Looking for F-style Mandocellos

[Jim Garber]

I have a 1937 Gibson K1 with a nice slim neck. I figured at that time they made few mandocelli and used a guitar neck. I did have a little problem with getting that action right but it plays nicely when set up right. I should take it out and see how it is doing -- it has been awhile. No baseball bat and it does have a truss rod. Still, it is not easy to play for me mostly mandolin and occasionally mandola player.

[Eddie Sheehy]

I have nice teens K1, while the neck is deeper than I'd like I prefer it to guitar necks of the Ovation and Eastman Mandocellos, and I certainly don't consider it a baseball bat... and it works very well for centering my thumb on the V while doing the 7th inning stretch across frets...

[Bernie Daniel]

I have a 1937 Gibson K1 with a nice slim neck. I figured at that time they made few mandocelli and used a guitar neck. I did have a little problem with getting that action right but it plays nicely when set up right. I should take it out and see how it is doing -- it has been awhile. No baseball bat and it does have a truss rod. Still, it is not easy to play for me mostly mandolin and occasionally mandola player.

Do you happen to have a good hi res pic of the nut on your mandocello? I was interested in comparing it the on on mine (also '37) because there was and "extra" nut in the case pocket that I think is probably the original nut-- the one on the instrument now is not ideal.

[Bernie Daniel]

I have nice teens K1, while the neck is deeper than I'd like I prefer it to guitar necks of the Ovation and Eastman Mandocellos, and I certainly don't consider it a baseball bat... and it works very well for centering my thumb on the V while doing the 7th inning stretch across frets...

I agree Eddie that is how I remember the 1906 K-1 that I used to own (15 years ago) -- I think it was one of the very first mandocellos because the number was 8220 -- it looked a bit like it might have even been a prototype. But the neck was not a problem as I remember it.

[Jim Garber]

Do you happen to have a good hi res pic of the nut on your mandocello? I was interested in comparing it the on on mine (also '37) because there was and "extra" nut in the case pocket that I think is probably the original nut-- the one on the instrument now is not ideal.

I will dig it out of the closet and take a photo when I can. I am experiencing a bit of compute malfunction lately so it might take some time. Remind me if I haven't done it in a week or two.

[Gerry Cassidy]

I played this one http://www.acousticvibesmusic.com/ca...uxedocello.jpg at Acoustic Vibes last week. It was probably the nicest Weber Cello I have ever played. A little lacking in the low end, but the mids and highs were surprisingly nice & sparkly.

[Jim Garber]

Hmmm... mandocello lacking in the lowend? Isn't that the point of a mandocello?

[Gerry Cassidy]

Hmmm... mandocello lacking in the lowend? Isn't that the point of a mandocello?

I guess I should have been literal and stated this as "comparatively speaking". If you play enough mandocellos' you experience some that have more low end than others. I musn't make assumptions. I apologize.

[Jim Garber]

No, I agree. You do need some mid- and higher-range tones even on a mandocello.

[Eddie Sheehy]

OK, who's going to be first to take a chance on this one...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solid-Curly-...item58a452d2c6

[Jim Garber]

Eddie: I thought you were the designated test kitchen for the Cafe.

They have another one with a $600 BIN here. Strange... the first comes to $500 with shipping the second $750.

The scale length is a bit short for a mandocello:

Scale length: 22.83"=580mm

[foldedpath]

OK, who's going to be first to take a chance on this one...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solid-Curly-...item58a452d2c6

That body scroll is... unfortunate.

They're listing a scale length of 22.83" so it isn't really a 'Cello anyway; more of an octave mandolin that got hit with the ugly stick.

[Eddie Sheehy]

Shipping is $150, so $350 for one (starting bid) and $600 for the other (starting bid)... buy both and get shipping half off on the second one... Step right up, folks...

You could sell the hardcase to cover the shipping...

[Jordan Mong]

I wouldn't say it is too ugly, but the neck is a little fat.

[Eddie Sheehy]

I think the neck is ok for a mandocello... perhaps just a tad wide, but at that price...

Total length: 37.80"= 960mm

Width : 14.09"=358mm

Thickness : 3.13"=79.49mm

Nut width: 1.58"=40.04mm
Scale length: 22.83"=580mm

[Eddie Sheehy]

Maybe "adjust" it to be a 10-string Cittern... I'm tempted...

[Eddie Sheehy]

That body scroll is... unfortunate.

They're listing a scale length of 22.83" so it isn't really a 'Cello anyway; more of an octave mandolin that got hit with the ugly stick.

That scroll reminds me of seeing the Crazy Horse monument back in the '80s when it was mostly drawn on the side of the mountain with one outcrop of rock pointing out (which was to become his index finger) into the distance...

Looks like it's coming along nicely, so there's hope for that scroll...

[Eddie Sheehy]

Of course "Air-Dried" is relative as to how dry the air is at the time...

[Bernie Daniel]

I think the neck is ok for a mandocello... perhaps just a tad wide, but at that price...

Total length: 37.80"= 960mm

Width : 14.09"=358mm

Thickness : 3.13"=79.49mm

Nut width: 1.58"=40.04mm
Scale length: 22.83"=580mm

I agree those neck dimensions seem OK-- the nut is just right,

But as mentioned that scale length is too short for a mandocello. I agree a 10 string cittern -- GDAEB? -- sounds good. Might not be worth the effort though?

[Tom Liston]

Dang the cello above from Taiwan is intriguing for sure. Anyone hear one yet?

[James1223]

Dang the cello above from Taiwan is intriguing for sure. Anyone hear one yet?

I have one of their mandolas. Decent sounding instrument but it will need some work when you get it. I had to level and re-crown the entire fretboard. Had to make a new nut and fit the bridge to the body. It took the better part of a day. She plays nicely now.

[Tom Liston]

Thanks James