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Thread: Low End Strad

  1. #1

    Default Low End Strad

    I imagine this is late 40s or early 50s judging by the tuners. Does not look too bad from a very quick glance and a low starting price. The case looks to be 1940s while it would be easy to replicate that pickguard that has a nice big bite out of it:

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/11559456402...Bk9SR-bi_KmKYQ

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  3. #2

    Default Re: Low End Strad

    Identical to my mid-50s, upper-case stencil SOL, except for a less prominent figure on the back. The mouse-bite is to allow the add-on pickup (I had one) that rubber-bands to the upper round holes. The magnetic field doesn’t notice Bakelite, so not needed unless the pickup was fairly high, or you want to fuss with the pole pieces.
    If the same varnish as mine, the thumb-side wear on the neck indicates some use, but generally nice shape. The painted binding rubs off with use, and is another indicator. There is a single, transverse brace in these, which has been sufficient. By my barely-musical ear, the tone is somewhat on the dull side - no ‘bell-like’ treble or long sustain, but mine gets played every day. By the interest shown in this forum, the earlier models must sound better.

  4. #3
    FIDDLES with STRADOLINS your_diamond's Avatar
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    Default Re: Low End Strad

    Quote Originally Posted by Richard500 View Post
    There is a single, transverse brace in these, which has been sufficient. By my barely-musical ear, the tone is somewhat on the dull side - no ‘bell-like’ treble or long sustain, but mine gets played every day. By the interest shown in this forum, the earlier models must sound better.
    Was there a time when Straolins switched from solid carved tops to pressed (steam bent) solid tops and again switched from solid pressed tops to laminated pressed tops?

  5. #4

  6. #5

    Default Re: Low End Strad

    Similar to my ‘55, except top looks (color, f-hole edges) like veneer, similar to the back. Tuners have ferrules and pristine buttons, so maybe the whole item is later production. Anybody know how long this general model was made?
    I do like the vendor’s backdrop. A music store in a defunct bank?

  7. #6
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Low End Strad

    Quote Originally Posted by Richard500 View Post
    Similar to my ‘55, except top looks (color, f-hole edges) like veneer, similar to the back. Tuners have ferrules and pristine buttons, so maybe the whole item is later production. Anybody know how long this general model was made?
    I do like the vendor’s backdrop. A music store in a defunct bank?
    Am thinking the ferrules (and maybe buttons?) were added latter. There is finish chipping around the ferrules that make me think the hole was slightly enlarged for them. And yes, it's probably all laminate mahogany.

    Yeah, that is a very cool backdrop. SOL from the vault.
    Brentrup Model 23, Boeh A5 #37, Gibson A Jr., Big Muddy M-11, Coombe Classical flattop, Strad-O-Lin
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  8. #7
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Low End Strad

    Here's another one. Looks fairly clean. Definitely can see the laminates through the f holes.

    Am posting this because (1) it has the cool lightning bolt f holes and (2) at least two of the tuner buttons are wood.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/33462021492...mis&media=COPY
    Brentrup Model 23, Boeh A5 #37, Gibson A Jr., Big Muddy M-11, Coombe Classical flattop, Strad-O-Lin
    https://www.facebook.com/LauluAika/
    https://www.lauluaika.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/Longtine-Am...14404553312723

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  10. #8

    Default Re: Low End Strad

    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Platt View Post
    ...it has the cool lightning bolt f holes...
    Along with the "comma" f holes we are working toward developing a Strad-O-Lin-specific vernacular. Handy...

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  12. #9
    FIDDLES with STRADOLINS your_diamond's Avatar
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    Default Re: Low End Strad

    Finish chipping around the ferrules that make me think the hole was slightly enlarged for them AND Definitely can see the laminates through the f holes!

    Good Eye Eric... or maybe We should call you Sherlock Holmes!!!

    Yes Jeff, we are working toward developing a Strad-O-Lin-specific vernacular.
    With at least 3 or 4 different TYPES. Stradolins with comma F-holes being oldest and Type 1... etc. etc.

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  14. #10
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    Default Re: Low End Strad

    Type 2 - Bullet Hole standard f Holes
    Type 3 - Bullet Hole w/ lightning bolt f holes

    Type 1 through 3 could be made by different makers (no proof)

    ? Not sure if "Type 4 - Oval Hole" isn't made by one of the above? So, sub-variant of "Type 2" maybe??? So Type 2b !

    Type 5 - Top and back (real) Binding might also be a sub-variant of "Type 2" so Type 2c.
    Type 6 - Top binding ONLY (real), may actually be a completely different Maker. I'm not selling the one I've got because it is so different with Inlayed Headstock Logo!

    I don't know, it needs work (and input). Reverb has a nice assortment of Types 1 through 3 for side by side comparisons. Pointy and Rounded Headstocks need to be incorporated into the mix

    Help! My brain hurts!!! This job probably shouldn't be give to a guy with ADHD (I smell Bacon) and obsessive compulsive disorder plus Dyslexia so bad, it's been called Lysdexia. I can't wait until my Dementia kicks into high gear... meet new people every day! I'm here all week. Try the veal!
    Last edited by your_diamond; Nov-25-2022 at 8:08am.

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  16. #11
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Low End Strad

    Agree - there are a lot of sub-differences. Celluloid tailpiece covers. Mainly on Type 2. The one in my profile photo has a rounded headstock. My latest one is pointy. And it's possible the profile photo model has a pickguard bracket(!)

    Body size - my comma hole is a smaller size than the others I've owned. Which to me is the biggest argument in favor of different makers. Unless they were being made to fit specific cases, then my argument is no good. (FWIW, my 10" model will not fit in the older SOL case.)

    One thing I have notied, is the later all laminate models often have no support under the elevated fingerboard. The one I last linked to does, though.

    Oh, and lets not get going about bridges (one piece, scallop top, notches on end, big gap for two feet, little gap, etc.)

    Then there are the necks, one piece is most common, but some have 3 pieces. Different fingerboards and inlays. Oh, and some have a possible layer of ebony or other dyed wood under the fingerboard.

    Part of me wonders if a new thread should start in either "Vintage" or the "Looking for Information" topics. Just to create a thread on differences in SOL models.
    Brentrup Model 23, Boeh A5 #37, Gibson A Jr., Big Muddy M-11, Coombe Classical flattop, Strad-O-Lin
    https://www.facebook.com/LauluAika/
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    https://www.facebook.com/Longtine-Am...14404553312723

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  18. #12
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    Default Re: Low End Strad

    If you start a new thread please add the link to this thread.

    Type 6 - Top binding ONLY (real), may actually be a completely different Maker, because this model does have a pickguard bracket hole in the side.

    Different size comma's. WOW!

    Celluloid tailpiece covers might have been an option and many bridges may be replacements. This is gonna get complicated.

  19. #13

    Default Re: Low End Strad

    Also, tuner style/brands. This would only apply to original instruments with original tuners, of course.

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