Archtop Mandolin

This was the first of only three mandolins made by the celebrated luthier James D'Aquisto. Built in 1971 for Lydia Merriman, the instrument developed a crack in the top during construction and was put aside to be fixed and finished later. After the death of James D'Aquisto, the instrument was put into playing condition and used for several years.

In 2009, the instrument was restored to near original condition, using as an example the other two instruments built by James D'Aquisto as a model. This restoration was done by the luthier John Monteleone of Islip, Long Island.