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bornold - Posted - 04/09/2014: 09:59:47
Page from my Blog:
I know this is supposed to be a BANJO blog. But I think this is relevant to old-time music and instrument collecting, so it shall be posted!
This is a bowl back Mandolin that has been in our family for a few generations. It belonged to my great grandfather on the Hynak side. He played the tenor banjo as well. I'm still trying to hunt it down. ;-)
Here is a photo of the front:
Anyway, these bowl back mandolins were very popular in the late 1800s to around 1920s. They are typically of German or Italian make (not sure what this one is) and usually are "no-name". After some research this one is from the 1890s. That makes this instrument over 120 years old.
It is in very good shape, need very little work and a new set of strings. ( As a side note it had the original strings on it, but they were lost in our move to Mississippi.)
It has a more mellow tone then the modern bluegrass mandolins, and is perfect for old time music. Problem is I can't play it! I'm going to try and learn. All I can do at the moment is pluck a few simple tunes. I am sorry for the poor quality picture as well, I am to dumb to figure out how to turn the flash off!
Here is a little video I made:
 VIDEO: 1890s Bowlback Mandolin (click to view) |
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