Mandolin Carvalho Leaf MDL SW Solid Spruce Acacia with Bag

The Carvalho Leaf MDL SK Mandolin has a sound that draws attention: defined, bright, and with a sweet side that invites you to play another round.

If you are comparing mandolins to explore traditional Portuguese music, student groups, folk, bluegrass, choro, or modern acoustic arrangements, this model gives you a solid foundation, with quick pick response and enough articulation for each note to stand out in the ensemble.

Carvalho builds the Leaf MDL SK in Portugal and relies on a combination of woods that results in a balanced timbre. The solid spruce top offers clarity, dynamics, and a natural projection that grows with you as you gain control of attack and phrasing.

On the back and sides, laminated acacia adds stability and a warm character in the midrange, maintaining the typical brightness of the mandolin without making it shrill. The open-pore finish enhances the wood grain and gives you a more organic feel in your hands, especially when you play for long periods.

With 8 strings in four courses, tuned in pairs E, A, D, and G from high to low, this mandolin follows standard tuning, which facilitates the transition between methods, tablatures, and repertoire. This familiarity helps you evolve faster, whether building full chords for accompaniment or playing melodies in tremolo with consistency.

The sycamore neck contributes to playing with comfort and stability, a very important factor when spending long periods of time practicing scales, position changes, and embellishments. The shape and response of the Leaf MDL SK make it particularly interesting for home sessions and rehearsals with other acoustic instruments.

Carvalho is a Portuguese brand whose tradition dates back to 1963. Founded by António Pinto Carvalho, the company keeps alive the heritage of the 19th-century Porto School of Artisans, applying traditional construction methods combined with modern technologies. Each instrument is handcrafted by a team of experienced luthiers, who guarantee the balance between technical precision and sonic soul.

If you're looking for a Portuguese mandolin with a solid spruce top, careful construction, and a bright, sweet tone, the Carvalho Leaf MDL SK is a safe choice for recording, accompanying, and leading melodies with confidence.

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