Please consider making a donation to my mandola fund

The instrument below is called a mandola, and yes, it is a mandolin family instrument that is made in Spain. Mandolas are sometimes used in flamenco recordings and bring a sound somewhat different than the flamenco guitar. In fact, its steel strings add a beautiful contrast to the nylon strings of the flamenco guitar as well as it functioning as a melodic instrument like violin or viola. It will add a gorgeous element to my backing tracks and performances.

I have wanted one for 20 years. Due to the rising cost of living here in San Diego (Every dollar I earn has to go toward rent, food, and the rest of the costs of living in an expensive state and city), the challenge of being a full-time musician, the demanding amount of practice time required by the flamenco music that is my focus, I just haven't been able to afford one. In fact, the man who built the one in the picture below has since retired and he has passed his instrument plans and business to another builder I am in contact with.

I have hesitated to ask for anything other than referrals, but it seems I'll never reach my goal of buying a mandola and continuing as a full-time musician without help. A side note, I do work as a Spanish medical interpreter for Spanish speakers, and I do teach any student who wants to learn flamenco.

The instrument, a professional hard case, and shipping will likely cost around $4,000.

I will either personally pick up the instrument in Madrid from the builder or I will have it shipped, depending on those costs and how much I receive in donations.

When I have enough to make the purchase I will notify every donor.

Thank you!