaption time and is totally delightful to play. I share this for anyone who is considering their first bowlback!

Cheers! That bowlback profile is still the friendliest to my own right arm.

[Jim Garber]

I wanted to share that I always assumed adjusting to a bowlback would be a nightmare. I am happy to share that, for me, the bowlback took zero adaption time and is totally delightful to play. I share this for anyone who is considering their first bowlback!

My experience was similar however I am the first to warn others, depending on their adaptability and motivation, that I know many players who gave up on that quest even after spending large amounts of money for a quality instrument.