Suzuki MR 150?

[MichelD]

I've been baby sitting a Suzuki MR 150 bowl back mandolin for 20 years. I'm not sure if the owner even knows I have it.

I just started having an interest in playing it (I'm usually a bassist). It sure sounds good despite having dead old strings. It's in perfect condition, not a scratch on the top or back.

I'm not crazy about the round back for holding it but hey, it didn't cost anything.:mandosmiley:

Would it take regular off-the-self strings or do I have to ask for something special?

I need case for it too. It's been living in a cardboard box in my basement.

[JH Murray]

Bowl backs take extra light strings. Medium gauge strings can do damage to a bowl back.

[MichelD]

Bowl backs take extra light strings. Medium gauge strings can do damage to a bowl back.

Thanks. My local music shop guy is pretty knowledgeable. I'll ask about that detail.

[allenhopkins]

Many bowl-back players recommend these GHS extra lights, (http://www.juststrings.com/ghs-a240.html). if you don't want to go the big bucks for the Dogal Calace brand. (http://www.juststrings.com/ghs-a240.html) As for a case, even the chipboard cases (https://www.elderly.com/bowlback-mandolin-chipboard-case.htm) for bowl-backs seem to be going for $50 or so.