Martin bowlback sighting

[scgc.om]

http://www.folkwaymusic.com/instruments/martin.html

Thoughts? [e.g. 1) value? ; 2) what to do about a case?]

[Bob A]

One of the plainest Martin bowlbacks. Condition looks to be superb, unless it's been oversprayed or something. If action & frets are good, it may well be worth near what they're asking, though I wouldn't be tempted unless it were less than 750.

Cases are available from Eastman, classy fiberglass in lots of colors, from Gianna Violins, for about 170, or you can get a Korean hard case for maybe a hundred bucks. Not a lot of alternatives for bowlbacks in the US, alas.

If you're tempted, and go for it, be very aware that you will need very light strings. The usual bluegrass strings will destroy a bowlback in short order. GHS makes an inexpensive classical set (look to juststrings for it) or you can get fancier European brands which last longer and perhaps sound better for 13-16 a set from a few sources in the states.

[Jim Yates]

My first mandolin was a 1918 Martin bowlback. It had an inlaid teardrop pick guard. I bought it in Dundas Ontario at the "WE BUY_SELL ANYTHING" joint at the end of York Road. It cost me $20 in 1963. Some of the tuners were almost impossible to turn until I turned them around so the worm gears were away from the body. I traded it in on my 1962 D21 about 30 years ago. I was allowed $250 on it. My stomach is the wrong shape to play a bowl-back these days.

[Eugene]

I love Martin mandolins, especially the bowlbacks. My main mandolin is a less immaculate one-of-a-kind 1908. As Bob suggests, even immaculate, their asking price is far too high for a style 00 (it should be worth what they're asking, but it isn't).