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Thread: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

  1. #1
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    I just received notice from Carlo that he has been working with luthiers Federico Gabrielli and Martino Quintavalla to perfect a mandolin that for Carlo's playing. They describe the mandolin in detail here including photos.

    It looks very nicely made and is what I have termed a boatback. I would love to hear one especially played by Carlo... hint... hint... There is a video on that page but not sound.... yet?

    Some photos:
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    Registered User Brian560's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino


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    Eugene 

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    Registered User Louise NM's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    Lovely. It looks like they are trying to combine the best of European and American mandolin styles. Bowl + flat back, Jim? The name works!

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    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    Quote Originally Posted by Louise NM View Post
    Lovely. It looks like they are trying to combine the best of European and American mandolin styles. Bowl + flat back, Jim? The name works!
    That works though my attempt at nomenclature was descriptive in that it loosely reminded me of a boat hull. One of my favorite makers of these was Mozzani. I played one belonging to the conductor of the Long Island mandolin orchestra at an early Carlo masterclass many years ago. A very sweet mandolin.
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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    The ribs, of course, are fascinating and I'd enjoy hearing more about the design of them viz the sound.

    But the 'compensated nut' is also a coolioso detail.

    "Nella maggior parte dei mandolini, le note suonate sui primi tasti possono risultare leggermente ‘crescenti’, creando fastidiosi battimenti specialmente nell’esecuzione degli accordi o delle ottave.

    Il capotasto del ‘mandolino Carlo Aonzo’ ha una forma studiata per minimizzare gli errori di intonazione sui primi tasti che, insieme alla compensazione del ponte, rende lo strumento intonato perfettamente su tutta la tastiera."

    Mick
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    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    Mick: are you referring to the bracing pattern?
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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    Looks like the luthiers took a page from the Larson brothers regarding reinforced bracing. The Larsons didn't have access to carbon fiber, but they did use a spruce/hardwood/spruce sandwich on my Maurer guitar. I don't recall whether the method was used on any of their mandolins, though.

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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    Mick: are you referring to the bracing pattern?
    Yessir! Braces, not ribs....

    I was just over at a friend's shop and he's building a wooden boat. Had ribs on my mind. Not bbq ribs, btw.

    Mick
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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    As I find this mandolin a bit intriguing, I sent a note to the luthier. He is incredibly responsive and helpful. I suspect he would be a super person to work with. For those interested, all of the woods used can be safely imported to the US; waiting period is about six months; and cost is 4000 Euros plus shipping and customs.

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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    Quote Originally Posted by Tim Logan View Post
    As I find this mandolin a bit intriguing, I sent a note to the luthier. He is incredibly responsive and helpful. I suspect he would be a super person to work with. For those interested, all of the woods used can be safely imported to the US; waiting period is about six months; and cost is 4000 Euros plus shipping and customs.
    which luthier, Tim? There are two for Carlo model.
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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    Jim -
    Martino Quintavalla - Liutaio
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    23030 Bianzone, Italy

    www.liuteriaquintavalla.it

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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob A View Post
    Looks like the luthiers took a page from the Larson brothers regarding reinforced bracing. The Larsons didn't have access to carbon fiber, but they did use a spruce/hardwood/spruce sandwich on my Maurer guitar. I don't recall whether the method was used on any of their mandolins, though.
    I think the soundboard is a lot like Trevor Gore’s Falcate bracing system. I know his work is a bit of a sensation in guitar land. The “boat” interests me as well seems like a good way to increase the volume of the bowl without sacrificing playability. I would love to hear it, I expect it would have some real punch.

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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    As I understand Gore falcate bracing, it is designed specifically for the rocking motion of a guitar soundboard with a fixed bridge, so I wonder how suitable it is for a floating bridge system. The soundboard pictured above looks to me like it would have quite a lot less transverse stiffness than most classical mandolins, and therefore a different (I would guess less trebly and brilliant) sound. It would be good to hear it!

  21. #15

    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    Hello everybody,

    if you are interested in the sound of "Mandolino perfetto", here are a couple of videos:





    Kind regards

    Martino
    Last edited by Martino Quintavalla; Dec-04-2021 at 9:40am.

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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    Quote Originally Posted by Martino Quintavalla View Post
    Hello everybody,

    if you are interested in the sound of "Mandolino perfetto", here are a couple of videos:
    Mille grazie, Martino! From Calace to Jethro Burns. The mandolin sounds wonderful.
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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    Sounds great.

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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    Thank you Martino. A fine sounding (and fine looking) instrument.

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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    I wish I weren't, but I'm tempted . . .

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    Registered User Louise NM's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    Eugene, someone needs to try one out and report back to the rest of us!

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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    Someone also needs to have enough financial resources to be able to buy occasional meals.

  34. #22
    Registered User Glassweb's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    Now there's some real mandolin artistry... what a great feel and sound... bravo Carlo!

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    Default Re: New Carlo Aonzo Perfetto Mandolino

    Dear All, I am posting this on behalf of the Italian mandolinist Davide Salvi, who is working with Martino Quintavalla. They have devised a survey that asks that you listen to several different mandolins being played (same repertoire, same player) and then answer questions regarding the sound (e.g. warmth, sustain, and so on). I did the survey and found it quite interesting. It will not take very long (maybe 10 minutes or so), so if you have the time, Davide would very much appreciate it. You can take the survey in English or Italian. Here is the link.
    Robert A. Margo

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