Archtop Mandolin

1971

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681

This was the first of only three mandolins made by the celebrated luthier James D'Aquisto. Built in 1971 for Lydia Merriman, the instrument developed a crack in the top during construction and was put aside to be fixed and finished later. After the death of James D'Aquisto, the instrument was put into playing condition and used for several years.

In 2009, the instrument was restored to near original condition, using as an example the other two instruments built by James D'Aquisto as a model. This restoration was done by the luthier John Monteleone of Islip, Long Island.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Exhibition History

References

Title: Archtop Mandolin
Maker: James D'Aquisto (American, New York 1935–1995 Corona, California)
Date: 1971
Geography: Huntington, New York, United States
Culture: American
Medium: Spruce, maple, ebony, celluloid, mother-of-pearl
Dimensions: 22 13/16 × 10 in. (58 × 25.4 cm)
Classification: Chordophone-Lute-plucked-fretted
Credit Line: Purchase, Amati Gifts, 2008
Object Number: 2008.70
Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

Audio

9386. Archtop Mandolin

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Archtop Guitar, James D'Aquisto American, Maple, macassar ebony, iron, brass, American — Archtop Guitar
James D'Aquisto
1983

Archtop Guitar, James D'Aquisto American, Spruce, maple, ebony, American — Archtop Guitar
James D'Aquisto
1993

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Archtop Guitar, John D'Angelico American, Spruce, maple, ebony, steel, celluloid, mother-of-pearl, American — Archtop Guitar
John D'Angelico
1932

Mandolin, Angelo Mannello American, born Italy, Spruce, maple, tortoiseshell, ivory, mother-of-pearl, metal, American — Mandolin
Angelo Mannello
1900

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