fairbanks round back

**Jim Nollman** · Jun-04-2012, 2:18pm

On Ebay

This interests me, but i have no experience with round backs. Would anyone here care to comment on the brand, it's age, it's probable sound, the build quality, and especially it's price. Thanks in advance.

**Jim Garber** · Jun-04-2012, 3:24pm

BIN price is way beyond what it should be -- opening bid looks all right if it is perfect. However, seller says: "No returns or exchanges." I would walk away just because of that. There are lots of these out there. Go for a Vega, Washburn or Martin and maybe buy from a reliable dealer at those prices.

**Jim Nollman** · Jun-04-2012, 4:12pm

Thanks Jim

while i have your attention, what do you think of these old Vega cylinder backs? I've never played one. Are they about the same in tone is, say, a L&H B or C style? Basically sweet and sustaining.

**Jim Garber** · Jun-05-2012, 8:22am

Jim: Vega cylinderbacks are not really like the L&H carved instruments. They would be like other flattop instruments. Yes, sweet and sustaining for sure.

**pfox14** · Jun-06-2012, 9:30am

That Fairbanks sure is a pretty looking mandolin. Don't know much about roundbacks, but Fairbanks was a fairly well-known brand back in the early 20th century or at least I've seen plenty of old advertisements for them in trade magazines from that period.

**Jim Garber** · Jun-06-2012, 9:59am

A. C. Fairbanks was a precursor to Vega, at least in banjos. There is nothing wrong with that mandolin that I can see except for the price. The starting bid is almost reasonable assuming that the mandolin needs absolutely no work and is completely playable. The BIN is absurd and the no return policy is a deal breaker as far as I am concerned.