FS: SOLD

Trad Strings
1

Hi. I have a mando-like (probably more octave-mando-like) instrument for sale. It can be setup with 3 or 4 strings. Currently it has 3 tuned DAe (single strings, not double). With 4 strings it can be setup GDAe (or similar) or with a double high string DAee (or DAdd for chords). The nut and saddle both have grooves for any of the above setups. So, if you want double high strings you can set them right next to each other as a double course as you would find on a mandolin. Hope that makes sense.

Photos are here:

http://faculty.ivytech.edu/~bpfingst/mandolike1.jpg
http://faculty.ivytech.edu/~bpfingst/mandolike2.jpg
http://faculty.ivytech.edu/~bpfingst/mandolike3.jpg
http://faculty.ivytech.edu/~bpfingst/mandolike4.jpg
http://faculty.ivytech.edu/~bpfingst/mandolike5.jpg
http://faculty.ivytech.edu/~bpfingst/mandolike6.jpg

It was made by luthier Wendell Powell (Dulciaddict). It’s a nice little instrument, beautiful wood and sound, but I’m a bit financially challenged at the moment and could use the money.

Total length 29"
width of bout 10"
length of body, heel to tail 12 1/4"
The scale length is shorter than most tenor banjos or octave mandolins I’ve tried by just a bit. I forgot to measure it, but I think it’s about 18.75" or 19". I’ll check when I get home and edit if this is wrong.


I paid $190 (including shipping) and would be willing to sell it for $130 (including shipping). I’d prefer PayPal.

Thanks!

-Brett
(bretton@yahoo.com)

2

That’s neat and unusual. Is it some kind of dulcimer? It kind of reminds me of a Strumstick but with a nice, big resonator.

3

Yes, Wendell usually builds strum sticks and dulcimers, so it definately has that influence. If you set it up DAdd and play melody just on the doubled high d strings, it sounds very dulcimer like. In general though, it’s tone is a bit punchier than your average dulcimer.

-Brett

4

Well, it’s also not fretted like a dulcimer. This is fretted to give uniform half-steps, like a mando, banjo or guitar. Very cool. I’m tempted!

5

Yeah, that was my first thought, “chromatic dulcimer”.
The zero-fret is interesting, too. I’ve only seen that on Bazoukis.
Interesting instrument.

6

What wood is this made of?
Am I right that the front is spruce?
What are the back and sides?
What is the fingerboard made of?

Volume?

Thanks

7

I’m embarrassed to say that I’m not 100% sure, but I believe the back and sides are walnut, the top is spruce (I know that’s correct), and the fingerboard looks like rosewood of some kind to me. The back and sides are really beautiful wood…

Volume: Well…it’s probably not as loud as many tenor banjos, but it’s louder than most dulcimers I’ve played. It’s louder than the two baritone ukuleles I have. It would do well playing with two or three other people, but probably get lost in a bigger session/group (depending on the other instruments playing).

Does that help?

-Brett