1919 Martin Style B

[Tom Coletti]

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A newly-acquired Style B, No. 6589, built in 1919. I had casually made a mention of Martin mandolins to my MAS-infected dad (I played a '53 Style A in a guitar shop and really liked the tone), so he placed a bid for me on eBay, where it sold for much less than most vintage Martins—only several hundred dollars compared to $1K or more—since it wasn't strung up, some hardware was missing, and there was cosmetic damage, especially on the ribs and back. All in all, it was an absurdly great deal. He brought it up over the weekend (having found the original bridge when he picked it up from the previous owner and added stand-in tailpiece cover until a suitable Martin replacement can be found) and I set it up to see if it was playable. The neck is straight, intonation is perfect, there's practically no fret wear, and while it lacks the power and playability of my Breedlove FF, it has a rich, mellow depth that I haven't heard in many mandolins that I've played.

I named it "Carrizo," since the inlay on the back's center seam resembles the reed-like plant. Sound clips to follow...

--Tom

[Tom Coletti]

Here's a Sound Clip (http://wings-and-strings.tumblr.com/post/65281870162/my-rendition-of-a-bit-of-sweeneys-buttermilk-a), just some noodling around on Sweeney's Buttermilk. The audio player's at the bottom of the page.

--Tom

[bratsche]

Congrats! I think those Martins are really cool instruments. I like the sound of the Style Bs a little more than the As.

bratsche

[Tom Coletti]

Congrats! I think those Martins are really cool instruments. I like the sound of the Style Bs a little more than the As.

bratsche

Thanks! It is definitely a joy to play. And while the mahogany Style A was a bit deeper in tone, this one seems to project better with the rosewood.

--Tom

[padawan]

That thing sounds really sweet! Congrats

Lock it up at night or I might have to steal it. (idle threat)

[Jim]

Nice sounding mandolin, enjoyed the sound clip.

[brunello97]

Ah, rosewood and spruce, my favorite tonal scheme. Congrats, Tom, on the 'new' Martin. I had a '20s something Ditson-labeled Martin B for awhile and really enjoyed it. I let it go (not without regrets) and kept a '51 A. I've got a few Lelands to keep the rw + spruce fix satisfied.

A few more photos of the B would be greatly appreciated. ;)

Mick

[KEB]

Ah, rosewood and spruce, my favorite tonal scheme.

"With a pull off and a hammer down to A Sharp he did slide."

I see what you did there. ;)

[brunello97]

"With a pull off and a hammer down to A Sharp he did slide."

I see what you did there. ;)

Ha! Nice catch......

Mick