Nylon-Strung Piccolo Mandolin Prototype

[Bob Clark]

A few weeks back, I posted a couple of pictures in the What’s on Your Bench thread, of the latest mandolin to leave my bench, a prototype nylon-strung, four string piccolo (sopranino) mandolin. For those who might not have seen these smallest and highest voiced members of the mandolin family, they are tuned a fourth above the mandolin (cgda) and have a scale length of about 10.3 inches. They are exceedingly rare but fun little instruments that have a legitimate place in the mandolin family.

I’ve built a number of piccolo mandolins at this point and each of them but this latest one has had double courses of steel strings, per usual. Here, I’d like to show some photos and videos comparing this new nylon strung piccolo mandolin to the more typical steel-strung piccolo mandolin that I built some time ago.









I have four videos read to post here but I have to figure out how to do it. They are MP4 Files. They'll have to go on a later post, once I can overcome my technical issue (lack of technical prowess).

Both of these instruments have backs and ribs of local (Southwestern N.J.) Cherry. Both have tops of Adirondack Spruce, and both have hard Red Maple Necks. Bridges differ considerably, as do tailpieces.

Tops and backs have an induced radius of about 15’. Bracing of the two instruments is also quite different. Both have a transverse brace in the locale of the bridge, with two small braces running from the transverse brace to the linings either side of the neck block. But the nylon strung piccolo has modified Torres bracing with braces that taper to a knife-type edge, and small flat braces arranged as a fan south of the transverse brace. This, plus the very low string tension, allows for a very thin top.

Why go to this trouble? I am looking for different voices in the mandolin family; voices we can use to enrich the music we play. I’m also interested in developing mandolin family instruments with very light string tension that sound good. This would enable players with various hand conditions to continue playing despite their limited ability to fret high tension strings.

I believe the prototype shown here is successful, but you be the judge for your own purposes. I think it has a voice that will work in a number of genres. I’m currently building another like this one, plus a larger member of the mandolin family, of a similar design. I’ll keep you posted.

[Jim Garber]

I think you have to upload your videos to another internet host like YouTube or Vimeo and then link to them from here. They are probably too big to upload directly.

[David Lewis]

They are really nice. If it's taking up too much room, I'd happily store it for you

[Bob Clark]

I think you have to upload your videos to another internet host like YouTube or Vimeo and then link to them from here. They are probably too big to upload directly.

Thanks for the advice, Jim. You are right. Scott directed me to put the videos up on one of those types of sites and then the Cafe links them in from there (sorry if my terminology is at the low level of my web savy-ness). So, to that end, I tried to open a FaceBook account. Seems I did it wrong, probably due to former failed attempts at signing up, because they told me I was violating their rules. FB is reviewing my situation now and will tell me whether I can have an account. Who knows; could also be that there are too many 'Bob Clarks' (there are millions of us). As soon as I get this sorted out, I'll post the videos so you can hear what these piccolos sound like.

[Bob Clark]

They are really nice. If it's taking up too much room, I'd happily store it for you

Thanks for the compliment. You have always been supportive, and I appreciate it.

You know, these piccolo mandolins are really small. They fit into a Concert Uke gig bag with room to spare. So, they aren't taking up too much room (but I am hoping my wife won't look in certain closets! ). Too bad you live so far away. I'd let you borrow one to give it a try! I've sold some, I've given a couple away, I've loaned them out. I'm an evangelizer for the Piccolo Mandolin cause .

[Hudmister]

Very nice indeed and the size is appealing for travel, fun use. I would love to see one with nylon strings and a slotted headstock.

[Bob Clark]

Very nice indeed and the size is appealing for travel, fun use. I would love to see one with nylon strings and a slotted headstock.

Thanks, and you are right, they are fun and really easy to travel with!

I like your idea of the slotted headstock. I'll do that on the one I am building now. The body is started but the neck is not, so it's a good time to follow your suggestion. Let's see how a slotted headstock works out. I think it will look great.

[Jim Garber]

Thanks for the advice, Jim. You are right. Scott directed me to put the videos up on one of those types of sites and then the Cafe links them in from there (sorry if my terminology is at the low level of my web savy-ness). So, to that end, I tried to open a FaceBook account. Seems I did it wrong, probably due to former failed attempts at signing up, because they told me I was violating their rules. FB is reviewing my situation now and will tell me whether I can have an account. Who knows; could also be that there are too many 'Bob Clarks' (there are millions of us). As soon as I get this sorted out, I'll post the videos so you can hear what these piccolos sound like.

i think it is probably easier to both open, upload, and then embed the video on YouTube vs. Facebook. At least that is my experience.

