Bowl Back Mandolin

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 09:12 AM

there is a mandolin sstrap you can buy that wraps around the neck of the mandolin

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 05:10 AM

I've got an old Italian bowlback that sounds pretty good with light strings.
The only problem is the bass G strings are slightly boomy
and would need compressing if ever used on stage or for recording

It had some 'patented' [for accurate intonation] customising work done to the bridge and nut by an English luthier
back in the 1940's.
I can't be more specific because I can't remembe the details
and the mando is buried at the back of my storage room.

Anyway, it has never even occurred to me that holding it would be a problem ??

I just supported it comfortably in my arms and got on with playing it.

Though I have put on 2 stone since last time I played it.

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin
From: PHJim
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 10:02 PM

My first mandolin was a bowl-back and I put a strap button that replaced the bottom screw of the tailpiece. I tied the other end of the strap above the nut. I replaced it with a flat backed mandolin about 35 years ago. It was a 1918 Martin and had a very mellow tone.

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin
From: GUEST,Gulliver
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 08:11 PM

These mandolins are still used by many classical mandolin players all over Europe (and probably further afield), and I have a nice one myself.

First use a strap - there is always some way of attaching it. There is a sitting position whereby the player crosses his legs to hold the mandolin in place but this is usually not sufficient for the beginner to hold it in place if playing complicated or fast tunes. One possibility, as a start, is attaching/gluing rubber rug underlayment or velcro or a piece of sandpaper to the back to prevent it from slipping. A mandolin teacher I know suggests sticking a couple of little rubber circles (used to protect furniture I think) to the back of the mandolin (they are self-adhesive). That's what I did until after a year I didn't need any support other than the strap.

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin
From: Mooh
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 01:00 PM

I trust you've tried http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/ Nice folks with lots of resources.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 08:29 AM

A classical guitar sling.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin
From: bubblyrat
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 07:50 AM

Two Royal Navy colleagues with whom I played ( Ned Starkey from Liverpool and Don MacKenzie from Glasgow),both managed to play bowlbacks by sort of cuddling the things tightly to their bodies,and hanging on for dear life ! That was in the 'sixties,when flatbacks were much less common ; in those days,even The Dubliners,or at least John Sheahan & Barney McKenna ( as on The Leaving Of Liverpool instrumental break) were using them.
             I won one (a Brunswick) in the raffle at Banbury last year,but haven't got it set up yet !!

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin
From: open mike
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 05:47 AM

also known as 'tater bug...easier to play while seated

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin
From: mandotim
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 05:36 AM

The chamois leather solution is preferred by most classical players. How does it sound? Most older bowlbacks were made for the tourist trade, and the luthier effort went into the inlay work rather than the tone. Also; check the neck for warping and the top for sinkage. If not caught early, these can reduce the instrument to a wall hanging decoration. That said, if you've found a good one, the sound is delightful.
tim

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin
From: Darowyn
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 04:03 AM

My former wife suggested that the shape was designed for use by hour-glass shaped ladies.
The bowl back fits nicely into the curve of the waist of the player.
If a beer belly is an obstacle, there are some major sacrifices to be made before you achieve the required body shape for a bowlback mandolin.
Cheers
Dave

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 12:15 AM

a patch of rubber rug underlayment works even better.

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin
From: Mark Ross
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 12:01 AM

Mandolin players who played this style instrument would put a chamois cloth between the back and their body to keep the mandolin from sliding around.


Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 11:19 PM

My mom had one which my sister has now. I think I can vaguely recall my dad playing it a few times. He had a flatback later in life.

Meant to say I don't remember any straps of any kind.

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin
From: GUEST,Billy
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 08:20 PM

I used to have a bowl back and used a small dogleash in front of the nut to take the other end of the strap. I finally got a flatback as the boowl back and my beer belly did not agree and the instrument kept sliding off!

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 07:35 PM

even better view

Subject: RE: Bowl Back Mandolin
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 07:31 PM



Kenny Hall was about the only one to use and master it in recent years...

Subject: BS: Bowl Back Mandolin
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 05:29 PM

Help.

I just acquired a beautiful mandolin, bowl back with intricate pearl inlay throughout, however I have one question .

How do you hold it ????.

It keeps moving off my lap. There is a single knob for one end of a strap but nothing for the other end. I do not want to try putting another screw type knob on the instrument if it is unnecessary.

Any suggestions ?.