67 model, vintage Galalith, 2.3mm

Description

An old-fashioned, mandolin-style shape from a 1928 d’Andrea catalogue, the original sports a cork strip around the top, but I decided not to interfere with the slim and elegant lines of this arrowhead.

This shape may take some getting used to, and mandolinists may like it more than guitarists, but it does challenge any player to new techniques and grips, and thus possibly to new tones.

This amazing material, known as Galalith is a historic synthetic plastic material manufactured by the interaction of casein (a milk protein) and formaldehyde. Invented in 1893 and first commercially produced in 1900, its trade name is derived from the Greek words gala (milk) and lithos (stone). It is odourless, insoluble in water, biodegradable, non-allergenic, antistatic and virtually nonflammable. Talk about environmentally friendly and sustainable. It also is a joy to work with and polishes up to a lovely transparent deep sheen. What’s not to like? And, true to its heritage and composition, Galalith’s tone is slightly mellower and rounded than that produced by its more recent brethren Kirinite, Juma, and epoxy, but offers great clarity and definition.