Some would call this a cittern.....this was the name originally appropriated by Stefan Sobell to describe his first 10-string long-mandola-scale instruments.
I've heard that the 5-string VIOLINS don't quite work, in that either they're stronger in the bass side, and thin in the top string sound, or vice versa.
I'm curious; are you looking for a mandolin with an extra pair on the bottom another fifth down, or what ?
Did like the wood on that mando, but not the design - not a fan of these country mandos. But they do have some lovely woods in the antipodes, though I don't know how well they work acoustically. Why don't we grow some good tonewoods in the UK ?
Yes, a mandolin with a low C string. Incidently, there is a guy here in Minneapolis Minnesota, USA making 5 string violins with a low C string that have an improved low string sound. The lower part of the instrument is 10 millimeters wider than a standard violin. Same string length as a violin.
G. Pete - I'm with you there. Nothing against F-style instruments per sé - it just frustrates me that so many people seem to regard that design as *the* definitive mandolin, and all others as poor substitutes.
"Why don't we grow some good tonewoods in the UK ?"
Walnut, Sycamore, London Plane, Cherry...
Why aren't there more sawmills cashing in on their tonewood potential?
Instinct would tell me to make the scale length slightly longer than standard for a mandolin (but not as long as a mandola) and make the body slightly bigger (probably wider rather than deeper), to give a better tone on the lower notes. But I've yet to try it.
had a tune with ian mcleod yesterday; he has a lovley 10 string sobell mandolin/mandola- best mandolin ive played in my life for sure;loud, lots of sustain, nice comfortable neck, lovley chime/resonance to it.
I have one of Sobell's 10-string large-body mandolins, which I've owned since 1984. The scale length is 14-1/4” (362mm), body width 12-1/2” (316mm), overall length 28” (711mm).
It's a really nice instrument to play, and the only mandolin I've tried that can hold its own against a passel of fiddles and pipes in a session.
Depending on which side of the pond you,re on, if you,re after something cheap in price ,and probably quality, you could check out Lark in the Morning, I,ve seen a cheap cittern in their catalogue, made in some eastern european country I think, maybe Hobgoblin in the UK has something similar also. Personally I,d save me pennies and get something good, as some of the previous posts mention. Good luck!
10 string mandolin
10 string mandolin
Does anyone out there know where to find a 10 string mandolin? Thank you.
# Posted on March 15th 2007 by Mandolynist
Re: 10 string mandolin
Here is one:
http://www.guitars.co.nz/mandolin.html
Good luck.
# Posted on March 15th 2007 by abuteague
Re: 10 string mandolin
stuart.co.nz
he also has something like that in his offer
# Posted on March 15th 2007 by padre
Re: 10 string mandolin
I think most Mandolin makers would make you one if you asked.
# Posted on March 15th 2007 by Unseen122
Re: 10 string mandolin
Some would call this a cittern.....this was the name originally appropriated by Stefan Sobell to describe his first 10-string long-mandola-scale instruments.
I've heard that the 5-string VIOLINS don't quite work, in that either they're stronger in the bass side, and thin in the top string sound, or vice versa.
I'm curious; are you looking for a mandolin with an extra pair on the bottom another fifth down, or what ?
# Posted on March 16th 2007 by Guernsey Pete
Re: 10 string mandolin
Did like the wood on that mando, but not the design - not a fan of these country mandos. But they do have some lovely woods in the antipodes, though I don't know how well they work acoustically. Why don't we grow some good tonewoods in the UK ?
# Posted on March 16th 2007 by Guernsey Pete
Re: 10 string mandolin
Yes, a mandolin with a low C string. Incidently, there is a guy here in Minneapolis Minnesota, USA making 5 string violins with a low C string that have an improved low string sound. The lower part of the instrument is 10 millimeters wider than a standard violin. Same string length as a violin.
# Posted on March 16th 2007 by Mandolynist
Re: 10 string mandolin
G. Pete - I'm with you there. Nothing against F-style instruments per sé - it just frustrates me that so many people seem to regard that design as *the* definitive mandolin, and all others as poor substitutes.
"Why don't we grow some good tonewoods in the UK ?"
Walnut, Sycamore, London Plane, Cherry...
Why aren't there more sawmills cashing in on their tonewood potential?
# Posted on March 16th 2007 by ragaman
Re: 10 string mandolin
Instinct would tell me to make the scale length slightly longer than standard for a mandolin (but not as long as a mandola) and make the body slightly bigger (probably wider rather than deeper), to give a better tone on the lower notes. But I've yet to try it.
# Posted on March 16th 2007 by ragaman
Re: 10 string mandolin
had a tune with ian mcleod yesterday; he has a lovley 10 string sobell mandolin/mandola- best mandolin ive played in my life for sure;loud, lots of sustain, nice comfortable neck, lovley chime/resonance to it.
twit
# Posted on March 16th 2007 by ecidralla
Re: 10 string mandolin
I have one of Sobell's 10-string large-body mandolins, which I've owned since 1984. The scale length is 14-1/4” (362mm), body width 12-1/2” (316mm), overall length 28” (711mm).
It's a really nice instrument to play, and the only mandolin I've tried that can hold its own against a passel of fiddles and pipes in a session.
# Posted on March 16th 2007 by Jumper
Re: 10 string mandolin
A little bigger than a mandolin, but......
http://www.guitarmaker.ca/sscitternimages.html
# Posted on March 16th 2007 by oldstrings
Re: 10 string mandolin
http://www.theacousticmusicco.co.uk/mandolin-guitar-news.html
trevor usually has a few here, he does mail order as well.
# Posted on March 17th 2007 by molloy
Re: 10 string mandolin
Is there a less expensive option out there anybody? Most of my gigs are on violin/fiddle. Thank you.
Mandolynist
# Posted on March 18th 2007 by Mandolynist
Re: 10 string mandolin
Depending on which side of the pond you,re on, if you,re after something cheap in price ,and probably quality, you could check out Lark in the Morning, I,ve seen a cheap cittern in their catalogue, made in some eastern european country I think, maybe Hobgoblin in the UK has something similar also. Personally I,d save me pennies and get something good, as some of the previous posts mention. Good luck!
# Posted on March 19th 2007 by mandobrynley
Re: 10 string mandolin
Gypsy's Music in Arizona is building me one. Hooray.
Mandolynist
# Posted on March 22nd 2007 by Mandolynist