New Instruments

This is an old, German mandriola, probably from the early to mid 20th century. It is in fair condition after restoration. There is a top-stamp which says...

The top is now sound with no repairs, thought some warping remains around the sound hole. It has a 7-piece dome back in good condition with 2 seam repairs. It has a new fingerboard in rosewood, with new frets. The tuners are original and in good condition. The tail is original though tarnished. It has a new rosewood and bone bridge. It has been refinished throughout with Tru-oil. It is now playing well with a strong, bright, rounded sound with good volume and sustain. It has an easy playing action, though playing a triple course instrument requires a little practice.

Other than cleaning, I have repaired as follows… 1) repaired warping around the sound hole and re-enforced beneath; 2) re-glued 2 open back seams, 3) made and fitted a new rosewood fingerboard, set on a shim; 4) re-finished throughout with Tru-oil; 5) made and fitted a new bridge; and 6) restrung with phosphor bronze strings.

 

Mandriola Specifications (In Millimetres)
Overall Length of Mandriola	665mm
Width of mandriola at widest point	255mm
Approx. Depth of mandriola	100mm at bridge.
Finish	Refinished throughout with Tru-oil varnish.
Belly wood	Book-matched, spruce top with 2 major splits, but re-enforced beneath.
Scratch plate	Fair condition
Sound hole	approx. 55 x 35mm.
Back and sides	7 piece, stained maple back and sides. 2 seam repairs.
Neck and Head	Slotted head and neck in good condition.
Fingerboard	Rosewood with 17 new frets.
Machine heads	Steel and brass tuners with original buttons. All working.
Tailpiece	Original 8 string hooks, sleeve guard, and strap loop, somewhat tarnished.
Bridge/tensioner	Refitted rosewood and bone bridge.
Scale Length Bridge to nut	Scale of 335mm
G string height at bridge	8mm
E string height at bridge	8mm
12th fret to bottom of G string (Action)	2.25mm
12th fret to bottom of E string (Action)	2mm
Width of fretboard at nut	34mm
Width of fretboard at widest point	48mm