Ebay item

**jim simpson** · Jan-29-2006, 9:44pm

Old Hand made Ukulele Uke Ukelele Mandolin 8 string Item number: 7383897009
This item ended today at $660.00. I was following it as it looked interesting but ending price surprised me given the condition of the instrument. Are these really going for big money?

**jim simpson** · Jan-29-2006, 9:44pm

2nd image:

**jim simpson** · Jan-29-2006, 9:45pm

3rd image:

**Jim Garber** · Jan-29-2006, 9:59pm

That one is a basket case and will need lots of work. However, take a look at this one on Lowell Levinger's site:

The price is $7750. Lowell's has harp strings but otherwise similar to the eBay one. In fact, Lowell was one of the later bidders.

Knutsen's are pretty rare and were the precursors of the better made Larson instruments.

Here are some more Knutsens (from Gregg Miner's collection):

Here is Gregg with a couple more:

Jim

**manjitsu** · Jan-30-2006, 12:31pm

Not to change the direction of this thread too much, but I was lucky enough to recently acquire a modern version of the Knutsen made by Stephen Sedgwick that is just a hoot to play. Long live the harp mandolin! Steven's work is stunning.

-Chris Rorrer

**manjitsu** · Jan-30-2006, 12:32pm

...with a PORTHOLE!

**Jim Garber** · Jan-30-2006, 1:24pm

Chris:
That is wonderful. What type(s) of music do you play one it and do you use the sub-bass strings often? Also, what do you tune those bass strings to?

Jim

**manjitsu** · Jan-30-2006, 2:14pm

Jim-

I'm still very much finding my way with the harp mandolin... much of the time I'm not sure quite what to do with those extra strings. Truth be told, I very much have my hands full with the standard 4x2!

I've been keeping the bass tuned to C-D-E-F, and I do try to incorporate the sub-basses into anything I play on it. Mostly so far I've been messing with some of the O'Carolan tunes and very simple originals. Just taking it slow and trying not to confuse myself...this is very much a self-guided adventure!

-Chris Rorrer