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+7⁄8 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]
 A Weymann mandolute from the 1920s or 1930s | |
| Classification | String instrument (plucked) |
|---|---|
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 321.322 (Composite chordophone) |
| Developed | 20th century |
| Related instruments | |
| Builders | |
| Weymann and Son | |
History
editWeymann 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
editReferences
edit- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.