A Review of a Bowlback Mandolin

A short review of an early 20th century German made bowlback mandolin, which I've just finished restoring.

The instrument has a spruce top, with maple back and sides, and rosewood fingerboard, inlay and detailing.

Scale length is 13", strung with D'Addario J73's.

See http://www.johnmaddock.co.uk/restorations.html for photos and video of more restored bowlback mandolins.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• bowlback
• mandolin
• German

[bluemarkus]

when i string a mando, do i hve to get always 2 sets of strings ? i plan on getting an old mando from ebay and redoing it...

[tavymusic]

Nope, mandolin strings come in sets of 8 :-)

Just be aware if you get an old bowlback that as well as often requiring quite a bit of work, they weren't built all that strongly, so be sure to use a lightweight string set. If in doubt ask for advice on the forums at the mandolincafe.

[theflamingredone]

hey there,

I've been playing an A style mandolin and I'm looking for a 'fuller' sound. I saw the depth of the bowl backs and I thought it might be a good idea looking into buying one.

What are your thoughts on the difference in tone between the F, A and Bowl Back mandolins?

Great Video by the way, she sounds beautiful!

Cheers,

Paul.

[tavymusic]

@theflamingredone

Thanks for the kind words, actually that isn't one of the better sounding bowlbacks I've had, try the Stridente demo on my channell or else search Youtube for examples of Calace or Embergher instruments. I usually have one for sale on my website as well!

But.... I wouldn't necessarily recomend a bowlback as your main instrument - they're a bit of an acquired taste... have you tried asking on the mandolincafe? No substitute for trying lots either...

[AConnorMartin]

@theflamingredone

I have been looking around too and i'm not sure if i want a bowl-back after playing one. You should try to look into and F-Style with an oval hole! Thats probably what im gonna get. The only problem is they are kinda expensive

[bluemarkus]

clearly a melody instrument not for chords. the melody u played in the beginning sounds way better than a mandobird or many others i´ve heard on youtube. you can tell the bowlback gives it that oldschool kick that many modern ones dont quite have.

[bluemarkus]

thanks mate, i´m probly gonna cruize thru this website a cople times. nothing beats a mandoline to add some spice to a song.

[ukulelerat]

help!

i need advice to repair mine.

ps. you've done a wonderful job