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Thread: Frank Benko F5 copy

  1. #51
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    Any photos of the A model-or any other pix? I love these old odd balls!

  2. #52
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    I think these are great photos of an obscure quality mandolin, I'd love to get my hands on her to restore to playable condition! Looks likw a neck set is also in order! I'd love to give this one some justice!

  3. #53

    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    Quote Originally Posted by mrmando View Post
    Well, Que. could be Quebec, supporting the notion of its being a Montreal-made instrument.
    yes definately quebec. frank benko had a shop in little burgundy in montreal before he moved to toronto. but it was in the forties

  4. #54

    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    i remember two different friends finding frank benko mandolins in flea markets in the good old days. they were a couple of hundred dollars and fantastic finds. benko was an excellent lutheir. i believe he had a cousin who made instruments in chicago as well, which were mostly balkan instruments. i saw a set of tamburitza rchestra instruments made by another benko and the label said chicago. also to quality lutheiry. i'd snap up any benko instruments if cheap and restore them.

  5. #55
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    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    Quote Originally Posted by William Smith View Post
    Any photos of the A model-or any other pix? I love these old odd balls!
    I will try to get some decent pictures as soon as I get a chance.

  6. #56
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    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    Wow! Bernunzio had a handsome Benko "mandocello". Or is it an OM? 21" scale

  7. #57

    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    I sold the mandolin and mandocello to Bernunzio in the original cases. They were flawless. Made on Kingston rd. in Toronto The tailpiece covers were all dated 1967 the centennial year. His son made the pickguards and tailpieces and the beauty cases.He worked out of a shop shared by a maker named Lado. Steve Martinko (still alive) worked for Benko. Most of this info can be had by contacting Grant at 12fret.com. I think he owns some personally.The original cello was ordered by the Schevchenko orchestra and passed to the Welland mando orch. The mando was bought new by Joe Perkell and passed to Syd Dolgay when the neck glue came loose. The cello could be strung as an octive mando or cello. A one piece mahogany back similar in size to a Gibson cello. Mahogany sides, neck and Gibson tuners(kluson ) I think.Somewhere I have pictures both.Blonde tops, if you ask me to I will try to find them on the new computer. yours, oldplinker@gmail.com

  8. #58

    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    Here are some shots of a Benko mandocello: Click image for larger version. 

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  10. #59
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    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    Wow! That is a beauty.
    Looks pristine and that is a great colour.

  11. #60
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    I like the fact it has a long scale neck! It still blows my mind that most all old Gibson's and such have short necks, all beside the style 5 instruments! The longer scale saying the neck joint meets body at 15th fret is so much more beneficial IMHO anyway for playability and tone?

  12. #61

    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    he also invented the benko gambit in chess

  13. #62

    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    Here are some photos of a 1967 I used to own: Click image for larger version. 

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    Pick guard is not original. Hope you enjoy them. (Old Plinker)
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  15. #63
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    That is one gorgeous A style! Love the bound F holes and the Pearl? blocks! I love old F-5's with pearl blocks, I think it just has that neat factor granted this is A-5 style but awesome!

  16. #64
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    Quote Originally Posted by oldplinker View Post
    Here are some shots of a Benko mandocello: Click image for larger version. 

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    I love the period Dymo label tape!
    Jim

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    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    Here are some pictures of my Benko Model B6 serial # 26-38
    I might have the pickguard hiding around here somewhere.Click image for larger version. 

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    Lightly flamed back, mop block inlays 1967 Centenial tailpiece

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  19. #66
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    That's another very nice A model, love the whole look! What a great little package with the blocks, and bound F-holes! Is this a early 0's model? I ask because of the tuners?

  20. #67
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    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    I am not sure of the age but the Centenial tailpiece ensures that it was 1967 or newer.
    Canada's Centenial was in 1967.

  21. #68
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    I meant to say those enclosed Kluson tuners! But stil very nice mandolin! I'd add one of those baby's to my herd! NICE! I'd still rather have the beat old F-5 style shown earlier because I love well worn examples but that me!

  22. #69
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    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    I am not sure what Benko was usually using for tuners.
    Might be that he used whatever he could get his hands on?
    He might not have been stuck on any one brand.

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  24. #70
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    That's true I've seen many Gibson mandolins, say cheap 1923-24 A-1's with the expensive Loar style silver plated, engraved pearl button arrowhead or bump end tuners! Well bump end 25 onward!

  25. #71
    Registered User Cary Fagan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Frank Benko F5 copy

    Reviving this thread because a Benko archtop guitar has just appeared on Kijiji in Montreal and I thought people might want to see it. Certainly is different. Clearly carved top and back.

    Here's the listing:

    https://www.kijiji.ca/v-guitar/winni...peg/1546785832

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    Cary Fagan

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