$30 Bowlback

[Tommcgtx]

Thoughts, anyone?

http://elpaso.craigslist.org/msg/4797796898.html

127487 127488

[brunello97]

Looks pretty run-of-the-mill but for those days that wouldn't necessarily be run of the mill. Looks like it could be a Lyon and Healy production mandolin--but they used v nice wood almost on everything.

Main thing to check is the neck angle which oft times gets out of wack as the strings pull up or the top north of the sound hole starts to give way.

If the neck is good the little bits of cosmetic binding missing, etc. seem negligible. And $30 would be a nice acquisition. Extra light gauge strings only: GHS .09 --.32 only.... Should sound pretty sweet.

If the neck / action is bad: hop and skip away.

Let us know what you find out.

Mick

[Jim Garber]

looks to me to be a $30 bowlback tho it might be worth more like $15.

[allenhopkins]

Those two cracks below the bridge look ominous; cf. this current thread. (http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?111276-Is-this-an-okay-deal)

[Jeff Mando]

looks to me to be a $30 bowlback tho it might be worth more like $15.

I agree, they don't sell for much. $30 is great if it is playable and you want to keep it. I bought one thinking I could flip it on eBay and make a couple hundred--nope--I think it was on eBay for 5 years--absolutely no interest--I finally had to take it out back and shoot it! No, just kidding, it's hanging on a nail in the shed. Wanted to, though....

[Petrus]

I agree, they don't sell for much. $30 is great if it is playable and you want to keep it. I bought one thinking I could flip it on eBay and make a couple hundred--nope--I think it was on eBay for 5 years--absolutely no interest--I finally had to take it out back and shoot it! No, just kidding, it's hanging on a nail in the shed. Wanted to, though....

I think higher-end, playable, name brand bowlbacks are still desirable. Higher-end models have lots of MOP inlay, fancier headstock, maybe some nice engraving on the metal tuner plate, and more staves in the bowl (generally more staves = higher quality; cheapos have 8-10 wide ones, fancier ones may have 20 or more very narrow staves.) BBs with intact label are always going to be more valuable than some no-name. (But try to check the label with a magnifier; if it looks like it was laser printed, watch out!) :grin:

An elaborate tailpiece also adds to the value. One of those fancy lyre-shaped L&H tailpieces can be worth more than an entire cheap mandolin by itself.

[DavidKOS]

I think higher-end, playable, name brand bowlbacks are still desirable. Higher-end models have lots of MOP inlay, fancier headstock, maybe some nice engraving on the metal tuner plate, and more staves in the bowl (generally more staves = higher quality; cheapos have 8-10 wide ones, fancier ones may have 20 or more very narrow staves.)

I agree. But there are some older bowlbacks that were made with little MOP or marquetry decoration but nice wood, a decent number of staves, etc. These are really bargains when you find them, as they sound pretty good and will be fairly cheap.

The trick is finding them in playable condition, or at least only needing minimal work to get into playing shape.