Concert Mandolin G. Kasermann (Carlo Sartori Label) from 1929

This G. Kasermann concert mandolin bearing a Carlo Sartori label dated 1929 is part of the fascinating history of Giovanni Kasermann (or Hasermann, 1881–1965), a major figure who nevertheless long remained in the shadows of 20th-century Neapolitan lutherie.

Probably of Swiss origin, Giovanni Kasermann began in the early 1900s alongside his brother under the name Fratelli Hasermann, before becoming a central figure in Italian instrument making.

He successively held an exceptional and unique position as primo operaio, effectively workshop foreman and master craftsman, within the prestigious houses of Raffaele Calace and Gennaro Vinaccia, two historic pillars of the Neapolitan mandolin tradition.

After his brother’s death, he established his own workshop at 112 Via Carbonara in Naples, where he developed a personal style that is immediately identifiable, a remarkable synthesis of the advanced acoustic research characteristic of the Calace workshop and the refined innovative spirit of the Vinaccia tradition.

His influence quickly extended beyond Italy through his students and the circulation of his instruments throughout Europe.

With the rise of Fascism in Italy, his experience, reputation, as well as his Jewish origins and political commitments led him to work more discreetly, producing instruments for other luthiers, workshops, or commercial brands, as is the case here with the Carlo Sartori label affixed to this 1929 instrument.

Also noteworthy is this exceptional mandolin, likewise built by Giovanni Kasermann for L’Estudiantina of Mario Macciochi.

This practice, common at the time, explains the presence of different trade labels while preserving a strong stylistic identity, recognizable in the construction choices, proportional balance, and acoustic design.

The assurance of his craftsmanship and his technical mastery enabled him to produce with remarkable efficiency, covering a wide range from student-grade instruments to exceptional concert mandolins.

The year 1929 corresponds to a period of artistic maturity for Kasermann, at a time when the mandolin still held a central place in plectrum orchestras, musical salons, and the European classical repertoire.

Thus, this 1929 G. Kasermann concert mandolin with Carlo Sartori label represents the rare combination of an influential Neapolitan master luthier and a discreet trade production, offering today a historical instrument of exceptional tonal and musical character.

Technical specifications:

• Top: Spruce
• Back: Maple — 21 ribs
• Neck: Beech, rosewood veneered
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Nut width: 26.5 mm
• Radius: Flat
• Frets: 24 frets
• Scale length: 332 mm
• Neck profile: Neapolitan
• Pickguard: Tortoiseshell
• Country of manufacture: Italy
• Year: 1929
• Finish: Natural
• Appointments: White mother-of-pearl fingerboard markers / Binding around the top and rosette / Tortoiseshell pickguard
• Details: Normal signs of wear consistent with its age / Binding repairs between the ribs / Repaired and secured pickguard crack / Repaired upper neck / Repaired top crack /

Like all our instruments, this mandolin has been professionally restored and carefully set up with great attention.

As a result, it offers superb playing comfort, with a supple and effortless touch, notably thanks to the Fisoma Supersolo flatwound string set, which enhances both playing feel and tonal response.

The tone of this concert mandolin is full, bright, and strikingly precise, delivering clear and powerful projection while retaining remarkable harmonic refinement in the most subtle nuances.
Its refined, balanced, and singing timbre reveals crystalline trebles, expressive midrange, and a supple yet responsive dynamic range, making this 1929 instrument a truly outstanding, inspiring, and deeply musical piece.