Dolphin bowlbacks

[a12]

Does anyone know much about Dolphin bowlbacks made in Naples and often listed in the classifieds?
thanks

[Bob A]

Made by Carlo M, a Neapolitan luthier who scours Italy for old bowlbacks that he can refit and sell to the lucrative Japanese market for big bucks. If he's learned anything from inspecting the innards of some of the best bowlbacks to be found, (and it's to be hoped that he has indeed), and applied it to his own label, then they should be decent instruments. However, no one who has played one has ever chimed in here with the info.

If you're in the market for a new bowlback of high quality, Daniel Larson is highly recommended. Sr. Pandini's instruments are played by such luminaries as Carlo Aonzo. German bowlbacks, more guitar-like in tone are also highly thought of by players who espouse that flavor of instrument, though my knowledge does not extend to them.

So, to answer your question: no, not I.

[Eugene]

All I know of them is Carlo Mazzaccara's self-celebratory advertising. However, I am curious.

[Jim Garber]

Carlo has an ad with this link for his price list. I would love to hear from someone who has one.

Perhaps Bill can visit and report back.

Jim

[Vinaccia]

While I have not handled one of his new mandolins, I have handled three different vintage instruments Carlo restored and or set up and I can say that from a players prospective . . the set up was very well done, the action perfect, and all three instruments played played like butter.