Mandolin APC MDL310 Spruce and Rosewood with Case

The APC MDL310 mandolin is a high quality Portuguese mandolin, manufactured in Portugal by one of the largest  national manufacturers of traditional chordophones.

The MDL310 is a mandolin manufactured by APC, one of the reference brands in the manufacture of traditional acoustic instruments in Portugal. The APC MDL310 follows traditional manufacturing methods using the most modern equipment. It is an instrument made to last for years and years in the hands of the most dedicated musicians, always with a high quality sound.

APC selected the woods used in the MDL310 for their strength, acoustic quality and aesthetic value. The top is in light-toned spruce, and the back and sides are in laminated Brazilian rosewood. The neck is in mahogany.

The APC MDL310 has the characteristic shape of the Portuguese mandolin, with a flat bottom and pear-shaped body. The glossy finish helps to bring out the natural characteristics and textures of the wood and the decorations of the pelmet and mouth, which features a rosette with traditional inlay, or a flower-shaped grille.

The MDL310 is a mandolin with defined highs and a good presence of bass, 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 4 double strings, tuned from the highest to the lowest in E-Mi, A-La, D-D, G-G, a tuning identical to the violin or the four lowest 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 Portuguese folk instruments, preserving the balance between tradition and innovation, and with the quality guaranteed by the enormous experience of this brand. Its founder, António Pinto Carvalho, began to learn the art of building guitars and cavaquinhos, through 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 around 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.

Invest in the national musical tradition with an instrument made in Portugal.

Specifications:  

• Top: solid spruce

• Back and sides: laminated rosewood

• Soundhole: round with traditional inlays or flower shaped grill

• Neck: mahogany

• Machine head: golden

• Finish: gloss

• Includes a semi rigid case

Please specify in your order the mandolin with the desired soundhole decoration.

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