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Thread: I have no idea what it is, but it aint a mandolin

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    Jo Dusepo, luthier Dusepo's Avatar
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    Default I have no idea what it is, but it aint a mandolin

    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133891466...oAAOSwmHRhOxza

    Kinda reminds me of the historical barbat oud. Certainly not old enough to be though. Not sure if very broken or only intended as decorative / prop.




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    Default Re: I have no idea what it is, but it aint a mandolin

    Certainly is ‘antic’! Whatever, it has some interesting design elements, especially use of cord for purfling and outlining. And those pegs! Self-defense in a rowdy jam?
    I imagine surgical tools are needed for stringing it too. No idea, but due to the use of color, thinking more towards India.

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    Registered User DavidKOS's Avatar
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    Default Re: I have no idea what it is, but it aint a mandolin

    I think it is more of a theatrical prop, decoration, etc. - it was not designed to be really playable.

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    Default Re: I have no idea what it is, but it aint a mandolin

    Didn’t this, or something similar, crop up a couple of weeks ago?

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    Default Re: I have no idea what it is, but it aint a mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Ray(T) View Post
    Didn’t this, or something similar, crop up a couple of weeks ago?
    Yeah, this Sept. 20 thread.
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    Default Re: I have no idea what it is, but it aint a mandolin

    The old brain is still working then!

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    Default Re: I have no idea what it is, but it aint a mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by DavidKOS View Post
    I think it is more of a theatrical prop, decoration, etc. - it was not designed to be really playable.
    I like this explanation. It comports with the obviously inutile strings, and the way they are affixed to the tail. No tension on them, and furthermore no variation in thickness. And then there's that nutty "nut!" She sure is purty, though.
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    Jo Dusepo, luthier Dusepo's Avatar
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    Default Re: I have no idea what it is, but it aint a mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Ray(T) View Post
    Didn’t this, or something similar, crop up a couple of weeks ago?
    Quote Originally Posted by allenhopkins View Post
    Thanks both, I'd completed missed that previous thread!
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    Default Re: I have no idea what it is, but it aint a mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by journeybear View Post
    ... then there's that nutty "nut!"
    My initial guess was that, being wood (possibly integral to the neck), someone lubricated or "preserved" it with some oil that attracted the local rodents, maybe?

    Interesting that virtually every string has a tied break between the tuners and the nut; someone's attempt to actually tune it?
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    Default Re: I have no idea what it is, but it aint a mandolin

    I'm impressed that somebody took the time just to string it properly. That is, each string is anchored to a separate tuning peg, as they should be - if it were an actually playable instrument. Which it doesn't seem to be, it just looks like one. Which is just fine if it's a theatrical prop. Someone should be commended for attention to detail, making it so that the ~1% of people in the audience who know about such things wouldn't be alarmed at seeing such a crucial element amiss.
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    Default Re: I have no idea what it is, but it aint a mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by journeybear View Post
    I like this explanation. It comports with the obviously inutile strings, and the way they are affixed to the tail. No tension on them, and furthermore no variation in thickness. And then there's that nutty "nut!" She sure is purty, though.
    Plus, the decoration on the fretless neck would make it difficult to get a good tone - oud necks are smooth.

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    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: I have no idea what it is, but it aint a mandolin

    One peg missing.
    A talent for trivializin' the momentous and complicatin' the obvious.

    The entire staff
    funny....

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    Default Re: I have no idea what it is, but it aint a mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by JeffD View Post
    One peg missing.
    Mostly missing, anyhow. Part of the pointy end is still there.

    One can easily imagine Bruce Lee taking out a roomful of bad guys with those pegs.
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    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: I have no idea what it is, but it aint a mandolin

    Most extremely "compensated" bridge I've ever seen. Does one of our experts know of a type of stringed instrument where the bridge is angled that way, to produce significantly longer scale for the treble (I'm assuming) courses?
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    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: I have no idea what it is, but it aint a mandolin

    It's not intended to be that way; it's slipped out of its proper position because of the lack of string tension. It's supposed to be symmetrical, the angle congruent to the angle of the tailpiece. Look at the direction of the grooves in the bridge. Imagine it rotated ~25° counterclockwise.

    Nah, on closer inspection, it's a straight piece that's broken or bent and flopped over on its side. Careless presentation by the seller.
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

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    Default Re: I have no idea what it is, but it aint a mandolin

    Looks like the strings started out as a length of bicycle brake cable which came unwound.

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    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: I have no idea what it is, but it aint a mandolin

    I don't think that much thought or effort went into string selection. Could be light fishing line for all we know - or he cared. They do seem metallic, though. The wavy nature is a marvel to behold, for sure. Don't see that too often on string instruments.
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

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