Campanella two-point, new model

[joec]

I've been cranking away on some orders, but found the time (finally) to design and complete a 2-point in my violin style. #This model really lends itself to the violin corners, purfling and overhang. #I've also continued to develop the overall approach in terms of arching and other stylistic features. #I'm waiting on some engraved James tailpieces, so I had to sub a plain one for now. #I'm off to Grey Fox tomorrow and will have the Due (italian for 2) in tow. #I'm not exhibiting but will be picking here and there. #Look for a red and white VW bus! #I'll post some more pics when the tailpieces arrive and I string up the matching F model.

Joe C.
Campanella Stringed Instruments

[joec]

another...

[joec]

detail...

[JEStanek]

Looks great. I like the unbound headstock and ebony tuner buttons.

Jamie

[joec]

back

[grandmainger]

Lovely! This honey finish is yummy, and the violin-style edge is nice too! Cool headstcok notch as well... Very nice and original, well done!
Germain

[joec]

HS detail: Little Bell, "keyhole" and chamfered edge, Waverleys of course

[joec]

Rib detail:

[joec]

Corner detail...Last one for now...

[Doug Edwards]

Very nice, love the color.

[jasona]

Love it!

[otterly2k]

Wow, that is really elegant... I love the two-point design. Very classy/classic.

[usqebach]

Joe,

WOW! #The fiddler in me looks at that and says, "Why aren't they all made like that?" #I also think those are the first ff holes I've seen on a mandolin that I liked. (with apologies to all other builders and players)

Are there any disadvantages to the violin style of construction (overhang vs binding)? #Are there any advantages? #I would think the neck joint would have to be stronger to accommodate all that string tension. #Is there any loss of sound with the (apparently) smaller ff holes?

Can you direct me to any sound clips?

Anyway, what beautiful work! #I also love the F model on your website.

[kyblue]

Awesome!

[picksnbits]

Looks awesome!! Kinda begs for a solid maple bridge, though.

That's one of those things that just seems so right, you kinda wonder why everybody else isn't doing it that way.

Has a master violin maker ever made a mando like this before?

Ship that thing down to Tennessee and I'll be glad to make the sound clips usqebach requested.

[keithd]

I agree usqebach, it's really splendid looking, and the way Mr. Cleary does it makes it look inevitable and natural on the mandolin. Also, as he points out, this two-point design is a more convincing translation of violin rim construction to a mandolin (look at the photos of his F and A - w/out point s- on his website). Asthetics aside, one advantage of this type of overhangin joint in violins (so I've read - probably here...) is to facilitate removing the top (or back...) to tinker with it. It seems like a reasonable goal for a mandolin as well, if you think of it as being played for hundreds of years especially. I'd also love to hear this one!

As for f-holes, these Martin 2 series f-holes look closer to traditional violin f-holes to me (not that that's better though...):

[Skip Kelley]

Awesome! That is one cool looking mandolin!

[wannabethile]

oh my goodness. i have found my new dream mandolin....

[MML]

Beautiful work Joe, its overall design is very pleasing to the eyes and ears I'm sure.

[mandopete]

Yeah, I'm surprised we haven't seen more attempts at a "fiddle-style" mandolin. I think I saw one by French Guy awhile back.

This one is stunning!

[mandroid]

I finished my James tailpiece off with a piece of ebony on the lid.
It would look right on that instrument too.
I like it a lot better than gold plated cover #, since its a defacto armrest,
and plating goes away, #with user contact.

better yet, like that #"#35" Brian Dean made a very violinish ebony # tailpiece, #end cord around the pin and all..
# pictured nearby, #that would be ultra sweet #addition to the look..

[B. T. Walker]

I really like two-points, and this one is fantastic. Love the violin-style construction. Wow.

[metalmandolin]

Stunning!!! What a cool idea...how does it sound?

[Brad Weiss]

Hoo boy those anthro majors sure can whip up a helluva a mandolin!

Just beautiful, Joe! Congrats.

[joec]

Hey folks,
Thanks for all of the comments and encouragement. #
My website has been pretty static for a year or so, but I'm planning on updating it soon with new pictures and some sound clips too (thanks for the suggestion). #I've been thinking I should get back to blogging as well (the notes link from the site). #
Re: the violin elements on these instruments, they are almost closer to the violin in terms of structure and design than the mandolin. #Neck joint? #It's a straight mortoise of perfectly planed surfaces fitted with chalk and glued with fresh hide glue like the rest of the joints. I have complete faith in its stability. #
I talk regularly with my mentor Lawrence Smart and compadre Fletcher Brock about these things and recently I've realized that we're almost discussing two different instruments (a sub-species, Brad?). Its a different approach, but the ultimate goal is clearly the sound, and for me, that is the entire question. #What is the music that these instruments are capable of producing? #In many ways, it's up to the player of course. #I find an inherent musicality in the violin design that results in a very responsive, lightweight yet rigid instrument that responds with full tone to a light touch but can get loud as hell...like a violin. #I won't try to describe it much more than that, and promise to get working on some sound samples so y'all can hear it yourselves. #I'm also planning on attending IBMA and CMSA this year with this mando and a couple of F's.
Thanks for sharing in my excitement for these instruments.
I'm off to Grey Fox in the morning to introduce my 16 month old daughter to the joys of field pickin'.
peace,
Joe C.