strad o lin

**chief ten beers** · Jan-05-2005, 9:42am

Can anyone vouch for the quality of an older(late 30's early 40's)stradolin mandolin?i was wondering if they were all wood or were they using laminate at that time?the guy who is selling it is raving about it but i have no knowledge about these instruments.this will be my first mandolin so i'd like to buy a decent one,he's asking $300...fair price?thanks

**Bob A** · Jan-05-2005, 10:14am

It's hard to vouch for a 50 year old instrument sight unseen. If the action is good, the neck is straight, and the frets not worn out, 300 is a reasonable price for a Strad, especially if it's solid rather than laminate. They can be excellent instruments.

Ultimately, you have to like the sound. If it doesn't sound good to you, it'll never be a bargain. Will you be able to test-drive it?

**chief ten beers** · Jan-05-2005, 10:53am

Yes i will be able to see it and play it.I just wanted to know if they are considered good instruments and are quality made.Did they make laminated instruments during certain years or certain models,if so which ones were sold...anyone know?

**atetone** · Jan-05-2005, 11:26am

Chief, my experience with Stradolins is that they vary greatly in quality. I have 2. One is complete laminate the other appears to be all solid woods but the back and sides might be laminate also, I am not sure.
You will have to try it out and make up your own mind but my solid top (at least) one is a good little mandolin.

**chief ten beers** · Jan-05-2005, 12:04pm

thanks for the imput.how hard is it to tell of a mando is laminated or solid wood,what should i look for?

**John Flynn** · Jan-05-2005, 12:09pm

chief:

I can't answer your question, but I love your screen name! Am I guessing right that it's a twist on one of my favorite movies, "The Outlaw Josey Wales?" In any case, I#really got a chuckle out of it!

**chief ten beers** · Jan-05-2005, 12:38pm

you bet...you have iron in your words you may go in peace....*spit*...i reacon not

**chief ten beers** · Jan-05-2005, 12:45pm

**atetone** · Jan-05-2005, 1:43pm

Chief, the top should be fairly easy. Just look at the f-holes for grain or other signs of it being solid. The tops on the Stradolins are fairly thick so it is easy to spot things.
The back and sides are harder. You have to try to find some sort of characteristic on the inside and match it up with the outside. It can be tough.