GIOVANNI DEMEGLIO

So here it is: The Giovanni de Meglio constructed in 1903
Model A with a silver inlaid feather in the scratchplate.
This builder is one of the more renowned luthiers from Naples.
The quality of its sound is really good. A beautiful and musically
singing voice! Though a lot of work it was really rewarding.
This instrument is back to life again!
Many thanks to Dave Hynds who supplies replica's of
old mandolin parts!

This mandolin has to be restored yet.
Allready clearly visible is the silver inlay on the
scratchplate. The odd wooden addition beneath the
bridgeplace is a typical De Meglio feature
as are the holes on the sides in the endribs.

This mandolin has been handsigned by De Meglio
himself. The label says: built in 1903 Model A
and its number of production.
Though not the most valuable builder these
mandolins seems to have a delicate sweet and round voice.
Definately a future collectable!

DOMENICO SALVADORI

Here the Domenico Salvadori is presented in its unrestored condition.

You have to be aware of what is severe damage and what is

reparable in order to get these instruments back in playable condition.

Though this would be a really nice wallhanger it wouldn't be

fair to this particular instrument as the interior workmanship

is good. Carefully done woodwork in the Vinaccia tradition.

In fact many of the foremen that were working for the Vinaccia

family later established their own business.

 

As can be seen the more elaborate ornamented mandolins

have closed tuners and of course a lot of ribs 29 to

be exact. The neck / body finishing can be found on

some Vinaccia models as well.

 

It is not known to me wether if these builders did the ornamentation

as well on their instruments but this one is worth an observation

and maybe presenting a kind of an allegory.

NICOLA SPOTO

Nicola Spoto seems to be one of the lesser known luthiers
in Naples around 1900. However the way of building and
overall woodwork is exquisite, even on a plain instrument
as this one. It's sound is no less!

A detail of this very well build mandolin.

Here are some comments of italian stringed instrument dealer:

"All Spoto mandolin and mandola I had got were also really iteresting instruments!Most of them are with a simple decoration , but really very
good costruction and sound result.

Spoto worked in two different workshops.
Most important in Naples and second one in the first year
of the XXth century when he worked very much in France near Nizza.
He worked until 1925.

His instruments are in between of Vinaccia and Calace project.
He is not as much known as Stridente and De Meglio,
but his work was very hight quality!"

The label states this instrument has been built in the year 1913.

Stridente

This mandolin would certainly have ended in the garbage
bag if it weren't that the back and the neck and head are in
remarkable good condition. This mandolin was a high end
model of this Napels based builder. Just take a close
look at the back....

Of course sculpted ribs with metal layers in between.
Very finely crafted as is the neck.
Though the soundboard can only be replaced
by a new one it is definately worth all that trouble!

Fratelli Umberto Mandolin

This Fratelli Umberto mandolin came with a badly repaired neck.

Alas, putting up the tension on this instrument again,

the reparation though newly done, remains visible!

Fratelli Umberto is thought to be a Calace copyist.

The soundbox as well as the label are well preserved

The back of the Fratelli Umberto

A nice detail of this mandolin