Concert Mandolin Rogis / J. P. Beuscher 1930's

A rare Italian instrument by Salvatore Rogis, the foremost craftsman (i.e., the best) in charge of the “Serie d'Arte” at Ermelinda Silvestri, whom he succeeded as head of the company, created under his own Neapolitan brand.

Confident in his abilities, Salvatore Rogis equipped his mandolin with an ebony concert fingerboard for solo use and a perfectly executed mother-of-pearl and abalone bellflower decoration.

The dealer Paul Beuscher, mentioned on the label, only distributed the mandolin in France.

As is customary at Silvestri, Rogis prefers to use a saw rather than traditional iron bending, freeing up the soundboard thanks to lower pressure. This technique allows the use of thinner and drier woods, including for the braces, which facilitate vibration and deform less over time.

Weighing in at 500 grams, it is the lightest mandolin we know of, giving it a superb sound that is both powerful and warm.

To get the most out of it, it is essential to use low-tension Fisoma strings, especially as the instrument has undergone previous restoration work on the head, which we have checked.

Intact, including the ebony concert fingerboard and hardware, this mandolin is in excellent condition, with no damage or restoration to the soundboard.

The low action across the entire fingerboard makes it easy to play.

The quality of the woods used (Rio rosewood, tight spruce opening at the edges, ebony), and the concert fingerboard make this solo instrument with its refined decoration a superb example of the work of the inventive and delicate luthier Salvatore Rogis, and more broadly a typical example of the synthesis of Sicilian and Roman influences achieved by Neapolitan luthiery during the 1920s.

Technical characteristics:

• Top: Spruce
• Back: 21-rib rosewood
• Neck: Beech veneered with rosewood
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Nut width: 28 mm
• Radius: Flat
• Frets: 24 frets (+1 zero fret)
• Scale length: 335 mm
• Profile: Roman (V)
• Pickguard: Ebony decorated with floral motifs in engraved white mother-of-pearl inlay
• Country of manufacture: Italy
• Year: 1930s
• Finish: Natural
• Decorations: Binding on the edge of the top / Binding on the edge of the back / White mother-of-pearl inlay on the edge of the top / Stylized “3” shaped fret markers in white mother-of-pearl / Plate decorated with floral motifs in engraved white mother-of-pearl inlay
• Details: Trace of re-gluing on the head plate / Signs of wear and normal use given its age / Very good condition / Comes with a cover

Like all our instruments, this mandolin has been carefully adjusted.

This makes it very comfortable to play.

Thanks in particular to its exceptionally light construction, this mandolin offers immediate, rich and deep vibration, with warm basses, singing mids and vibrant highs of great finesse. Its sensitive response and natural projection provide a fluid and inspiring playing experience, ideal for mandolinists looking for an expressive, lively instrument with remarkable musicality.