Bidding on this mandolin - ideas?

[nellicat]

I'm bidding on this mando; it looks fine, but the owner has made some modifications. #He seems like he knows what he's doing, but any thoughts? #
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws....=1&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=008&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBI%3AIT&viewitem=&item=180098818622&rd=1&rd=1)
I'm a RANK beginner, but I love the sweet little mandolin!

[Jim Broyles]

Peggy, your link doesn't work. Please provide the item number. Thanks.

[nellicat]

Item number: 180098818622
Sorry about that!

[JEStanek]

Looks good and played in (under fretboard wear). The mods look good and those are nice and will likely help it out. The bridge is non adjustable so if the action is high you would need to have a new one fitted or that one modified (probably a $80-200 job depending on the bridge and who does it).

The price now is pretty good. I wouldn't bid more than 150-180 for it (NFI for me) given you can get a new one for not much more. You could do worse.

Jamie

[Bob Denton]

I bought a stock one on ebay fro around $200 with the case. It is a great little mandolin. I also changed the bridge and fitted it properly.

The 380 is almost louder than my Gibson f5 Fern (currently +-$8K). It plays well and I will oftern take it to roudy sessions instead of the Gibson.

I play along with XM radio while driving (passenger side) and take it camping, travelling, anywhere I'd worry about the Gibson suffering a value deperciating knock or ding.

I'd probably go $225 with a case and ask for the original tailpiece...that one on here is ooooogli!

Cya!

[ShaneJ]

The damage to the top under the fretboard might be a worry, but it may not affect anything other than the looks. Can't tell how deep it goes. I'd be willing to bet that the current owner is the person that got a little carried away with the belt sander when he was trying to scoop the fretboard though.