Looking for Information

[Tim Gaughan]

Purchased this mandolin in TN and seller had near zero information on the instrument or its history. Has no identifying tags, plates, labels inside or on the headstock.

Case is clearly handmade - yet the instrument itself has both some pieces/parts which are stock and others that appear handmade (or perhaps refurbished by hand).

Nothing special about the sound (plays fine) - just curious if anyone anywhere has any knowledge of who, what, where and how this thing came about. Thx.

[Ray(T)]

Top doesn’t look to be carved and an unusual back brace visible through the F holes. Tailpiece might suggest that it’s not that old.

[rcc56]

I seem to remember coming across a website from someone in the Smoky Mountains who builds instruments with simple construction techniques. I made a quick attempt to find it again today, but didn't come up with anything.

[allenhopkins]

Could it be a kit build?

[MikeEdgerton]

It has a zero fret, uncommon among US builders, common overseas. There was a retired guy that built unusual flat f style mandolins in Florida 20 years ago or so that induced the arch with bracing. I can't remember if he used a zero fret and I can't for the life of me remember his name.

[MikeEdgerton]

The builder I was trying to remember was James Docy. He did use the occasional zero fret. Are there any braces inside the back of that mandolin running from the neck towards the tailpiece? The only way to identify it will be by the bracing.

[Tim Gaughan]

Top doesn’t look to be carved and an unusual back brace visible through the F holes. Tailpiece might suggest that it’s not that old.

Bracing definitely non-standard upon closer inspection (sloppy glue job inside also suggesting a homespun instrument or kit of some type). Tailpiece most certainly a stock item- as is the headstock hardware.

I can agree its not that old -exterior coating still quite impressive - though a few battle scars/damage in the bottom bout. Previous screw holes in the headstock suggests that's been replaced at least 1x.

Thanks for the guidance.

[Tim Gaughan]

Thank you Mike -Bracing definitely non-standard upon closer inspection - glue job also a bit sloppy suggesting it was applied manually. Hardware (both tailpiece and headstock) has been replaced at least 1x - yet i still don't feel the instrument is very old. Also has the 'rattle tail' banging around inside - which i'm told either brought good mojo to the player or added resonance.

Nothing special on tone - yet action is set for playability.

[Tim Gaughan]

Mike - i did in fact get a better look at the bracing with a penlight mirror and indeed it (sort of) resembles the engineering in your photograph. Perhaps not as symmetric (and per my earlier reply - not as professional with the glue) - yet three distinct runners fanning from neck to lower bout. I'll have to Google Mr. Docy and understand more.

Have a great day.

[Tim Gaughan]

Thanks - i did purchase in TN and the consignment shop said they 'thought' the previous owner was local - so i'll keep searching. Thanks.

[John Rosett]

A friend of mine has an old Russian Domra with an identical case.

[Tim Gaughan]

Quite possible - as i see signs everywhere that the instrument was certainly handcrafted (lots of unevenness in the binding and hardware placement). Could even be a frankenstein as i've seen some of the bridgeworks, tailpiece and headstock pieces on sale via parts stores.

[Tim Gaughan]

Wow - that would be truly remarkable as this case is truly unique and clearly handmade (interior has pieces of shag carpeting and the exterior reliefs are straight from Michaels or a similar Hobby Shoppe). If true - then your friend likely holds the key to my mystery.

[MikeEdgerton]

If the bracing resembles that closely enough I would suspect it was built by Docy, maybe repaired by someone else. Mr. Docy was building these pretty late in his life and I would imagine some of his abilities may have waned as he got to an advanced age. If I recall he had worked for Martin Guitar for some years before he retired. He may not have lived in Florida. This was way back in my memory.

[allenhopkins]

This 2006 thread says Docy was from Hungary, and lived in FL. European background could relate to the zero fret, perhaps...

[MikeEdgerton]

That would answer that question. I'd like to see what it looks like inside.