A brilliant F-style mandolin that draws deeply on violin design and finish methods—woody, warm, and powerful tone in an elegant build.

Why We Love This

We are fast approaching the 20-year mark as the sole dealer for Joe Campanella Cleary's wonderful, violin-styled mandolins. As this early example reminds us, Joe was crafting exceptional mandolins right out of the gate. Violin cues are most notable in the overhung edges that he employs, in place of squared off, plastic-bound edges, as well as in the finish work, but the whole look speaks to a violin luthier's origins and instincts. The sound is exceedingly warm with very little metal, yet retains great clarity and focus. This is a rare, unique tone you are unlikely to hear in another instrument, certainly not in a scroll-bodied mandolin.

This mandolin comes to us from the original owner, who has lovingly maintained it in very good overall condition.