Fish Mandolins

[John Flynn]

I played with a guy this weekend who had an very nice F-style. It was all black, with white binding and gold hardware. I got to play it and it sounded very nice. Loud, with that great dry bark sound. It was by a builder named "Fish." The inlay on the headstock had the word "FISH" with the letters stylized so the whole word was in the shape of a fish. I cannot find any reference to this builder online. Anyone familiar with him?

[Dan Adams]

Mando Johnny:

Check the spelling. Are sure it doesn't say Fisch. These are made by Fischmiester Karal of the Czech Republic. There are approximately 16 of them in existence, and I believe #16 or #17 is in the states now and might still be available. If it reads Fish on the headstock and it is in the shape of a fish, then I can't be any help. Let us know.

Great scrolls alive! Dan

[Ted Eschliman]

Oh, I couldn't resist...
*So what kind of tunas did it have?
*This is one you would want to practice your scales on--just for the halibut.
*Must have made quite a splash with the audience.
*I read about it, too. Caught it on the 'net.
*Didn't know whether to finish the solo or just cut bait.
*Played great, but I never could get the smell off my fingers when I was done.
*It really had me hooked. Very catchy sound.
*Bring one of these to a jam with a bunch of Gibsons, you'd really be swimming upstream.
*Give a man a Fish, feed his M.A.S for a day. Teach him to play Fisher's Hornpipe on one--you'll see him at your jams the rest of his life.
Okay, I'm (mercifully) done

[jim simpson]

Ted,
That was delightful! I can't tell you how strongly I had to resist cracking wisely on this post. I just hope someone tells us how to tune a Fisch!

[John Flynn]

It was "Fish," not "Fisch" and it is a US builder, I think from out-state Missouri. I am glad to have given Ted the opportunity to get that off his chest, though. I was half-expecting this thread would "bait" Bill Bussman into posting a picture of his electric bass in the shape of a bass (fish). Oh well, it seems Mr. Fish, the luthier, has missed his 15 mintues of fame.

[mandodude]

Sit tight, Bill... I'll do it for ya!