Ibanez Electric Mandolin Model 527

[MandoMein]

Can any of you experts out there tell me anything about this mandolin?

[Ray(T)]

Definitely not a 527 but have a look here - http://ibanezmandolin.com/
Ray (424 owner since 1976)

[allenhopkins]

OK, not the same model, but -- here's a '60's model Ibanez "Model 526"- that Elderly listed for $200. The current Ibanez Model 527 is an F-style carved-top non-electric, but the older model numbers may well apply to different styles of mandolin.

I assume you're referring to one currently listed here on eBay, with a buy-it-now of $549. If everything is as the seller specifies, I wouldn't find that an unrealistic price. But I'm always cautious when the seller says, "no returns."

[cabot_outlaw]

Can any of you experts out there tell me anything about this mandolin?

I have the very same mandolin in the same case and I also would like to know what is.

[mrmando]

These are Japanese instruments made in the '60s and sold under a variety of brand names. There are tons of them around, and I would not pay more than $250 for one.

[Elliot Luber]

Isn't that the type of mandolin Ray Jackson used to play on Rod Stewart's Maggie Mae?

[mrmando]

Yes, that's it exactly, although Ray's is not an Ibanez. It has some other brand put only on instruments exported to the UK. Other than that, it looks exactly like this.

[Terry Allan Hall]

I have the very same mandolin in the same case and I also would like to know what is.

Had the same model back in the early '80s, but mine was labeled as being a "Trutone"...don't recall if it had a model number or not. Had a bolt-on neck, thick plywood construction, and action that changed for the worse every time it rained. OTOH, it only cost $15 at a fleamarket.

I've seen a few bottom-of-the-barrel Ibanez electric guitars of very similar quality, and have always assumed that they were made by another company aned sold by Ibanez, to serve the beginner/cheapo market, as they were nowhere near the quality of Ibanez instruments.

Yes, that's it exactly, although Ray's is not an Ibanez. It has some other brand put only on instruments exported to the UK. Other than that, it looks exactly like this.

Really? I'd've never guessed that...must've been the amp that gave it such a good sound.

[Jim]

Really? I'd've never guessed that...must've been the amp that gave it such a good sound

Pretty sure they miced it for the MM intro.

[Mandoviol]

I thought Ray played a Kay?

[mrmando]

Everything you wanted to know about Ray Jackson is right here on the Cafe:

http://www.mandolincafe.com/news/pub...ns_00938.shtml

[cabot_outlaw]

thank you for all your info. All I knew about it was my Dad bought it for my Grandpa in the early 80's at a pawn shop. It was passed down to my Dad and then to me. I just spent $68 having it cleaned, restrung, and the neck adjusted. It turned out great. I love it.