Concert Mandolin Raffaele Calace (Nicola Maria Calace) from 1902

Raffaele Calace, born in 1863 and died in 1934, was an Italian composer, performer, teacher and luthier who left an indelible mark on the history of the mandolin. His contribution to the evolution of this plucked string instrument is recognized as revolutionary.

Calace grew up in a musical family and began playing mandolin at an early age. Gifted with exceptional talent, he quickly made a name for himself with his technical skills and sense of musical expression. However, he not only became a virtuoso, but also developed a deep interest in lutherie.

At the time, the mandolin was mainly used as an accompaniment instrument in musical ensembles. Calace set out to push the instrument's limits, transforming it into a virtuoso instrument for soloists. He developed new playing techniques and explored the mandolin's expressive possibilities.

But Calace didn't stop there. He also brought major innovations to mandolin lutherie. He simplified the instrument's construction, making it easier to mass-produce. He also invented new variations on the mandolin, such as the mandolyre and the cantabile lute, which opened up new sonorities and musical possibilities.

Calace's impact on the mandolin was immense. His work helped elevate the instrument from a mere accompaniment to a respected solo instrument. His virtuosity and compositions also inspired many other musicians and composers to explore the possibilities of the mandolin.

Today, the mandolin manufacturing company founded by Raffaele Calace still exists, preserving its heritage and continuing to produce high-quality instruments. His influence on mandolin making and music in general remains undeniable, making him one of the most influential figures in the history of the instrument.

Here we offer for sale a concert mandolin, an rare model at the time.

It is almost certain that this mandolin was largely made by Nicola Maria Calace himself, despite the fact that it bears the label of Raffaele Calace, who is said to have finished the mandolin himself. Indeed, there are certain distinctive features that perfectly match a model made by Nicola Calace in 1898.

These include the concert fingerboard, which is thicker than Raffaele's, a classic Neapolitan headstock, a similar arrangement of mother-of-pearl inlays on the rosette, a plate similar to that on the mandolin offered for sale here, and the desire to make an instrument that sounds its best with a beautiful spruce top.

Nicola is the brother of Raffaele Calace, the other half of the famous "Fratelli Calace" family. The dating of this instrument coincides with the year in which the two brothers separated, around 1902.

What's more, it's clear that this mandolin has been designed to offer a superb playing experience and sound. The use of a concert fingerboard, which was still very uncommon at the time, is rare and remarkable on Calace instruments of this era. Indeed, Raffaele Calace would not adopt this practice until almost a decade later.

Moreover, the presence of a "classical" headstock, which was uncommon but notable in Calace production, adds to its singular character.

This mandolin is therefore a rare instrument, of considerable historical interest for understanding its evolution, but also of particular importance in the evolution of the Calace factory.

With its meticulous construction and refined decoration, this mandolin offers both the charm of an elegant instrument, a highly interesting testimony to Calace's brilliant production, and well-thought-out workmanship designed to sound its best.

Technical specifications:

• Top: Spruce
• Back : 19-rib rosewood
• Neck : Rosewood veneer
• Fingerboard : Rosewood
• Saddle width : 28,5 mm
• Radius : Flat
• Frets : 24 frets
• Fork: 330 mm
• Profile: Neapolitan
• Pickguard: Tortoiseshell inlaid with a white mother-of-pearl drop
• Country of manufacture: Italy, Naples
• Year : 1902
• Finish : Natural
• Decorations : Horn buttons / Filets on table edge and rosette / Rosette inlaid with complex white mother-of-pearl motifs / Fingerboard markers inlaid with white mother-of-pearl wave motifs / Iron marks on the table in the shape of a flower at the ends of the bridge
• Details : Table joint professionally repaired / Varnish wear on the neck / Very good condition / Delivered in its original case.
• Like all our instruments, this mandolin has been fully restored, cleaned and tuned for optimum playing comfort.

It is fitted with Fisoma Supersolo flat purfling strings with extra-light tension for a delicate touch and sound, while respecting the tension constraints of the instrument.

With a delicate, balanced, harmonically rich sound and good projection, this mandolin is an ideal instrument for all collectors and mandolinists.