Interesting bowlback I can't identify

[rickbella]

Here's an interesting offering on Craigslist:

https://portland.craigslist.org/clk/...550658347.html

I know the "Saturn" label was used with some Japanese guitars, but this one has me stumped. Any ideas?

Hard to judge its condition or sound, but the price is low enough for a fix-up project or an experiment.

[MikeEdgerton]

That Saturn inlay was probably available from a jobber and I suspect someone may have harvested the original tailpiece.

Same inlay over ebony on this mandolute.

[MikeEdgerton]

I'm pretty sure it was built by whomever built this one.

[NickR]

I think it is another Oscar Schmidt mandolin- the pearl fingerboard, butterfly and the tuners and headstock shape. I don't think that tailpiece is original- looks like a Korean Kay type!

[rickbella]

Interesting!