We build perhaps the finest mandolin family of instruments, hand-crafted today. There are many fine mandolins on the market today and, so, we do not offer it except on a special bid.

Not so with the rest of the family. We do offer the mandola, both 8 and 10 stringed, and the cittern ( mandocello, octave mandolin, Irish bouzouki ), also in both 8 and 10 stringed models. We also offer a grand mandobass.

All are flat backed with a slight arch to the back and the soundboard. The traditional oval soundhole is lined with wood herringbone inlay. White and black banding and purfling completes the outer edges.

The fret arm is in mahogany, unless specified otherwise, with a steel reinforcement imbedded. The fingerboard and peghead are capped with black ebony.

The body is in your choice of flamed mahogany or rich walnut. The sounboard is in your choice of spruce or cedar. Other woods are available on a special bid basis.

The tuning pegs are standard nickel plated and the string anchor is heavy gauge, solid brass, polished and sealed. Gold plated tuning pegs are available at an additional cost.

The question of why 10 strings or 8 strings is simple. The traditional instrument has 8 strings providing four double strung courses. By adding a fifth course in the higher pitched side, it gives more versatility in range for the melody players. The lower pitched four courses are the instrument's traditional tuning. Another big advantage is that the mandola can be capoed down and played in the mandolin pitch (on the higher pitched four courses). Likewise the Cittern can be capoed down and played in the mandola pitch. Two instruments in one. Your choice.

The mandola and mandocello come with a top of the line, plush lined, hard shell case. The mandobass comes with a padded cloth case. A reduced price is available if you prefer no case, but the case is recommended to protect these fine instruments.