Bandurria Tunings

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  Bandurria: scale length around 270mm
  Tuning:  this looks like a very short scale 12 string mandolin, but again comes from a different instrumental root. It is traditionally tuned AA, EE, BB, F#F#, C#C#, G#G# from top down. The 2nd string E is the same tonality as the top mandolin E. Middle C is 4th on the 12th string.
GHS bandurria strings 12 string, loop-end silver wound, 011, 014, 020W, 023W, 029W, 033W
Pyramid bandurria string gauges 12 string, loop-end silver wound, .009  .013  .018w  .020w  .028w  .035w
 Like the mandoilin family, there are several members of the bandurria family also, though the commonest of these are the bandurria and laud.
  • Bandurria:  1st: A (la), 2nd: E (mi), 3th: B (si), 4th:F# (#fa), 5th:C# (#do), 6th: G (sol).
  • Laudete or contralto lute:  This instrument was created as a result of a request by the Aguilar Quartet in 1930.
  • Laud or tenor lute:  1st: A (la), 2nd: E (mi), 3th: B (si), 4th:F# (#fa), 5th:C# (#do), 6th: G (sol) one octave below the bandurria.
  • Laudon:  1st: G (sol), 2nd: D (re), 3rd: A (la), 4th : E (mi), 5th: B (si), 6th:F# (#fa), 7th: C (do).   Invented by Paco Aguilar (member of the Aguilar Quartet) and was firstly built by the luthier Domingo Esteso in 1924 in Madrid. Instead of 6 double strings, it has 7 string courses (6 double strings and a single 7th string).    
  • Bass lute:  1st: G (sol), 2nd: D (re), 3rd: A (la), 4th: E (mi)
   

 

  Portuguese Guitarras: scale length around 270mm
  Tuning:  this looks like a flatback 12 string mandolin, but again comes from a different instrumental root, and has Preston tuners. It is traditionally tuned AA, EE, BB, F#F#, C#C#, G#G# from top down. The 2nd string E is the same tonality as the top mandolin E.