Bandurria Tunings

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  Bandurria: scale length around 270mm
  Tuning:  this looks like a very short scale 12 string mandolin, but again comes from a different instrumental root. It is traditionally tuned AA, EE, BB, F#F#, C#C#, G#G# from top down. The 2nd string E is the same tonality as the top mandolin E.
GHS bandurria strings 12 string, loop-end silver wound, .011 - .033 (011, 014, 020W, 023W, 029W, 033W)
   
 Like the mandoilin family, there are several members of the bandurria family also, though the commonest of these are the bandurria and laud.
  • Bandurria:  1st: A (la), 2nd: E (mi), 3th: B (si), 4th:F# (#fa), 5th:C# (#do), 6th: G (sol).
  • Laudete or contralto lute:  This instrument was created as a result of a request by the Aguilar Quartet in 1930.
  • Laud or tenor lute:  1st: A (la), 2nd: E (mi), 3th: B (si), 4th:F# (#fa), 5th:C# (#do), 6th: G (sol) one octave below the bandurria.
  • Laudon:  1st: G (sol), 2nd: D (re), 3rd: A (la), 4th : E (mi), 5th: B (si), 6th:F# (#fa), 7th: C (do).   Invented by Paco Aguilar (member of the Aguilar Quartet) and was firstly built by the luthier Domingo Esteso in 1924 in Madrid. Instead of 6 double strings, it has 7 string courses (6 double strings and a single 7th string).    
  • Bass lute:  1st: G (sol), 2nd: D (re), 3rd: A (la), 4th: E (mi)
   

 

  Portuguese Guitarras: scale length around 270mm
  Tuning:  this looks like a flatback 12 string mandolin, but again comes from a different instrumental root, and has Preston tuners. It is traditionally tuned AA, EE, BB, F#F#, C#C#, G#G# from top down. The 2nd string E is the same tonality as the top mandolin E.