| Mandolute | |
| Classification: | String instrument (plucked) |
| Hornbostel Sachs: | 321.322 |
| Hornbostel Sachs Desc: | Composite chordophone |
| Developed: | 20th century |
| Builders: | Weymann and Son |
The Weymann Mandolute was one of the products sold under Weymann, the Philadelphia-based brand of Weymann and Sons, established 1864.[1] The 'mandolutes' were actually mandolins with eight strings and tuned exactly the same. The scale length is also within the standard mandolin scale; between 13inches and NaNinches. They advertised using scientific principles to create vibrations, power and volume as well as sustained sweet and mellow tones, all in the same instrument.[1]
Weymann and Son was a Philadelphia company, manufacturers of Weymann and Keystone State musical instruments.[1] They manufactured the mandolute during the early 20th century.[1] They also had a retail store on 1010 Chestnut Street.[1] They advertised in the Philadelphia papers, with advertisements pushing culture. Young men and women, sitting around in a formal parlor setting, playing music together on Weymann Mandolins, dancing together around a Victrola record player.[2] The Mandolutes sold from $25 to $75 in 1913.