Re: Can someone identify this Mandolin
I'll take a stab at it.....my guess would be a Chicago made instrument from the late '10s or '20s, high probability of it being from Regal or from their orbit of allied builders. We see lots and lots of these around with this basic format: flat back, canted top with broadly splayed scratchplate and the inset tuners with back coverplate. Different woods depending on the 'quality' form rosewood to mahogany to birch. Different amounts of detailing show up as well in the binding, rosettes, MOP, etc. I've had a few and played a few others and they have tended to be good quality, good sounding instruments. Basically ignored by the bluegrass crowd and of lesser tonal quality than the Martins or L+H G or E models of the time, but I think they are a great mandolin value. Usually they go on the ebay in the $150-250 range tops and you get a lot of mandolin for that kind of money.
Clean it up and get it ready to play. I wouldn't use anything heavier than light gauge strings on it if I were you (10-36.)
Nothing wrong with banjos, hombre. I like them a lot. Welcome to the bright side of the road.
Mick
Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
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