Antique Musical Instruments/Luigi Fenga's mandolin

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Expert: Jim Garber - 6/10/2009


Question

Fenga's mandolin
Hi, I'm writing from Italy, I have a Fenga's mandolin and I'm tryng to sell it but I need  a professional opinion and your valuation.
Thanks
Stefano Daga

Answer
Ciao Stefano:
Thanks for the photos. This is a very unusual mandolin. Either it was an experimental model by Sr.Fenga or else someone later added these unusual features.

it looks like the top does not have any bend  to it. We usually call it the cant of the top and it would usually bend right after the bridge. The side soundhole is unusual. Especailly unusual is the fretboard which, from your photos, seems to have 4 grooves down its length. I would think that the purpose would be to be able to bend the string a little bit into those grooves.

If this were all original to Sr. Fenga, then it could be an interesting mandolin for some collectors. If the top and the fretboard were replaced then that would devalue the instrument.

I would hesitate to evaluate this instrument. I would take it to a reputable shop that deals in mandolins and have them look at it. Frankly, in general the mandolins of Catania are not as highly regarded as those of Napoli or Roma.

If you have additional photos showing the whole instrument I would be interested in seeing it. Also, I am not sure, but is it possible that it is larger than a standard mandolin?

best
Jim

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Hi Stefano:
I am very much interested in seeing some more photos of this instrument. I have seen photos of other Fenga mandolins but this one, if original looks unusual esp with the side soundhole. Please send as many photos as you like to me at jimg@paperclipdesign.com

Also, if you have some measurements, that might help.

Ciao
Jim

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Jim Garber

Expertise

PLEASE NOTE: I will not be able to answer any questions about antique keyboards, accordions, concertinas, woodwinds, brass and percussion.

I can answer most questions on fretted instruments, my main area of expertise is in vintage mandolins, guitars and ukuleles. I also know some things about old banjos as well.

I have decided to no longer evaluate instruments -- it is very difficult without the instrument in hand. For guitars and some other American fretted instruments, I recommend the Vintage Guitar Price guide. Also, be aware that most insurance companies want written appraisals so my valuation would not work anyway.

ALSO PLEASE NOTE: it is near-impossible to accurately appraise a violin or bow remotely. If you truly want to find out what you have, you will likely need to take it to a reputable local dealer. Many of these folks will at least give you a verbal assessment of what you have after an inspection in hand and, if it is indeed worth something, can write you up a formal appraisal, usually for a fee.

If you have any questions about zithers please check the following sites:
http://www.fretlesszithers.com/ or
http://www.fretlesszithers.net/
Between the two of them, they have it all covered for any zither-like instrument.

Experience

I have been buying, selling, collecting and playing old and antique instruments for over 30 years. My recent specialty has been in European mandolins and classical and Italian mandolin music.

Organizations
Classical Mandolin Society of America, active participant on the Mandolin Cafe

Publications
Guild of American Luthiers, Sing Out Magazine,

Education/Credentials
BA, Brandeis University

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