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allenhopkins
Jul-06-2008, 9:07pm
Here's (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290243606154&ssPageName=MERCOSI_VI_ROSI_PR4_PCN_BIX&refitem=150262912035&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&refwidgettype=osi_widget&_trksid=p284.m185&_trkparms=algo%3DSI%26its%3DI%252BIA%26itu%3DCR%25 2BIA%252BUCI%26otn%3D4%26ps%3D42) a Supro late '30's mandolin made by National, starting bid $1.5K. #Brozman's book describes Supro as "a rock-bottom budget 'student' model range...essentially a Duolian with simpler (and presumably cheaper-to-make) coverplate."

Opening bid price is below what I'd expect a Duolian to get. #It's definitely an "ugly duckling," but might be worth considering since the "guts" (body and resonator) are equivalent to the Duolian -- at least per Brozman.

LATER: feel the need to modify this somewhat. A more careful reading of Brozman's entry on Duolians states that only guitars were labeled "Duolian." The Supro mandolin therefore would actually be a "budget" model Triolian mandolin, with the cheaper coverplate. Triolians that I've seen are going from a really whipped one with replaced cone for $1200 at Buffalo Bros., to a very nice one at Gruhn for $3K. So $1.5K for the Supro is still a good price, but not quite a bonanza. Perhaps I'm getting into a level of detail most find excessive, but since I brought the Supro to the Cafe's attention, I'd like to be as informative as possible.

danb
Jul-07-2008, 10:03am
I had one of these. Same tone and everything else really as a standard national. Looks a bit more like a colander and has a nifty lightning-bolt logo on the peghead http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Mine looked like it had been marinated in a swamp, but still sounded decent. I recall I scooped it for $650 on ebay

Jim Garber
Jul-07-2008, 11:23am
Same seller has a National silver mandolin (http://cgi.ebay.com/1930s-National-Resophonic-Mandolin-not-a-repro_W0QQitemZ290243189506), I think a style 0. I have a style 2 which is a wonderful instrument -- I have it tuned down to E with octave strings on the lower two courses.

Allen: I don't see one of those on your list... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

danb
Jul-07-2008, 1:21pm
Here's my ex swamp special supro:



http://www.beimborn.com/instruments/reso_front.jpghttp://www.beimborn.com/instruments/reso_peghead.jpg

KanMando
Jul-07-2008, 1:43pm
I have a style 2 which is a wonderful instrument -- I have it tuned down to E with octave strings on the lower two courses.
Jim - what string gauges/brand are you using? I have my metal monster strung with light gauge mandola strings, tuned as a mandola. It works pretty well, but I'd like to try it your way.

Bob

allenhopkins
Jul-07-2008, 3:45pm
Allen: I don't see one of those on your list... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
I have a late '30's Triolian, faux walnut paint job, pretty good shape except for a replacement tailpiece. I have it strung with medium gauge Donels, tuned standard. Noisy little machine.