PDA

View Full Version : Restored 1892 Washburn bowl back



John Hasbrouck
Apr-13-2015, 4:55pm
In the mid-1950s when my father was dating my mother, he bought her a beat-up old bowl back mandolin at a junk shop for her amusement. She did not play, and the instrument sat atop the family's upright piano, totally ignored, for my entire childhood. A few years ago, when I became obsessed with mandolin, they gave it to me. It was completely covered in dust and dirt, the neck was barely attached, the ribs had come unglued, the top was warped, and the rosette was a disaster. I noticed a Washburn label.

I figured it was destined to be a wall-hanger, but then I showed it to my old friend Todd Cambio, master luthier and owner of Fraulini Guitars. He said, "No problem."

He had it for about 6 months, and last Thursday he brought it over. Now restored and converted to left-handed for yours truly, it looks, sounds, and plays absolutely great. And just in time for mom's birthday in 10 days. (No, she doesn't get to keep it, unless of course she learns to play left-handed mandolin!)

Our best guess is that it is a Model 73, built circa 1892, and sold for $45-50. I wish I had some 'before' pics, but here are the 'after' pics..

132894132895

Of particular interest is the incredible tailpiece, about which I am frankly speechless. Here are 2 detail shots. I'll let you be the judge...

132896132897

Bill Snyder
Apr-13-2015, 6:57pm
John, your photos are not showing up.

John Hasbrouck
Apr-17-2015, 11:57am
OK I think I've got the picture correctly attached here. Lemme know what you think!! (And thanks to Scott for tech support..)

133048133049133050133051

JeffD
Apr-17-2015, 12:32pm
What a beauty.

billhay4
Apr-17-2015, 2:22pm
Nice. Let's hear it.
Bill

GKWilson
Apr-17-2015, 2:32pm
Awesome tailpiece and beautifully restored.
And a family heirloom to boot. I'm jealous.
Gary