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Thread: Unidentified Vintage Mandolin

  1. #1

    Default Unidentified Vintage Mandolin

    I've had this mandolin for the past 7 years and am really curious if anyone knows who, where or when it was made.
    It plays really well and has a very rich tone.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.
    Cathal
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  3. #2
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unidentified Vintage Mandolin

    Not complete certainty, but the slotted headstock, marquetry pickguard, "pie slice" maple/mahogany (?) back, general shape etc. are strong indications of German manufacture.
    Allen Hopkins
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  4. #3
    Registered User bbcee's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unidentified Vintage Mandolin

    By the marquetry & the tailpiece, looks German to me. Dave Hynds has several like this on his site:
    http://mandolinluthier.com/mandolins_for_sale.htm

    Numbers 12 & 17 are similar, but plainer on the front side than yours.

    I'll bet that thing is LOUD!!

  5. #4

    Default Re: Unidentified Vintage Mandolin

    Thanks lads! Yeah it is pretty loud compared to most mandolins I've heard, any idea what sort of time period these were made in?

  6. #5

    Default Re: Unidentified Vintage Mandolin

    Just found this mandolin almost identical except for slightly different fretboard at the sound hole end http://mandolinluthier.com/mandolins_for_sale_6.htm Have to say I'm surprised they are so cheap! I've played several instruments worth 4 or 5 times the amount the seller on this site is selling for and I have always preferred the tone and volume of my own.

  7. #6
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unidentified Vintage Mandolin

    Reminds me of Lone Stars made south of the Rio Grande ,

    but their multi color backs were Ray wedges rather than pie slices
    writing about music
    is like dancing,
    about architecture

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