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Thread: Brescian Mandola 1805

  1. #1

    Default Brescian Mandola 1805

    I came across an interesting illustration from a book published in 1805. A young woman is seated playing a Bescian mandolin.

    There are several things that intrigued me about this illustration: The long neck suggests it is a mandola rather than a mandolin. The body has an elongated teardrop shape. The tuning pegs are grouped in pairs, rather than equally spaced.

    I've decided to build a replica.

    Assuming the body is about 11 inches long, that would suggest a scale of 15 or 16 inches, and a body width of around 7 inches.

    I have a nice set of Queensland maple and a one-piece top of huon pine that I intend to use. This Brescian mandola will have an Australian groove!

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  3. #2
    Registered User
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    Default Re: Brescian Mandola 1805

    we could always use more mandolas in this world, and that design is rather elegant.

    The term Brescian refers to a region ?

    can't wait to check it out
    Stormy Morning Orchestra

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    "Mean Old Timer, He's got grey hair, Mean Old Timer he just don't care
    Got no compassion, thinks its a sin
    All he does is sit around an play the Mandolin"

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  5. #3

    Default Re: Brescian Mandola 1805

    Quote Originally Posted by tmsweeney View Post
    we could always use more mandolas in this world, and that design is rather elegant.

    The term Brescian refers to a region ?

    can't wait to check it out
    Brescian refers to a region that is credited with the design of a 4 string gut strung mandolin with metal frets and a raised fingerboard.

  6. #4
    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: Brescian Mandola 1805

    Love that graceful style. Please keep the photos coming.
    Purr more, hiss less. Barn Cat Mandolins Photo Album

  7. #5

    Default Re: Brescian Mandola 1805

    Thank you, Bob. That graceful look in the illustration is the very reason I wanted to make a replica.

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  9. #6

    Default Re: Brescian Mandola 1805

    Here are some progress photos. The ribs are added one at a time starting with the one in the middle. The geared tuners are in for a trial fit. The scale will be 380mm 15".

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  11. #7

    Default Re: Brescian Mandola 1805

    A little more progress with the rose installed in the Huon pine soundboard. The bridge is Queensland maple.

    Click image for larger version. 

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  13. #8
    Registered User sebastiaan56's Avatar
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    Default Re: Brescian Mandola 1805

    Quote Originally Posted by Tukanu View Post
    A little more progress with the rose installed in the Huon pine soundboard. The bridge is Queensland maple.
    Im really curious about Huon Pine as a soundboard, the stuff I have all taps like cardboard so Ive never tried it. Looking lovely, as usual.

  14. #9

    Default Re: Brescian Mandola 1805

    Quote Originally Posted by sebastiaan56 View Post
    Im really curious about Huon Pine as a soundboard, the stuff I have all taps like cardboard so Ive never tried it. Looking lovely, as usual.
    This is my first experience with Huon. It was highly recommended to me, so I thought I would give it a try. I'll let you know.

  15. #10

    Default Re: Brescian Mandola 1805

    Here is a little more progress on the mandola. The neck is fully carved and attached to the bowl.
    Since it is made with Australian woods, I added a vintage coin to the peg box for decoration. Emu and Roo.

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