Peter Coombe Mandolins and Guitars

Tel: 0429447505

Classical mandolin symmetric.

Classical mandolin.

Classical mandolin, Maple.

Classical Junior mandolin.

Classical Junior, Blackwood.

Classical Junior, Sassafras.

Classical Mandolin

Based on the Lyon and Healy style A and style C

Price - Classical $5000 AUD
Classical Junior $3800 AUD
Classical Flattop $1950
Classical Flattop Special $2300

Listen to me play a Classical mandolin - A B C D
Listen to me play a Classical Flattop mandolin - A B C D

Listen and watch Lloyd Wheeler play the first classical mandolin which is a long scale symmetric points classical.

Here is another video by Lloyd, this time recorded in the studio. Lovely mandolin sound, this is how it really sounds.

An order must be accompanied by a deposit of $500 AUD. This is non refundable if you cancel the order for any reason. The full amount is payable when the instrument is ready for delivery.

If you are lucky I might have a mandolin for sale available immediately.

Description

Available as the Classical mandolin with symmetrical or asymmetrical points, and as the Classical Junior with no points and a Classical Flattop (flat top with no points). There are two possible scale lengths, 13 3/4 inches or 13 inches.

These models are based on the Lyon and Healy mandolins and they are constructed very similar to the Lyon and Healy/Washburn mandolins. There are some differences, primarily to keep costs under control. For example, there is no scroll headstock, and the tailpiece is simpler. There is no leg pin, but there is an end pin so a strap can be used. It is named the Classical model because the Lyon and Healy mandolins are very popular amongst musicians who play classical music on mandolin. These mandolins are my personal favorites. They sound similar to the original Lyon and Healy mandolins, but are louder and more responsive, and in my opinion the tone is also improved. Fantastic mandolins, delightful to play and they sound awesome, really sweet, I love them and get blown away every time I string a new one up (but that is my opinion). The two points are, however, significantly more work to make so are more expensive. The Classical Junior is made to reduce the cost, and they are built the same as the Classical model, except there are no points and they have a riser block to simplify the bindings, and a full contact adjustable Brekke bridge. The Classical model comes with a custom Presto case, the Classical Junior comes with a standard music shop case.

The Lyon and Healy mandolins were constructed very differently from the Gibson mandolins. Many makers claim to make a mandolin "based on" on "influenced by" the Lyon and Healy's, but in fact have nothing much in common apart from the body shape. A Coombe classical model mandolin is in fact based on and constructed similar to the original Lyon and Healy, because I have studied the originals very closely. It has exactly the same feel and delightful playability.

Sound - the sound of the carved top classical models are quite different from my standard oval hole mandolins. They have a lighter, brighter and more delicate sound and feel. They do sound close to my original 1918 Lyon and Healy, but are louder, more lively and ring and sustain more. Like the original, they do not have the big woofy bass that is so characteristic of Gibson style oval hole mandolins.

The Classical Flattop mandolins are remarkably good sounding for a flat top mandolin . The proof is in the sound clips. I have spent much time researching how to make a great sounding flat top mandolin, and with the second generation of these mandolins that use some guitar construction principles, have achieved the goal. They are fun to play, sound really great, and are lighter and less bulky than an arched top mandolin, and because the top is much lighter, are quite a bit louder. This is a popular model. The Clasical Flattop Special is a special mandolin made from rare and/or expensive woods such as Ebony or Brazilian Rosewood. Do they sound better? I think they do.

For more information see specifications or contact me.

Pictures of the asymmetric Classical model, short scale length (13 inch).
Classical mandolin asymmetric

Comments from a customer -

"The notes on the A and E strings are bell like, absolutely beautiful for

single notes, sounds exactly like Marilynn Mair, who plays a both an

original, but mainly an identical replica of this made by a Canadian

luthier, no longer working, who reproduced the original with a flat peghead

just like yours

If you close your eyes and play lines on the basses, listening to the sound,

and volume, you would expect to be holding a much larger instrument

There seems to be an enormous amount of power on tap, lots of sound, like

pressing an organ key

It clearly delineates the different notes in chords or arrpegios. The sound

is stunning when compared to the rather plonk and tubby thuds that most bowl

back mandolins in the orchestra produce

Because it is so delicately and lightly constructed, you get very subtle and

fine tones for tremolo, a major feature of classical work, it is awesome,

single strings sing

I have not figured out all the dynamics yet, but when you do a double

octave run up the neck, the high notes are still really loud and clear,

in fact controlling the vol with your technique will be a learning curve

I feel like I am holding a model aeroplane and the action is incredibly easy

to play, this translates into velocity and potential for virtuoso

performance- this is exactly like the originals. I think you have nailed

that because that was what struck so much about the original I played. This

is not your typical bluegrass mandolin experience"

peter.coombe@bigpond.com

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Peter Coombe Mandolins and Guitars

Classical Mandolin

Based on the Lyon and Healy style A and style C

Description

Comments from a customer -

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