What's this guy worth?

[mandotrev]

I like it because the wood is nice and the seller says the luthier held on to it for 30 years.

Usually a good sign.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260599056765&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

[Jim Garber]

Most likely made in a small shop, not mass produced, very nice work inside, very similar to some of the Gibson ones I have seen, but again, no lable or serial number to be found.

The seller is spinning a very seductive tale. Small shop? Like Gibson? I have never seen a Gibson that looked at all like that one. It is a Supertone prob made by one of the Chicago makers, possibly Harmony. That is not to say that it could be a nice mandolin and fun to play. Here is one from Bernunzio's site (http://bernunzio.com/products/059396). If the eBay one is in decent shape the starting price is not so bad.

[mandotrev]

The Supertone you linked to says it plays okay in the first position, which I assume means it is out of tune past the fourth or fifth fret. I have another inexpensive mandolin with a similar bridge that does not play in tune above the first position. Is it because of the flat bridge? Would replacing the bridge make it any better?

[Bill Foss]

Wow, this instrument looks just like a Larsen Bros mandolin I own. Mine has no label either, but I bought it from a reputable dealer who assured me it was. It sounds incredible with its rosewood back and sides.

[mandotrev]

Can I ask what you paid for it?

[brunello97]

Whatever visual similarities this may have to Smiley Pockets mandolin, please don't confuse this with a Larson made instrument. It most assuredly is not. Like Jim said: think Supertone, Regal, Harmony or some (probably 'factory') production out of Chicago. That said, it probably plays and sounds quite nicely. I have had a few of these flatbacks (including an actual Larson) and they are typically a good value in a modest instrument. The price is towards the high end of what you might expect to pay, but if it is in good shape, well cared for etc. it wouldn't be a bad move.

Mick

[Charles Johnson]

I've had several of these over the years. One had a Sammo label, the other had a Regal label, but otherwise were identical. Definately Chicago built, probably 1920s-1930s. Good mandolins for the money.

Charles

[epicentre]

Looks like a Wurlitzer I used to own. The back of the headstock is identical. It was a sweet sounding, decent mandolin. Too bad no label.

[EdHanrahan]

Here's a very similar Regal from Scott's link to "The Parlor" on the Cafe homepage. Asking $500, with the nice purfling only on the front, not the back.

http://www.theparlorknoxville.com/instruments/00014.html

BTW, the purfling looks maybe identical to my '20s Stromberg-Voisinet. (Hey, I don't have it here at work!)