Washburn bowlback

[ka7zfw]

I have an old Washburn bowlback Mandolin, but can't seem to find any info on it. Contacted Washburn, and they have no records prior to the early 70's.

Can anyone help??

[Bob A]

Most of the bowlback-afflicted post down in the classical section, though you'll probably be seen here as well.

I'd recommend using very light gauge strings on it, if you don't want to wreck the neck. (GHS makes a nice set for bowlbacks; Juststrings can provide).

[Jim Garber]

Yes... but you need to provide info. In fact, just post some good clear photos and I can prob ID it. What exactly are you so desperate to know about it?

Washburn today is essentially an import company. Washburn of yesteryears was actually a brand of Lyon & Healy. L&H is still in existence but they only sell harps and for some reason have complete amnesia as to the fact that they were once one of the largest instrument sellers and manufacturers in the world.

Jim

[ka7zfw]

Here is a pic. I have a couple of others of the labels inside, if that would help

[ka7zfw]

here are the labels...

[ka7zfw]

and...

[Martin Jonas]

I will leave it to Jim to identify the model and (possibly) year -- he is very good indeed at these and has a lot of original catalogues. It's a nice-looking Washburn towards the modest end of their model range. However, as Washburn as a whole were Lyon & Healy's top range, this should make it a very nice instrument when set up for playing. I can identify one major setup change straightaway: your bridge is very much in the wrong position. It should be on the same side of the bend in the top as the soundhole, i.e. a good inch forward. Search the Cafe for full instructions for fine adjustment of bridge position.

Martin

[Eugene]

I'm not quite Jim, but it was made ca. 1897-1904, probably later in that range (the earliest in that range would have labels that read "The New Washburn 1897 Model"). I think it's likely to be a style 118. Jim may have a catalogue to confirm. Can you picture the bowl too?

Do you play this, ka7zfw? Its intonation can't possibly be anything close to correct with the bridge where it is pictured. Also, it's hard to gauge from the images, but that g course looks mighty heavy to me. I'd probably go for a lighter set of strings ASAP.

[ka7zfw]

Thank you all for your help!

I do not play. I got this from my grandparents house when they passed away a number of years ago. I really don't know very much about it. I am interested in learning, being a bit of a musician from the wind side of things.

Thanks for the info on bridge placement. I never would have known that. I will remedy that today.

Thank you all again
Eric

[ka7zfw]

more pics of the bowl.

[ka7zfw]

and...

[ka7zfw]

and again...

[Jim Garber]

Could be a 118 but it doesn't quite match anything in my catalogs. The 118 I have in my earliest L&H catalog has that simpler American Conservatory headstock whereas it looks like this one has a fancier Washburn style. Also the pickguard is different. OTOH the 122 has an engraved tailpiece cover but a similar pickguard and fretboard inlays.

Jim

[ka7zfw]

The number on the label is 118193. Could that be the model and unit number?

[Jim Garber]

The model 118 is specced with 11 ribs and yours looks more like 15. Yours also has that fancier 12th fret inlay so I would say, based on what I see and have for reference, it is a model 122.

Jim

[Jim Garber]

Here is the L&H catalog entry for the 122 (circa 1898).

Jim