Help Identifying Instrument/Mandolin

[MarySimmons]

I recently purchased an old bowl-back mandolin. I found an exact replica on Reverb, leading me to believe it is an American Conservatory mandolin. There are no markings anywhere on the instrument. I took it to my luthier and he insisted it is a greek bouzuki and put bouzuki strings on it (D'Addario - nickel-plated steel) and tuned it to CFAD.

I still feel that it is an American Conservatory mandolin, based upon reviewing differences between the two instruments. I am a beginner in the mandolin world, and have always wanted a bowl back; even though I understand they are difficult to play and learn. (I do play guitar and ukelele).

I've attached pictures for help in identifying my instrument; anu guidance on tuning and appropriate strings would be helpful.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

[Louise NM]

Bouzoukis have much longer necks: the proportions of this aren't right for a bouzouki. What is the string length—the distance from nut to bridge? Bowl-back mandolins usually measure 13".

Mandolins are tuned in fifths, GDAE, same pitches as a violin. A 100-year-old instrument like this will need extra-light strings to keep from pulling it out of shape. GHS 240s are a place to start, or another set with gauges 10–32 or so. Dogal and Optima also make strings light enough for a bowl-back. Not knowing what weight strings you luthier put on it, or exactly which pitches he tuned it to, you probably want to loosen the strings until you can get it sorted out.

[Louise NM]

Here are pictures of Irish and Greek bouzoukis.

[Ray(T)]

“Luthier”! ....... Really?

[MarySimmons]

Thanks for your quick reply and help. The string length is 13"; I'll get the strings you recommended; restring it and tune it for a Mandolin -- GDAE. I appreciate your help, I just knew it was a mandolin and not a Bouzuki! It's in great shape, no cracks at all.

[Steve Finlay]

Ray(T) is right -- I can't see how this guy can be a luthier. A "luthier" mistaking a mandolin for a bouzouki is a lot like a mechanic mistaking a flathead V8 for an inline four.

[allenhopkins]

Get a new luthier.

Looks like you ID-ed it accurately. American Conservatory instruments were usually marked by Lyon & Healy, but they built unmarked instruments for dealers to sell, and this could well be one of them.