Hi folks, A client asked me to inspect a Stahl Mandolin he recently purchased and had drop shipped to me from the seller. I've researched Stahl instruments in the past and know that many but not all instruments they sold were Larson Brother built instruments. They also used a variety of other builders including Regal.
I've received the mandolin today and have given it a once over. I have observed the following:
1) What appears to be an ebonized maple finger board, definitely NOT ebony.
2) The curl at the end of the fingerboard is exactly like Many Regals I have seen and worked on. The one verified Larson Mandolin I was able to locate online has a more complex curve to the fingerboard end.
3) The wood marquetry on the top is a typical Regal pattern (though I have seen it on other Chicago built instruments as well).
4) I see no numbers of any kind, anywhere. Just the Stahl label.
5) It does have the "back over the neck heel" construction, something I don't usually see on a Regal.
I'd love to hear the thoughts of the forum members on just what this is.
The Mandolin is is very good condition, with no cracks or splits in the top, back and sides. The one issue I have noted is a slight warpage of the top on both sides of the sound hole; a common issue in older guitars and mandolins. I have proposed adding in 2 popsicle braces; one on either side of the sound hole running from the first brace (just before the neck side of the sound hole) to the second brace ( just past the end side of the sound hole). I'd appreciate your thoughts on just I have here and confirmation that I'm going to do the correct repair.
Thanks very much!
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