Information about Neapolitan Mandolins

The Neapolitan mandolin is a traditional bowl-backed mandolin originating from Naples, Italy. It features a rounded, lute-like body made from strips of wood, a flat or slightly arched top, and four pairs of strings (tuned G-D-A-E). Played with a plectrum, it is known for its bright, resonant sound, making it popular in classical and folk music. First developed in the 18th century, it became widely used across Europe, with notable craftsmanship from makers like the Vinaccia family.

Alfonso Abbate

A respected luthier from Naples, Italy, known for producing Neapolitan mandolins during the early 20th century. While his name may not be as prominent as some of the legendary mandolin makers like the Vinaccia or Calace families, Abbate’s work contributed to the rich tradition of Neapolitan mandolin-making.

Label information: Alfonso Abate, Fabbricante Strumenti Musicali, Corso Garibaldi 42, Napoli.

Fratelli Ferrari & Co.

Italian luthier company based in Naples, known for producing fine Neapolitan mandolins and other stringed instruments during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their instruments were well-regarded for their craftsmanship and tonal quality, and the workshop contributed to the flourishing of Italian mandolin-making during this period.

Label information: F.lli Ferrari & Co., Fabbrica e Deposito de Mandolini, Napoli, Made in Italy

Giovanni De Meglio

A well-regarded Neapolitan luthier, known for producing high-quality Neapolitan mandolins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His instruments were popular both in Italy and abroad, particularly in the UK and the United States.

Label information: Casa Fondata al 1800, Vincenzo de Meglio, Napoli
MARÇA DEPOSITATA DITTA GIOV. DE MEGLIO & F. GLIO, UNICI. PROPRIETARII, GIOVANNI & GHERARDO DE MEGLIO, NAPOLI (ITALIA)
DE MANDOLINI, CHITARRE, Privativa: tastiera di Cristallo d’oro e di argento, Napoli 1890 e 1901. Medaglia d’oro Londra 1904. PIANOFORTI DE MEGLIO 1920[signatures] 

Michel Maratea

A lesser-known but respected luthier of Neapolitan mandolins, active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His instruments followed the traditional craftsmanship of the Neapolitan school, which emphasised both aesthetic beauty and musical precision.

Label information: Michele Maratea, Grande Fabbrica e Deposito, E Figli, Allievo Vinaccia, Systema DeMeglio Fabbricante Distrumenti Armonio, Napoli (Italia), Vicoletto Rosario a Porlamedina 18.

S. Sgroi Mancuso

Sicilian luthier based in Catania, an ancient port city on Sicily’s east coast.

Label information: Antica Fabbrica al Strumenti Musicali a corda. S. Sgroi Mancuso, Cantania (Italia) Onore al Merito

Stridente

Gennaro Stridente, a well-known luthier in Naples, Italy, active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Stridente family is one of the respected names in the history of Neapolitan mandolin-making, alongside other notable makers like the Vinaccia and Calace families.

Label information: Stridente, Fabrica de Mandolini, Via Antonio 22, Napoli. Typical of Neapolitan lutherie by Stridente of Naples.