View Full Version : My first mando - and it's a bowlback
I got lucky with this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7424150849
It is a Style 80, the second most expensive Washburn made at the time (around 1895) at $75. I received it today, and it is in very nice condition. Terrific workmanship of a bygone era. It does not need a neck set, at most a slightly lower bridge. Three hairline top cracks will need to be repaired. It even came with a case.
I have a question though: I need advice on a brand of light gauge strings which are suitable for this mando, preferably available in Europe....I really want to play this thing.
http://starshipcorp.com/peet/mando2.JPG
soapycows
Jul-04-2006, 8:50am
GHS Classical
Strange1
Jul-04-2006, 9:00am
I suggest Elixir light.
Jack
jenford
Jul-04-2006, 9:02am
keef - it's a beauty!
Jim Garber
Jul-04-2006, 9:03am
Hubert:
Congratulations on that Washburn. It is a beauty.
GHS Classical are all right but lose tone very quickly. The main advantage is that the are inexpensive but that may not be the case in Europe anyway.
For my better instruments, I prefer either Calace 92B's or Lenzner Consort strings.
There is a recent discussion about the Lenzners here (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=6;t=35757)
Some folks in Europe use Optima (German made) strings. I would contact some of the folks on the classical board: Alex, Embergher (Ralf Leenen), Martin Jonas -- who would be able to tell you where to get the right strings.
Jim
Jim Garber
Jul-04-2006, 9:09am
I suggest Elixir light.
Even those might be a little too heavy for this instrument.
BTW Hubert, is that the original bridge?
Jim
Handsome instrument indeed. The fingerboard/headstock inlay is delightful and restrained (relatively, of course), and I particularly like the engraved tailpiece. The X-bracing in the bowl is uncommon, and I think so time-consuming that it was discontinued after a short while.
You're fortunate to be located in Europe, that hotbed of bowlback activity. All sorts of good light strings should be readily available. FWIW, I like the Dogal Calace (R92b) strings on American bowlbacks; Lenzners on the (usually more lightly-constructed) Italians. Of course, you're free to make your own decisions. Do be aware that both Dogal and Lenzner strings take some time to "break in", and will not sound anywhere near their best until played for a few weeks.
All great suggestions - thanks much guys!
Jim, the bridge is original, like everything else. This one has a nice birds eye maple neck instead of the cedar neck specified in the catalogs. The headstock is really beautiful and has no no nicks or dings at all - I guess it has not been played much.
The pearl engraving is first class - unlike the sloppy jobs you sometimes see on the cheaper Washburns.
Eugene
Jul-04-2006, 10:39am
I don't often say this about Washburn auctions (where I'd ordinarily say "nice buy" or such), but "what a steal!" #I am jealous. #If I still patrolled eBay with regularity, this is one I would have pursued...especially at that trivial sale price.
I'll add my voice to the nomination for Dogal's RW-92b set or Fisoma's (was Lenzner) "Consort" set. #Both start life a little harsh, but mature nicely. #Dogal's carbon steel lasts almost forever. #I'd always assumed you had a mountain of mandolins stashed away, Hubert.
Eugene
Jul-04-2006, 10:41am
PS: That rosette style always struck me as very Valencian (consider the guitars of Julve, etc.).
Martin Jonas
Jul-04-2006, 11:49am
As for strings for your lovely Washburn, I recommend you order from www.saitenkatalog.de, who have a flat delivery charge of 9 Euro in Europe (free delivery for orders over 100 Euro) and have a fabulous selection of strings. The ones most suitable for your Washburn, I think, are the Fisoma Bronze Medium (http://saitenkatalog.de/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21/products_id/15377) (the new name for what used to be Lenzner -- use the light gauge if your Washburn seems very delicate, but normally medium should be OK) or the Optima Goldin (http://saitenkatalog.de/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21/products_id/7574) (which are a bit heavier than the Fisoma mediums, and are probably better if you are convinced that your instrument is in really good shape).
Martin
Jim Garber
Jul-04-2006, 12:14pm
I dunno, Martin, I might err on the side of caution and get the Fisoma lights (http://saitenkatalog.de/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21/products_id/15372) which are about the same gauges as the GHS Classical.
BTW I have never been there but Palm Guitars (http://www.palmguitars.nl/index.php) is in Amsterdam. They seem to have nice selection of vintage mandolins.
Also, I am sure the Alex Timmerman can chime in and make some other suggestions. I know his luthier friend Hendrik van den Broek (http://www.mandolineorkest.nl/informatie/eninformatie03.htm) carries the Lenzner consort set (for historical instruments) but I am not sure if it carries over to the Fisoma line.
Jim
guitharsis
Jul-04-2006, 3:00pm
What a pretty bowlback, and what a great price. Congrats, keef!
brunello97
Jul-04-2006, 3:13pm
Keef,
Using S. Morgan Freeman's "Inflation Calculator" (for whatever that's worth) at $75 mandolin in 1895 would cost $1598 in 2005 dollars. At around $250 you got quite a deal.
I had a '90s era Washburn with similar interior X bracing. It sure looks nice in there. I wonder if it actually helped-mine had some back cracks 100+ years later. It certainly didn't seem to last last long enough as a method to determine its effectiveness.
Great looking mandolin by the way. Is it the photo or does that top have exceptionally tight grain?
Mick
The top grain is not super tight - it's just the photo. The three cracks are more visible in daylight than on the pictures, which were taken at an angle. But still it is a nice instrument. I took her to the luthier this morning. He will stabilize and repair the cracks and set her up. There is also a small 1" piece of celluloid missing between the 36 ribs that will be redone.
I sent a message to Alex but will also call Hendrik van den Broek about the Lenzner strings - thanks everyone!
Eugene - I never owned a mandolin before... I am a guitar player. But especially after having done research on the prewar Washburns for quite some time I could not pass this one up.
I did a hack rendition of the 'sailor's hornpipe' a thousand times yesterday - that and some violin pieces were the only things I could memorize. My family was not amused..
jenford
Jul-08-2006, 11:54pm
Oh I bet you're excited! I gotta tell ya - my washburn kicks butt! The old wood is incredible ...does yours have a big sound? The more expensive old washburn I have - decidedly sounds better than the less expensive one. A big sound !
The old bowlbacks are so lovely - when it sits in my lap - I wonder who played it - how their life was?
Let us know when you get it back from the luthier and your impressions.
Best,
Jen