August Waters, an impressively credentialed contributor to Mandolin Cafe, discussed his Mazzaccara instrument at https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/a.../t-117517.html. I am not aware of any other discussions of Carlo’s instruments, so I am hoping that this review of Carlo Mazzaccara’s Lucia mandolin will be helpful to bowlback aficionados new and old. Let me preface that I am the polar opposite of Mr. Waters in that I am a rank musical neophyte who just learns and plays for my own enjoyment. I have, however, followed a path of seeking out specific styles of mandolins for their unique tonal qualities and their “suitability” for classical music and feel I have had enough exposure to mandolins to feel comfortable offering a review. I now own a Lyon & Healy Model A and a Phoenix Neoclassical Euro III and have added this Mazzaccara bowlback as a third type of tonal quality.
Several months ago I started doing research on bowlbacks beginning with Paul Sparks’ and Graham McDonald’s books. I explored Calace, Embergher, and other vintage mandolins as well as current bowlback luthiers. I decided, finally, on a modern bowlback and contacted Carlo Mazzacarra after reading Mr. Water’s comments and looking at Carlo’s numerous YouTube videos. I discovered that Carlo is a remarkably good communicator and a very fine human being. He operates his luthier business with great integrity and is a very fine builder. Although he advertises on Ebay, I encourage you to contact him directly at carlomazzaccara@oldmandolin.com and bypass Ebay.
I asked Carlo to make some changes to the Lucia model I purchased and he was 150% accommodating. He then packaged the mandolin for shipping in a container, built by Carlo, that would put a Sherman tank to shame. The mandolin traveled from Italy to Massachusetts in only five days.
The Lucia, to me, is absolutely gorgeous, has perfect intonation and playability, and a tonal quality which I love. Trying to describe tonal qualities with words is something I cannot do. However, I do own two superb instruments with unique tonal qualities and I believe Carlo’s Lucia model is unique yet on par with my Phoenix and Lyon & Healy.
In brief, Carlo builds superb instruments at an excellent price point. He operates with integrity and is a thoroughly enjoyable person. I am 200% pleased with my Lucia!
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