[Bob Clark]

OK, here's my first attempt at posting videos on the Cafe! Let's see if this works. There should be two videos demonstrating my new nylon-strung piccolo mandolin prototype (the first two videos) and two videos demonstrating one of my typical steel-strung piccolo mandolins (videos three and four on the list below). The same two simple pieces are played on each mandolin, for comparison. Fingers crossed.


https://www.facebook.com/10008523726...07963873223352
https://www.facebook.com/10008523726...76303617414577
https://www.facebook.com/10008523726...84580368591485
https://www.facebook.com/10008523726...04116827568166

[Hudmister]

Dang, no cigar. I was looking forward to the videos. Don't give up. Many MC folks can help with the tech challenge.

[Bob Clark]

Dang, no cigar. I was looking forward to the videos. Don't give up. Many MC folks can help with the tech challenge.

Agreed. MC videos are no good if you have to log into FB to see them. I'm trying out Jim Garber's suggesting and exploring YouTube right now. I'll be back!

[Bob Clark]

OK, Here we go again. I think this will work (famous last words). As suggested by Jim (thanks Jim!), these are from YouTube. Here are the two Nylon-Strung Piccolo Mandolin Videos.

[Bob Clark]

And here are the two standard steel-strung piccolo mandolin videos for comparison.

[Sue Rieter]

They both sound great, Bob, and I love the idea of making something easy to play for people whose hands need a break.
Is that your own tune?

[Jim Garber]

Nice sounding mandolins, Bob. And I’m glad you figured out the video.

[daLimuHead]

I like the simplistic builds. The style reminds me of Baroque instruments.

I really liked the sound of the instrument in the first video. Nice timbre, punch, ring, and intonation.

What type of strings did you use to get the CGDA tuning?

I'd be interested in buying one if you're selling them. Feel free to PM me.

[David Lewis]

Thanks for the compliment. You have always been supportive, and I appreciate it.

Aw, gee, thanks. You do great work, and I'm always amazed at what people come up with here. Love your work.

You know, these piccolo mandolins are really small. They fit into a Concert Uke gig bag with room to spare. So, they aren't taking up too much room (but I am hoping my wife won't look in certain closets! ). Too bad you live so far away. I'd let you borrow one to give it a try! I've sold some, I've given a couple away, I've loaned them out. I'm an evangelizer for the Piccolo Mandolin cause .

If I ever get your way (or you mine), let's make it happen. I'd love to have a go at one.

[Bob Clark]

I like the simplistic builds. The style reminds me of Baroque instruments.

I really liked the sound of the instrument in the first video. Nice timbre, punch, ring, and intonation.

What type of strings did you use to get the CGDA tuning?

I'd be interested in buying one if you're selling them. Feel free to PM me.

Thank you for your nice comments, I appreciate it. I'm glad you like my instruments. I really am trying for a clean, simplistic aesthetic that allows the wood to show itself off, and perhaps harken back to an earlier era. I'm pleased that you 'get it'.

Strings are as follows:

c D'Addario Classical Guitar J2704 Wound
g D'Addario Classical Guitar J2704 Wound (Same as 'c' string)
d .028 String from D'Addario from EJ65S Ukulele Strings
a .024 String from D'Addario from EJ65S Ukulele Strings

I'm still experimenting though. Finding the optimal strings is a fun treasure hunt.

I'll send you a PM soon.

Best wishes,

Bob

[Bob Clark]

They both sound great, Bob, and I love the idea of making something easy to play for people whose hands need a break.
Is that your own tune?

Hi Sue,

I'm so glad you like the sound. I know that you know the 'flat-top' sound.

No, I can claim neither of these tunes. The first one is Jean de Nivelle by Jaques Mangeant (1610) and the other is Pretty Little Cat from one of Evelyn Tiffany-Castiglioni's songbooks. She was a real treasure and contributed greatly with her beautiful arrangements. My Duo plays much of her music. She indicated that this might not be this tune's real name, but I'm sticking to it because it fits!

Best wishes,

Bob