Lyon & Healy model A - appreciated more every day

My 1925 Lyon & Healy model A with TI flat wound strings is SUCH a glorious instrument for classical. Sometimes I just feel the urge to yak about how much joy it brings me. Every note, for my taste, is glorious to hear and feel. I think each time I pick it up, I get more bonded to it. In 4 years it will be 100 years old yet it is in beautiful, beautiful condition. It is such a tribute to the artistry of those who designed and built these mandolins. LOL only on the Cafe can a person yammer on about this stuff and people will get it!

Attachment 197806

I agree, Tim! I picked up a 1918 Style B in January, and it makes me happy every time I open the case.

That is a beautiful mandolin!

Well, I'll complete the set -- I really REALLY like my L&H Model C, especially with the TI mittels Louise recommended.

But I admit, I do ogle the B's and A's.

Hank - although I don't know for sure, I've always assumed that the A, B, and C models were structurally the same with only cosmetic differences. I've assumed the three styles sound and play the same - although each individual instrument would of course have its own unique sound.
I truly wish I could "time travel" back to the 1920's and take a factory tour. My impression is that most of the craftsman were originally violin makers (not sure where I read that). I wonder if they were built on an "assembly line" (manually moved from one workbench to the next) or if one mandolin was built by one luthier from start to finish. I assume the former. Regardless, as many modern luthiers would say (think Peter Coombe) - those folks really knew their stuff!

Yes. I had one on my wishlist for many years and so when one popped up I was on it like white on rice. https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/a...chmentid=79165

I found it on the cafe classifieds, and turns out I was the first to contact the guy, only minutes after he had posted his ad.

I think mine is in the same era as yours, Tim. I will take mine out today and play it—it's been way too long. It's a later short-scale A pro labelled Washburn (not Lyon & Healy). Also, funny is that my friend owned it for many years and I was trying to sell it for him and then he convinced me to buy it from him and luckily I had the cash at the time.

Attachment 197891

Hi Jim - I play mine daily. I actually play all three of my mandolins throughout each week but I seem to favor the L&H. Somehow I got lucky with the three instruments I own. Each is a joy. Kinda' put a damper on the MAS thing LOL!