Re: gartini de lugini 1906 flatback
I have nothing definitive to add, for as Jim and Dave, I only have a couple bowlback examples from de Lugini in my files. These flattop/back Italian mandolins do show up from time to time and my instincts typically lead me to think Catania because of similarities in the simple binding, neck and back detailing and fretboard detailing at the soundhole (though this is often seen on MOR Neapolitan bowls as well)--the general willingness of the Sicilians to break out of the design boxes of Napoli and Roma. That along with the example on Dave's site being a DeMeglio knock off (the one I have is a generic Vinaccia-n model) makes me wonder about the varied / inconsistent output from GdL.
That said, this is signed and dated. And fairly nicely made, the headstock in particular. Value? My hunch in the $300-400 range, maybe. How does it sound? How is the intonation?
Jim, I have an Italian mandola (or whatever) with a superimposed compensated saddle (rather than an insert in the bridge.) This one looks a bit more gnarly, as if someone sanded off the top of the bridge, revealing the unstained wood beneath, and fastened the saddle on top. Dyed wood bridges are muy sketchioso. The back and sides on this are very nice though-great color as well. Lately I've been appreciating the wood scratchplates when they have a nice profile such as this one has.
Cool mandolin.
Mick
Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
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