APC Mandolin MDL308 Spruce and Koa

Play the tradition with the Portuguese mandolin APC MDL308, made in Portugal. 

The MDL308 is a mandolin manufactured by APC, one of the reference brands in the manufacture of traditional acoustic instruments in Portugal. The APC MDL308 respects traditional manufacturing methods with the application of modern techniques, being an instrument made to play for years and years always with a superior sound.

APC carefully selected the woods to manufacture the MDL308, chosen for their strength, acoustic quality and aesthetic value. The top is in spruce, with a light tone, and the backs and sides are in laminated ovangkol, a wood similar to rosewood in its tonal characteristics, widely used for its acoustic properties and great environmental sustainability.

The APC MDL308 has the characteristic shape of the Portuguese mandolin, with a flat bottom and pear-shaped body. The glossy finish helps to enhance the natural characteristics and textures of the wood and the binding and soundhole decorations.

The MDL308 is a mandolin that stands out for its bright and sweet sound, ideal for trills and colorful chords, with an impeccable sound presence to perform solo or in a tuna context. It is very comfortable to play, even for those who are not used to the tension of double strings.

The mandolin is a chordophone, with a string of 4 double strings, tuned from the highest to the lowest in Mi-Mi, A-Lá, D-Re, Sol-Sol, a tuning identical to the violin or the upper four strings of the guitar. . It is primarily a solo instrument, used primarily for trills and exposition and development of the melodic theme of a piece.

The Portuguese mandolin resulted from the evolution of the original instrument of Italian origin, which in turn descended from the lute. It fell into disuse throughout the 20th century, but was recovered by musicians who wanted to revive the Portuguese musical tradition, being an integral part of the musical arsenal of academic tunas.

APC is one of the most important manufacturers of popular Portuguese instruments, preserving the balance between tradition and innovation, and with quality guaranteed by the enormous experience of this brand. Its founder, António Pinto Carvalho, began to learn the art of making guitars and cavaquinhos, by the hand of his grandfather, when he was only 10 years old.

In 1976 he created APC, specializing in the construction of chordophones, which grew to become the largest national company in the field, with about 50 employees, who give authenticity and a personal touch to each instrument, manufactured with the most advanced technology of construction, for greater precision and accuracy. Modernity and tradition are the key to this company that proudly promotes the Portuguese cultural tradition.

Discover the sweet sound of the Portuguese mandolin with the APC MDL308.

Specifications: 

• Model: MDL308

• Top: solid spruce

• Back and sides: laminated koa

• Finish: gloss

Portuguese traditional instruments can present differences to the picture
shown in the website due to it's artisanal manufacturing,
specially in it's ornaments.