Post by Mike Floorstand on Aug 26, 2015 22:56:42 GMT
Today is a New (to me!) Mandolin Banjo Day!
It has the name WALLIOSTRO stamped on the headstock, but no other maker's marks I can see so far. Bit of googling suggests possible German make from the 1920s although I also found reference to a 1920s London violin maker of the same name so maybe he rebadged some for his shop? Most other Walliostro instruments I found seem to be zither mandolin banjos, I did find one open-back but looked like a smaller pot than this, fewer tension hooks and without the slothead. I like the look of the slothead, though not looking forward to changing strings which as you can see from the photo is somewhat overdue.
Bit grubby but seems in reasonable condition - not much sign of fret wear. Neck reasonably straight, action a bit high but mainly because of a very chunky 5/8" bridge. Nut slots seem a bit high so will be an opportunity to try out my new bargain bucket Chinese nut files. Tuners a bit stiff but seem OK - they are of the type where the cog is attached to the string shaft with a screw rather than riveted, so should be possible to fully dismantle for a thorough clean - and will hopefully be good to go after some spit, polish and a drop of 3-in-1.
Quite a thick vellum (maybe pigskin?) head in reasonable condition for it's age, though I'm planning to try some different heads on this to see what difference it makes to the tone.
Needless to say Mrs F is delighted to see another instrument arrive in the house and looking forward to seeing the dining table disappear under a carpet of banjo parts!
It has the name WALLIOSTRO stamped on the headstock, but no other maker's marks I can see so far. Bit of googling suggests possible German make from the 1920s although I also found reference to a 1920s London violin maker of the same name so maybe he rebadged some for his shop? Most other Walliostro instruments I found seem to be zither mandolin banjos, I did find one open-back but looked like a smaller pot than this, fewer tension hooks and without the slothead. I like the look of the slothead, though not looking forward to changing strings which as you can see from the photo is somewhat overdue.
Bit grubby but seems in reasonable condition - not much sign of fret wear. Neck reasonably straight, action a bit high but mainly because of a very chunky 5/8" bridge. Nut slots seem a bit high so will be an opportunity to try out my new bargain bucket Chinese nut files. Tuners a bit stiff but seem OK - they are of the type where the cog is attached to the string shaft with a screw rather than riveted, so should be possible to fully dismantle for a thorough clean - and will hopefully be good to go after some spit, polish and a drop of 3-in-1.
Quite a thick vellum (maybe pigskin?) head in reasonable condition for it's age, though I'm planning to try some different heads on this to see what difference it makes to the tone.
Needless to say Mrs F is delighted to see another instrument arrive in the house and looking forward to seeing the dining table disappear under a carpet of banjo parts!
Jo whoever he is.
