Re: Puglisi Reale & Figli vs Luciano Grimaldi
You're not going to get any better advice than from David and Jim, but I'll throw my dos centavos in.
I agree with Jim... Puglisi made some of the best Catanese mandolins...but they vary broadly in quality. Some were very modest, others more special. The one you show appears to be more in the middle to slightly less-than-middle quality.
The Grimaldi appears 'nicer' in its overall quality....however from your last photo the action seems quite a bit higher than I would enjoy playing, particularly up the neck where I'm supposing classical mandolin would lead you.
The bridge on the Puglisi also has been moved back from its original position either to compensate for poor intonation or to improve the playing action.
These Italian bowlbacks have a wonderful shimmering sound, even the modest ones. The intonation can be muy sketchioso, though, on more modest examples.
David's question is right....if you can play one before you buying it will tell you all you need to know.
If it were me and I was "....living in Germany/Poland and it's easy to buy vintage italian mandolins...." I would pass on both of these and wait for the something that had good playing action and proper intonation.
I have had numerous modest Puglisi mandolins as well as some from other MOR Italian makers, and while the sound was wonderful the wonky intonation drove me crazy.
I now have a (modest) Vinaccia, a DeMeglio and a (modest) Ceccherini and the intonation on all three is spot on. It makes all the difference and is worth shopping / waiting for.
Okay, that is more than two cents, and maybe not what you wanted to hear...
Best wishes in your search. We are all mad about bowlback mandolins so are happy to give opinions out... and I think we all vicariously enjoy other folk's searches, too.
Mick
Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
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