Suzuki mandolins

[strings51]

This roundbacked Mandolin says made by Kiso Suzuki Violin Company, Japan. I believe it is at least 50 years old. I'm wondering what year it was made and it's approximate value.
The neck joint is opened, and I plan to glue and clamp it.
Thanks.

[Jim Garber]

Some of these Suzukis are quite nice but the bulk of the ones I have seen are overbuilt and not very good sounding. They are still being made and sold today: Suzuki Page (http://www.hosco.co.jp/HOSCO_ENGLISH/Pages/Suzuki.html)

As to value, hard to tell. I am not familiar with that particular model. The one I had was a maple-bowled instrument that I sold for maybe $125, in good condition.

Why not post a few pictures and perhaps someone will know better.

Jim

[John Flynn]

I am pretty sure they are two-stroke mandolins. They are lightweight, play really fast, have a high, pinging tone and you have have to add oil to the strings. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[cbarry]

I wonder how many folks will get that reference...Put an expansion chamber on one of those and cover your ears!!
Not road legal in CA.
Chuck