Bandolim dimensions

[Justin Carvitto]

Has anyone run across the dimensions for bandolims? I don't know of any actual live instrument near me to take measurements. Also, how are they braced?

Thanks

[Jacob]

Click on text above to enlarge

[Jim Garber]

I have an old bandolim by an unknown maker but done nicely. I got it with the back partly off so I have attached a before pic showing the front and back bracing. I do not know how modern makers brace their instruments.

[bmac]

Jacob:
When examining the inside of difficult to see mandos I use a womans pocket mirror, a dental mirror and a small one battery flashlight (or two battery if it fits). The larger mirror is used to see as well as reflect the light inside. so that you can see deep into the instrument. For light I find a small (one battery flashlight whichs can be inserted into the hole....Using a dental mirror and experimenting a little one can see everywhere inside mandolins... I have only had trouble with one. Deep inside a heavily braced oval hole... I probably could have rigged up something more elequant but I wasn't that interested. a dental pick (hooked) is quite handy too.

Frand Ford (frets.com) has good information on seeing deep into hard to access recesses of mandos and guitars.

Your dimensions are interesting.

[Jim Garber]

I found this great flexible LED light. I cannot remember where I got it but it is very similar to this one. Works great in combination with mirrors. It it also helpful when I need to take photos inside instruments.