Lefty l&h style a?

**mrmando** · Mar-28-2008, 5:24pm

My first guess is that this photo has simply been reversed. I tried zooming in on the tailpiece and label, but the resolution isn't high enough; I can't make out whether the text reads forward or backward.

Is there a chance that the instrument actually was built that way? Has anyone ever heard of a left-handed Style A?

**markishandsome** · Mar-28-2008, 6:16pm

You'd think the seller would have mentioned it being a lefty in their description if they had any idea what they were selling. Add to that the fact that the seller joined today and there's only one blurry picture and I start to smell something fishy.

**mrmando** · Mar-28-2008, 6:44pm

Yes, I have zero faith in the seller at this point. I'm just curious about the possible existence of a lefty Style A.

**JEStanek** · Mar-28-2008, 6:57pm

I sent them a question. I'll post a response if I get one.

Jamie

**markishandsome** · Mar-29-2008, 11:31am

<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Early-1900s-Lyon-Healy-mandolin_W0QQitemZ260224792028QQihZ016QQcategoryZ1 0179QQssPageNameZ
WDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem" target="_blank">Looks like</a> the listing's been revamped with some different photos. It's a righty. I still wouldn't bid on it.

**JEStanek** · Mar-29-2008, 1:01pm

The seller did answer my question...
"Our computer somehow reversed the photo, sorry. I have downloaded additional pictures today with the correct view. Thank you"

Jamie

**Jonathan Peck** · Apr-01-2008, 1:18pm

I e-mailed the seller yesterday morning and asked for a picture of the makers label inside the soundhole. I haven't received a response as of yet, but it has only been a day.

**mrmando** · Apr-01-2008, 1:48pm

It's a top-shelf starting price for a not-quite-top-shelf instrument. This is an early symmetrical A in a plain-jane case. Usually it's the later asymmetrical ones in fancy cases that go for $4.2K. And no sane bidder will commit that amount to a zero-feedback seller.

**MikeB** · Apr-01-2008, 6:43pm

Originally Posted by

And no sane bidder will commit that amount to a zero-feedback seller.

Oh, nuts, did it say 'sane bidders only'?!? I'm out...

**Jim Garber** · Apr-01-2008, 7:54pm

Originally Posted by (mrmando @ April 01 2008, 14:48)

It's a top-shelf starting price for a not-quite-top-shelf instrument. This is an early symmetrical A in a plain-jane case. Usually it's the later asymmetrical ones in fancy cases that go for $4.2K. And no sane bidder will commit that amount to a zero-feedback seller.

I am not so sure of all that, esp "not-quite-top-shelf instrument." I have a symmetrical one and it is probably one of the nicest sounding mandolins I own and have heard. These are quite uncommon and aside from the classical players who lean toward the later, shorter-scale asymmetrical As, I would think these are every bit as valuable as the later ones.

Then again, you are right about the 0 feedback. However, if anyone is interested, you could get direct contact info and speak to the seller. Despite 0 feedback he/she can still be a human being. Gotta start somewhere, right?

**mrmando** · Apr-01-2008, 8:13pm

Hm. Well, I've just seen more excitement over the asymmetrical ones than over these, but I didn't mean to suggest that this is not a nice instrument. Sorry if I implied that. I just would expect to pay a bit less for it.

**Jim Garber** · Apr-01-2008, 9:59pm

I think there seem to be more of the asymmetrical ones than the symmetricals. Actually I think the symmetricals would appeal to players of F4s and other similar oval hole mandolins since the scale is longer and they truly sing sweetly.

**Jonathan Peck** · Apr-02-2008, 12:46pm

The seller just responded and added the picture I requested to the auction. I also googled the name of the person who responded and it was a positive match with the location of the mandolin. I would suggest if anyone has concerns about the validity of this auction to contact the seller directly so that you can verify the authenticity for your self.

**Nat** · Apr-03-2008, 5:37pm

Another style A up on Ebay <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/1920s-Lyon-Healy-Style-A-Mandolin-Original-Case_W0QQitemZ190211834412QQihZ009QQcategoryZ10
179QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem" target="_blank">here</a>.