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Thread: 1924 Gelas double-top flatback

  1. #1
    Jo Dusepo, luthier Dusepo's Avatar
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    I am a luthier specialising in historical and world stringed instruments. You can see more info at my website.

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    Full Grown and Cussin' brunello97's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1924 Gelas double-top flatback

    I've got one of these, Jo, in need of some repair attention. Same model I believe.

    I'm appreciating the coincidence of a number of French mandolins up for discussion across various threads at the moment.

    What's your take on it as a instrument designer and builder....and I assume, player?


    Mick
    Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
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  5. #3
    Jo Dusepo, luthier Dusepo's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1924 Gelas double-top flatback

    Quote Originally Posted by brunello97 View Post
    What's your take on it as a instrument designer and builder....and I assume, player?


    Mick
    I'm familiar with the design concepts behind them, but I've never built one or played one, so I've no idea how effective that is. The videos I've seen online suggest it doesn't sound much different to a standard flat-backed mandolin.
    My understanding is that the double top is designed to vibrate more freely and the bridge design is intended to pull up rather than push down as on a normal floating bridge, this vibrating differently.

    I've love to hear yours when you get it back into playable condition.
    I am a luthier specialising in historical and world stringed instruments. You can see more info at my website.

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  7. #4

    Default Re: 1924 Gelas double-top flatback

    For that price, you would expect something exceptional in terms of its sound.

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    Dusepo 

  9. #5
    Full Grown and Cussin' brunello97's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1924 Gelas double-top flatback

    Quote Originally Posted by NickR View Post
    For that price, you would expect something exceptional in terms of its sound.
    I know that's right. Pretty adventurous pricing.

    Our friend, Martin, has one that he fiddled with into playability. He described the challenge of setting it up with that particular bridge configuration.
    I don't think he described it has a four large sound.

    Martin is also a Ceccherini player and speaks highly of the double-top model he has. My UC, unfortunately, is only a single topped version.

    I got my Gelas here in the US, and how it migrated over here, I don't know. Maybe someone curious about them like me.
    But not curious enough to fix it up right.

    Pretty graceful design, to my eye, with the headstock, body proportions and v-neck profile.

    I imagine Paris 1924 was a pretty great time and place to be playing the mandolin.

    Mick
    Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
    ______________________

    '05 Cuisinart Toaster
    '93 Chuck Taylor lowtops
    '12 Stetson Open Road
    '06 Bialetti expresso maker
    '14 Irish Linen Ramon Puig

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