Portugese Guitarra / Mandola
I bought this about 3 years ago form a museum in Canada, that were selling off instruments. It took some convincing to sell it to someone in China but I was so happy that I went through all the rouble.
When it arrived I was more than happy with the instrument. The tailpiece was replaced as it seemed to move or vibrate too much when playing ( above is the old one ) so I bough a modern guitarra tailpiece and it burst to life. There was also a crack on the back but that was avery easy thing to repair. After about 2 weeks of playing it just came to life into an totally amazing sounding instrument.
It was made by Joao Miguel Andrade, Lisboa. Back is brazilian rosewood, spruce top and ebony fretboard. The tuners were slightly different to the modern ones and actualy need a clock key to turn them, but again this just added to the whole charm of this instrument. The carving on the scroill head is exceptional and is delight to play.
I have 3 guitarras but this stands head and shoulders above them all. Beautiful in tone and looks,truly wonderful.