Re: Any thoughts on this bowl back
How does a Puglisi bowlback find its way to San Diego? Makes you want to think it was via a sailor.
Everything Allen says is right on. The strings on there now are likely too heavy and you and / or the owner need to take the tension off them pronto.
Extra light gauge strings on these only. Don't even risk it.
If the neck were in good position via the action (as Allen describes) and this were very playable, I think $400 for this would be a very good deal.
Unfortunately, I can't draw any conclusions viz the neck from the linked photos.
I'm a big fan of Sicilian, and particularly Puglisi mandolins. This isn't a high grade or top end instrument, but these Italian mandolins from this era were very lightly built with a shimmering sound unlike almost any other mandolin you will find. Even on these more modest models.
The intonation can be a bit spotty and vary from maker to maker, ma Puglisi era una buona ditta.
Bowlback mandolins are an acquired taste and many folks here don't have quite the patience to get used to playing them and discovering their voices and the nuance of playing them. But it's an incredibly rewarding experience no matter your musical predilections.
Check it out yourself for the condition of the neck, and / or post some better photos of the neck so we can weigh in.
I'm with Allen, these don't show up in the States all that often so they bear scrutiny. If one was around the corner from me that was in good playing condition, I'd drop $350 in a heartbeat.
It would mean frijoles and tortillas for a month but I could play that every evening. Good deal.
Keep us posted.
Mick
Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
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