Re: First Mandolin, Bowlback
Buying bowlback instruments on ebay is a dicey proposition. There are typically many available, as many Neapolitan style mandolins were imported into the UK during the early 1890s-1900s. Besides the basic cosmetic issues and wear and tear, many of these have been neglected for some time or else stored in less than optimal environments. The key thing to look for is one with a proper neck angle. If buying on ebay you should always request multiple side angle views and for a measurement of the string action at the 12th fret. It can be impossible to tell from the simple photos often included on ebay.
Nothing in your short list jumps out at me as a sure bet. The Stridente mandolins you have in your list are typically decent quality mid-level mandolins, well made with with some nice detailing. Both of these here have necks that are muy sketchioso to my eye as is the Gandolfi (systema de Meglio), which otherwise might be a decent mandolin. I would seek more photos/information on the neck conditions of all of these before bidding. Getting a neck reset would be an expensive proposition, but perhaps worth it on the right mandolin. Lots of mandolins show up regularly on UK ebay so if that is your chosen path then be patient and look things over carefully. Expect to make mistakes in your purchases, but you might also find something of value.
Our friend here at the MC, John (aka Tavy), is in the UK and restores old bowlbacks (as well as scratchbuilding lovely flatbacks.) He has a thing for Stridente mandolins. You could do a search for him here (Tavy is his nom-de-mandoline) and contact him about getting a restored mandolin, ready-to-play. Dave Hynds is another Brit, though ex-pat in France, who regularly repairs and sells Italian mandolins. You can find Dave's site with a simple search. You'll pay a bit more than you might on ebay but both these gentlemen are excellent craftsmen and fairly priced in their work.
You might want to dive into the "Bowlbacks of Note" thread down in the 'Classical' section of the forum and read through a bit of the (lengthy) conversations to get familiar with some of the many builders from Italy, France and Germany. Most folks would steer you towards the big names: Calace, Ceccherini, Vinaccia, etc. but there are many many decent mandolins out there particularly for a self-described beginner: Stridente, DeMureda, Cristofaro, Puglisi, Maratea, Lanfranco.
Good luck with your search! I am sure others will chime in with some valuable (if not contradictory) advice.
Mick
Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
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