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Thread: Fluted Bowl back with metal between flutes

  1. #1

    Default Fluted Bowl back with metal between flutes

    Hi, I picked up this old mandolin from fleabay sold as a Cav.giovanni De Meglio bowl back. The label was described as "being hard to read" ...see photo!
    It is in poor condition except the bowl back which - not noticeable on the sale photos - has metal strips between the flutes, am thinking the metal may be pewter?
    Any info would be much appreciated, this must be decorative? but quite an undertaking to build i would have thought...
    thanks
    Tim
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  2. #2
    Registered User Tavy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Fluted Bowl back with metal between flutes

    Whatever it is, it's not like any DeMeglio I've ever seen.

    And yes, the metal between the ribs would be decorative, and quite a pain to build no doubt!

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  4. #3

    Default Re: Fluted Bowl back with metal between flutes

    The label was described as "being hard to read"

    Yes, but only if you do not have psychic powers!

    Perhaps, you can show us the tuners. As the above post suggests, it may not be from the advertised maker. Indeed, the tuners of those that I have seen are enclosed units recessed into the headstock.

  5. #4
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Fluted Bowl back with metal between flutes

    I suspect if that is metal it's similar to fretwire and not actually laminated. I seriously doubt that when that was built there was the adhesive technology to laminate metal and wood like that. It is most likely inlaid into a slot of some sort.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  6. #5

    Default Re: Fluted Bowl back with metal between flutes

    I have a photo of the tuners, plus a brass bar some one has inlaid into the neck - the tuners do not fit at all so yet another bodge ! wow just shows how bad "descriptions" can be..
    It would make sense if the the metal was inlaid as per frets - i am taking it to bits so will look inside, it is quite heavy
    thanks
    Tim
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  7. #6

    Default Re: Fluted Bowl back with metal between flutes

    The covers of the units are definitely a different shape to the examples I have seen on mandolins definitely from this maker. That does not mean it is not by the maker suggested but it is open to debate.

  8. #7
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Fluted Bowl back with metal between flutes

    I agree with John (Tavy) above that it is unlikely anything made by the De Meglio shop. Looks like it was "restored" probably recently, headstock refinished, possibly fretboard replaced: pretty odd to have a 3rd fret marker but no 5th and the other ones looks a bit funky—one looks lopsided. You would think a nice fluted back instrument would have a much nicer fretboard, ebony and more artistically inlaid. That tailpiece looks like a newish replacement and, as OP noted, tuners not original. That strip of metal inlaid on the back of the neck is odd, too. BTW I would think the wire between the flutes could be silver often used for decorative inlay as well.

    The necks on many of these Neapolitan mandolins—I see this one as sort of a Vinnacia style—often have a veneer of fine wood over a core of the neck. Perhaps John knows better what i am talking about. I would guess from the few photos that the modern repair guy might have replaced the neck and fretboard altogether.

    Maybe it would be helpful for some photos of the neck joint?
    Jim

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  9. #8
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Fluted Bowl back with metal between flutes

    I agree with Jim, that brass strip up the back of the neck is real suspect. Maybe they used it to fix a bowed neck.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  10. #9

    Default Re: Fluted Bowl back with metal between flutes

    The only label that comes to mind is of a Luigi Salsedo, which has a similar border (but not quite). The headstock also looks similar. But other features, like scratchplate, paper inside and overall style do not look Salsedo. Some Salsedo pics for comparison.
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    Last edited by vic-victor; Feb-04-2021 at 6:08am.

  11. #10

    Default Re: Fluted Bowl back with metal between flutes

    Many thanks for all the comments and info - much appreciated
    Tim

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