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Thread: Old Kraftsman mandolin

  1. #1

    Default Old Kraftsman mandolin

    Looking for info on mandolin I inherited from my grandfather. Should I play it? Wanting to learn to play.


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  2. #2
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Old Kraftsman mandolin

    Old Kraftsman was a brand associated with Kay; they were inexpensive US-made instruments (though reportedly Gibson made a few of their higher-end guitars). Yours looks like a fairly low-range model, with an A-style body. I would guess it's plywood, probably made in the '40's or '50's, but maybe earlier.

    Should you play it? Sure, if it's properly set up and has no condition problems. New strings, and a trip to a decent instrument repair tech to get some idea if the bridge has proper height and location, if the neck's straight, tuners work, etc.

    You won't get great sound out of it, but you can learn on it, and it has the family history that makes it special to you. I don't see any evident cracks or splits, and the neck appears well-attached. A lot of finish wear and dirt, but the dirt can be wiped off, the finish wear is what they call "patina," and it would be fun to play Grandpa's mandolin, right?
    Allen Hopkins
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  3. #3
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Old Kraftsman mandolin

    Old Kraftsman was actually a brand name of the Spiegel Company in Chicago. Some but not all of the instruments sold under this brand were made by Kay, also of Chicago. This one was made by Kay.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  4. #4
    Full Grown and Cussin' brunello97's Avatar
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    Default Re: Old Kraftsman mandolin

    I have an old Old Kraftsman lap steel (that I've had seemingly forever) that has a great sounding pickup mounted upside down over top of the strings. All mahogany slab. Nutty thing but it plays and sounds great. Never have seen on OK mandolin in person. This one looks a bit rough. The tailpiece might be worth more than the instrument itself.

    Mick
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