The Weymann Mandolute was one of the products sold under Weymann, the Philadelphia-based brand of Weymann and Sons, established 1864.[1] The 'mandolutes' were actually mandolins with eight strings and tuned exactly the same. The scale length is also within the standard mandolin scale; between 13 inches (330 mm) and 13+78 inches (350 mm). They advertised using scientific principles to create vibrations, power and volume as well as sustained sweet and mellow tones, all in the same instrument.[1]

Mandolute
A Weymann mandolute
from the 1920s or 1930s
Classification String instrument (plucked)
Hornbostel–Sachs classification321.322
(Composite chordophone)
Developed20th century
Related instruments
List
Builders
Weymann and Son

History

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Weymann and Son was a Philadelphia company, manufacturers of Weymann and Keystone State musical instruments.[1] They manufactured the mandolute during the early 20th century.[1] They also had a retail store on 1010 Chestnut Street.[1] They advertised in the Philadelphia papers, with advertisements pushing culture. Young men and women, sitting around in a formal parlor setting, playing music together on Weymann Mandolins, dancing together around a Victrola record player.[2] The Mandolutes sold from $25 to $75 in 1913.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Weymann Mandolute, The Latest Improvement in Mandolin Construction". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Philadelphia. 7 October 1911. p. 3. Retrieved 25 July 2017.
  2. ^ "Have your Grand Opera Favorite on the Greatest Entertainer in the World". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Philadelphia. 10 November 1913. p. 4. Retrieved 25 July 2017.
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