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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:
Here is a link to the luthier's websites:
https://www.liuteriaquintavalla.it/en/homepage_english/
http://www.mandolino.it
Lovely. It looks like they are trying to combine the best of European and American mandolin styles. Bowl + flat back, Jim? The name works!
Looks cool to me!
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Louise NM
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
Mick: are you referring to the bracing pattern?
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.
Yessir! Braces, not ribs....Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Garber
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
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Logan
Jim -
Martino Quintavalla - Liutaio
Fine stringed instruments
Via ai Monti 16
23030 Bianzone, Italy
www.liuteriaquintavalla.it
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob A
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!
Hello everybody,
if you are interested in the sound of "Mandolino perfetto", here are a couple of videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgn1e6Oluw0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UouOGnTQWZI
Kind regards
Martino
Mille grazie, Martino! From Calace to Jethro Burns. The mandolin sounds wonderful.Quote:
Originally Posted by Martino Quintavalla
Sounds great.
Thank you Martino. A fine sounding (and fine looking) instrument.
I wish I weren't, but I'm tempted . . .
Eugene, someone needs to try one out and report back to the rest of us!
Someone also needs to have enough financial resources to be able to buy occasional meals.
Now there's some real mandolin artistry... what a great feel and sound... bravo Carlo!
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.