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Thread: Unknown stringed instrument.

  1. #1

    Default Unknown stringed instrument.

    Possibly a mandolin or ethnic instrument. No ID.... only a Kansas education sticker.

    Any help appreciated.Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Mandolin 1 jpeg.jpg 
Views:	170 
Size:	1.08 MB 
ID:	191703

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Mandolin 2 jpeg.jpg 
Views:	142 
Size:	1.19 MB 
ID:	191704

  2. #2
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unknown stringed instrument.

    It's a mandolin, probably a well meaning amateur built it. I've never see that particular shape but we get odd shapes all the time here. That is one thick top.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
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  3. #3
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Unknown stringed instrument.

    Looks like it was made by Rorschach.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

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  5. #4
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unknown stringed instrument.

    "Kansas education sticker" = shop class project, maybe?

    Concur on the top thickness -- might be fun to string it up anew and see what it sounds like...
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  6. #5
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    Default Re: Unknown stringed instrument.

    Love the painted binding.

    Might make a good electric instrument if you slap a pickup on there. Then the too-thick top wouldn’t matter. It actually might be a good thing and fight feedback.
    Don

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  7. #6

    Default Re: Unknown stringed instrument.

    I think I saw more than one instrument with similar strange body geometry being sold by Elderly or similar retailers. The listings credited a prairie folk builder. Unfortunately I was unable to any of the listings, but I'll see if I can unearth them again at some point....

  8. #7
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    Default Re: Unknown stringed instrument.

    The shape somewhat resembles instruments made by the Shutt Company of Topeka, Kansas. Those instruments were made in the 19-teens. Some time ago Gryphon had a couple of instruments made by Woody Williamson of Elmira, NY that seemed to be Shutt inspired. If you search you can still see the pictures and listings even though they’ve been sold. I don’t think your instrument is a Shutt but it’s likely Shutt inspired, especially being made in the same state.
    Don

    2016 Weber Custom Bitterroot F
    2011 Weber Bitterroot A
    1974 Martin Style A

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