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The Mandoloncello

by Vincenzo Schisano
(Translated by Marianna Mastro)

Mandoloncello
Fig. 1 - The Mandoloncello (Photo by Giuseppe Ruggiero).

The mandoloncello is a young instrument, born in the 19th century to execute the arrangements of some parts of violoncello in the Plectra Orchestras.

In fact, its tuning is the same: La – Re – Sol – Do and, as the violoncello, it reads in bass clef (some music Professors usually write the parts 2 octaves above, allowing in this way an easier lecture in Treble or G clef.

Mandoloncello - The notation
Fig. 2 - The notation.

The “paddle” of the mandoloncello (Photos by Giuseppe Ruggiero). The “paddle” of the mandoloncello (Photos by Giuseppe Ruggiero).
Figure 3 e 4 - The “paddle” of the mandoloncello (Photos by Giuseppe Ruggiero).

The shape of the mandoloncello is like the Tenor mandolin with a long neck (this is unavoidable because more space is needed between the keys).

Detail of the “sounding board” of the mandoloncello. Detail of the “sound box” of the mandoloncello.
Figure 5 e 6 - Detail of the “sounding board” and of the “sound box” of the mandoloncello.
(Photos by Giuseppe Ruggiero)

There are some models, like the “Sicilian” with a round sound box flat and not so deep (almost similar to the guitar), which didn’t have much success besides their place of origin.

Concerning the compositions and the manufacturing, look at the file about the mandolin.

© Copyright 2003 Vincenzo Schisano. All rights reserved.

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