Japan-era jethro-style epi models: solid or not?

[Jim MacDaniel]

I've always loved the looks of those Jethro Burns-style two-point oval-hole mandolins from Japan during the 70's -- especially the Epi's since they lacked that bright red-burst finish on the Ibanez, etc.

Seems to me that since they were inspired by the Gibson A-4 two-point that Jethro played, and are from the same parent company, that at least one of the Epi models would be all-solid -- but, I've not found any hard data on them on-line. Any experience with these out there? (Epi models that come to mind are the BG-440 and MM-44 #-- I think.)

[johnl]

Hello, Jim; I responded to your post on the Epi board, but I'll add it here in case anyone else is curious.
According to Epi/Gibson customer service the specs for the BG-440 are: solid spruce top; maple back and rims; b/w top and back binding; adjustable ebony bridge; engraved tailpiece cover; one-piece mahogany neck; bound rosewood fretboard; f-style tuners with ivoroid buttons; 26 frets, neck joins body at the 12th fret. Now if only I could find out about my Ventura two-pointer...

[fatt-dad]

Here's the ad sheet for the Alvarez 2-point. I had one and it was a great 2-point mandolin - maybe not to the custom level, but a nice one. . . .

f-d