Here for sale we have a 'Guitar shaped' mandolin or Mandonlinetta. Believed to be made in England, the patent number '2272' marked inside the body has been dated to 1902, indicating that the instrument was made around that time. Whilst it has not been possible to find any specifications for the instrument, on inspection it appears that the instrument has been constructed with a Spruce top, Flamed Maple back, Maple sides, Maple neck and a 17 fret Rosewood fingerboard. The top features an intricately inlaid pickguard, and a beautiful image of a woman playing a lute is painted on the back.
The neck is comfortable in the hand, with a pronounced 'V' profile which encourages ergonomic thumb positioning. The narrow nut width is practical for reaching each pair of strings with ease, whilst the worn-in finish to the rear of the neck and fingerboard deliver a sense of familiarity to the playing experience which is very inspiring in the hands. The slim profile of the body is comfortable in the arms, making the instrument feel supremely easy to play in either standing or seated positions.
The tone of the instrument is certainly well-seasoned thanks to it's 120 year age. The top projects well, and delivers a nicely open and dynamically responsive sound on both chordal and melodic playing, There is plenty of brightness thanks to the small size of the body, whilst there is a reasonable amount of low-mid and bass response on offer too. This is a truly unique instrument; a real antique piece with beautiful craftsmanship and an impressive tone- not to mention incredible playability for such an old instrument.
Please be aware that for international buyers import fees are not included in our postage and packaging cost, this only covers the cost of the guitar being sent to you. Import fees will be charged by Customs upon the guitar's arrival in the recipient country. Due to Brexit, this also applies to EU buyers. We advise checking the total import cost with Customs as this is not information we are able to accurately provide.
Neapolitan School of Music Mandolinetta Painted Back c.1902 Mandolin
Brand - Neapolitan School of Music
Model - Mandolinetta
Finish - Painted Back
Year - c.1902
Made In - England
Top - Spruce
Back - Flamed Maple
Sides - Maple
Neck - Maple
Fingerboard - Rosewood
Frets - 10 Clear, 17 Total
Scale Length- 13"
Nut Width - 1.124"
Our ID: 115062432110
Weight: 1.4lbs
Serial:
Aesthetic Condition:
Headstock: Overall good condition, all aspects of the headstock demonstrate notable signs of ageing. This includes scratching, indentation and general wear to the finish. This is most notable at the top of the front face where moderate scratching and indentation is present. All of the markings are cosmetic and do not impact the stability or functionality of the instrument.
Neck: Overall good condition. All aspects of the neck and fingerboard demonstrate moderate signs of ageing, including scratching, indentation and wearing of the finish. This is most notable to the 8th fret of the fingerboard where moderate indentation and scratching is present. Wear to the finish is present at the rear of the neck in the lower register, consistent with the age of the instrument. These markings are cosmetic and do not impact the stability, functionality or playability of the instrument.
Body: Overall fair condition. The sides of the instrument had separated, and have been reglued from the top and back in-house. Some cracking to the treble side rear edge of the waist is apparent, which has been repaired in-house. All aspects of the body demonstrate notable scratching, indentation and wear of the finish. This is most notable to the top where scratching, indentation and discoloration are consistent across the surface, as would be expected with an instrument of this age. These markings are cosmetic and do not impact the stability or functionality of the instrument.
Further Notes:
Whilst every effort has been made to accurately describe the condition of the instrument, the markings are too numerous to list fully. The general condition could be called a ‘patina’, with the markings and discoloration demonstrating the authentic history of the instrument. The instrument remains functional and playable, which is impressive for its age. We recommend studying the listing photos closely to fully understand the condition of the instrument.
Condition of Frets:
The frets show moderate signs of use, not affecting playability. Denting and flattening of the frets is noticeable throughout the register. There is not enough material remaining in the frets for any further fret work. There is some fret noise when fretting past the body join, however this is to be expected with an instrument of this age.
Current Set Up:
Truss Rod: N/A
Hardware: Fully functional with notable signs of wear. The tuning machines are stiff but turn as expected.
Structural: No concerns or issues to note. Repairs have been carried out in-house to ensure structural stability.
Height of the string from the 12th Fret-1mm - Bass 1.25mm
Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height.
Strings on Guitar - D'addario 10-40 Phosphor Bronze Mandolin Strings
Electrics:
N/A
Case & Accessories:
Modern ‘Alligator Skin’ hard case
The case demonstrates light signs of use.