Last edited by oldwash; Jan-14-2023 at 8:24pm.
Welcome to the Cafe!
I bet pictures and a more informative title would get you some useful information.
D.H.
Ha, you're probably right, D.H.
All this started a few weeks back when my son pulled it off the wall, tuned, got into it. It's a Hoot, no doubt.
I put new strings back when I got it, had some fun, but playing mostly standard 12 and 6 string gits, never took it any further.
I will get him to take pics and post-
It was made somewhere between 1910 and 1915. Probably around 1911 or 1912. The J was probably added by a previous owner. If you're interested in learning more about old Washburns get Hubert Pleijsier's book Washburn Prewar Instrument Styles. I don't know what strings you have on it, but you should probably use ultra light strings (09-32). I hope you and your son have fun with it!
Steve 2E, thanks, appreciate your time and help.
Yes, I saw that book referenced several times on the forum; looks like a great resource.
I did put the proper strings on the mandolin. Decades of 12 strings taught me the importance of proper gauge strings, and tuning. If I knew back in the day what to look for in used instruments, I would've avoided some major issues, by those who did not.
The Washburn has a beautiful tone. I just wanted to do my best not to butcher 'Maggie May', then it went on display.
Learned by ear, only way I've ever played, as there were no videos back then-
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