Symbolism
Opus 82
Mandolin-Banjo

 
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      Symbolism of
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    Originating
    Outside
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      The Publication
      The Author
     
      Preface
      Introduction
      Making Musical Instruments
      History
      Aesthetics
      Symbolism
      Conclusion
      Bibliography
     
      Index
      Instrument Makers
      Instruments
      Video Excerpts
      Audio Excerpts
     
      Other Web Sites
      Credits
     
     
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    Nineteenth-century instrument makers experimented in creating hybrid instruments, such as the mandolin-banjo, for which August Polmann patented his drawing in 1885. The instrument shown here, which follow Polmann's drawing, has the long neck, five strings (including the melody string) and flat back of the banjo.

      Mandolin-Banjo - CMC 74-236/S74-2308/CD94-161
    Mandolin-Banjo
    In the manner of August Polmann
    By Oskar Graf
    Clarendon, Ontario
    1974
    Honduran mahogany, spruce, holy, ebony,
    mother-of-pearl, metal, plastic
    Overall length: 86 cm;
    diameter of body: 26 cm;
    sides: 7 cm

    The soundboard, with its soundhole, is derived from the mandolin, while the shape of the body is a compromise between the perfectly circular shape of the banjo and the half-pear shape of the classical mandolin. This meticulously crafted instrument may be related to the flat-backed model known as the American mandolin, which appeared at the turn of the century in the United States.

    Opus 84
    Appalachian Dulcimer

    The soundboard of this hourglass-shaped instrument is made of cedar and decorated with four trillium-shaped openings, and the sides and back are in black cherry. There are four strings and a fingerboard with seventeen metal frets.

      Appalachian Dulcimer - CMC 74-242/S74-2312/CD94-160
    Appalachian Dulcimer
    By Oskar Graf
    Clarendon, Ontario
    1974
    Black cherry, British Columbia cedar, ebony,
    bubinga wood, metal
    Overall length: 92 cm;
    diameter of body: 16.5 cm;
    sides: 7 cm

    Opus 86 - Appalachian Dulcimer

      Appalachian Dulcimer - CMC 83-668/S95-09806/CD95-489
    Appalachian Dulcimer
    By David Miller
    Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
    1979
    Cedar, ebony, maple, agate
    Overall length: 94 cm;
    diameter of body: 16 cm;
    sides: 7.3 cm
    Gift of the Massey Foundation

    A scroll graces the head of this sleek instrument. The soundboard has four clover-shaped soundholes.

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