René Gérome

René Gérome Flat Mandolin 1930's

€0
René Gérome was born in 1884 in Paris.
He was mobilized during the First World War until becoming music director in Mostaganem, Algeria.
After the war, he trained first by working at Laberte, specializing in instrument decorations, then by working for L'huilier, a mechanical manufacturer.
And it was in 1920 that he opened his workshop in Mirecourt.
(Source: www.gypsyjazzguitars.eu)

He produced many instruments, following musical styles, in order to best meet the needs of musicians of the time, such as: flat and/or double-top mandolins, banjo, jazz, folk and Hawaiian guitars, ukulele and balalaika.

Here it is a flat bottom model which is presented for sale.
With pretty pistagne and wooden fillet marquetry on the rosette and the table edge.
The condition is more than remarkable for its age.

Technical characteristics :
  • Table: Spruce
  • Bottom : Maple
  • Sides: Lightly curly maple
  • Neck: Maple
  • Fingerboard: Stained pear wood
  • Width at nut: 28mm
  • Radius: Flat
  • Frets: 17 frets (+1 zero fret)
  • Scale: 339mm
  • Profile: “C” Neapolitan Type
  • Pickguard: Imitation tortoiseshell with pearly white acrolaque butterfly inlay
  • Country of manufacture: France
  • Year: 1930's
  • Finish: Brown stained maple / Transparent varnished table
  • Decorations: Pistagnes around the table in rosewood and pearly white acrolaque / Ebony-maple fillets / rosette decorated with pistagnes and fillets
  • Details: Light worm bites on the head treated and restored / Last fret (18th century) removed by the previous owner

With a very low action (see photos) and no frieze, this mandolin is very easy to play. The sound is powerful, with a lovely tone that will delight amateur and experienced mandolinists alike.

Delivered without cover.

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