Bowl Back Mandolin: Carlo Cristini, Napoli

Subject: Bowl Back Mandolin
From: Sleepy Rosie
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 01:16 PM

Just throwing this one open on the off chance that someone here might know something about mandolins. I've got an old one that's been passed on to me, and recently decided to learn to play it for accompanying myself while simging folk songs.
Seems it might be quite an old thing, that I aught to treat with some care. Bowl backed, with some mother of pearl inlay, and a label inside the body which reads: "Fabbrica di Mandolini, Carlo Cristini, Napoli" Anyone here know anything about older mandolins, becuse I don't?

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin: Carlo Cristini, N
From: Wesley S
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 02:23 PM

Your best bet for an evaluation over the internet is going to be over in the forum at The Mandolin Cafe

I'm not saying that a Mudcatter won't come to the rescue but there are a lot of experts at the Cafe. It's a great site if you want to get into the mandolin.

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin: Carlo Cristini, Napoli
From: Newport Boy
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 01:10 PM

I'm no expert, but that's pretty much a generic description of a Neapolitan mandolin. Mine is by Francesco Scarpa, and it's dated 1899 - also numbered 5014.

Sadly, it's no longer playable, having been sat on at a party.

I've no idea of the value of these instruments - I paid £2 10s for mine, but that's a while ago. Treat it with care - they're beautiful instruments and extremely difficult to repair if damaged.

Phil

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin: Carlo Cristini, Napoli
From: GUEST,Lindsay in South Wales
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 08:48 PM

I've got one of these. I guess it's over 100 years old. It belonged to my grandmother and was given to her by one of her patients, in the 1920s or 1930s, Probably in lieu of payment for treatment. My late father played it and I can manage a few chords. Nice to know there are a few still around.