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lukmanohnz
Sep-15-2015, 8:57am
I visited a close friend in Rochester NY looking to identify an old mandolin that has been in his family for many years. I've never seen one like it, but I'm sure someone here knows the scoop. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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RichM
Sep-15-2015, 9:04am
It's a Blue Comet mandolin, purportedly made by Regal. Google Blue Comet mandolin and you'll find quite a bit of info.

MikeEdgerton
Sep-15-2015, 9:26am
Yup, a Blue Comet (https://www.google.com/search?q=blue+comet+site%3Amandolincafe.com&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8). There is a cool factor involved but apparently lacking in the sound department. They are on eBay weekly.

JeffD
Sep-15-2015, 9:46am
I have one under the name Beltone (http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/album.php?albumid=10&attachmentid=75244).

I agree they are cool, but the tone quality is kind of thunky. At least on mine it is. I have wondered if perhaps it can be improved with the right luthier given license to have at it, but I haven't gotten around to it.

I may be motivated however, because it is quite the looker (IMO). I love the resonator, and the segmented f holes, and the obnoxiously white pick guard.

allenhopkins
Sep-15-2015, 2:35pm
I'm in Rochester; tell your friend about Stutzman's Guitar Center (http://www.stutzmansguitarcenter.com) and Bernunzio's Uptown Music. (http://bernunzio.com) Not only primo stores, but founts of endless instrumental info.

Yeah, it's a Blue Comet/Beltone/Regal/Medalist/Artistic/whatever faux resonator mandolin. Weighs approximately a ton, sounds pretty timid for its substantial "build," quite likely to be Regal-built. Search on "Blue Comet" and you'll find many threads.

lukmanohnz
Sep-16-2015, 12:01am
Thanks all for the quick replies to my query. I'll share the info with my friend. As it was a relative's instrument, its value to him is primarily sentimental. It's currently serving as wall art - from the comments here it sounds as if it is fulfilling its calling...