Banjo Bandola APC BJMDA100 in Sapele

The APC BJMDA100 banjo bandola is an original instrument, developed and manufactured in Portugal.

The APC BJMDA100 is a hybrid model that crosses two traditional instruments with rich traditions and ancestral origins. One is the bandola, an instrument of European origin similar to the mandolin and established in Portuguese folklore, and the other is the banjo, of African origins and which has spread to various folklore, such as those of Anglo-Saxon expression.

The banjo is an evolution of instruments brought to America by black slaves in the 17th century. It was adopted by itinerant groups of white musicians in the 19th century, having found a place in North American folk music, especially in bluegrass, and it was also part of the traditional jazz groups of the beginning of the 20th century.

The bandola is a traditional Portuguese eight string chordophone. It's part of the mandolin family, but it has a bigger box. There are other types of bandola that are part of South American folklore traditions: the four-stringed llanera bandola, the eight-stringed eastern bandola, and the Colombian Andean bandola, with 12 to 18 strings.

The bandola is tuned one octave below the mandolin E – A – D – G from the treble to the bass. In addition to being used in traditional Portuguese music, it is used in Celtic music, particularly in Irish music, where it is known as the octave mandolin.

The bottom and sides of the APC BJMDA100 banjo bandola are made of sapelli, a wood widely used in musical instruments due to its resistance, acoustic characteristics and visual appearance. The top has the traditional metallic cover of banjos, with a stretched skin, providing greater resonance and volume and the characteristic sound that we associate with this instrument.

The neck is very comfortable, so they can delineate melodies with ease and dexterity. The head is equipped with traditional chimes, offering precise and stable tuning.

The APC BJMDA100 banjo bandola is manufactured by APC, one of the most important national companies in the production of traditional portuguese chordophones. Founded in 1976 by António Pinto Carvalho, who descends from a centenary school of luthiers in Porto, the company has about 45 artisans who build different types of traditional Portuguese and other origins.

Have an original instrument with a very special sound with the APC BJMDA100 bandola banjo, and the quality guarantee of an instrument made in Portugal.

Specifications:

• Top: natural headskin
• Back and Sides: sapelli
• Finish: open pore