c.1935 Supertone Archtop Mandolin

[Jake Wildwood]

Here's a sweet-sounding and sweet-playing little 30s archtop that I just finished up.

Link to the blog post with more photos & info here. (http://antebelluminstruments.blogspot.com/2010/06/c1935-supertone-archtop-mandolin.html)

I think that this fellow was either made by Regal or Kay... or Harmony...? Someone help me out here. Feels like a Regal to me and the tuners and workmanship says so but the top feels more like the thickness on old Harmony or Kay mandos from the same time.

The lady in the photo is the last owner... her father owned it before her. Photo is c.1940s.

[Jim Garber]

I have a 1935 Grossman (distributors) catalog with a page of these same mandolins with Harmony logos. I always liked the shape of these. I have also seen similar ones under the Vagabond brand as well.

[MikeEdgerton]

They were Harmony built as far as I know from the catalog pages I've seen. Here's (http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/group.php?do=picture&groupid=98&attachmentid=55214) Jim's catalog page from the vintage catalog social group.

[Jake Wildwood]

Thanks guys... and yes, Jim: the shape is definitely attractive. Gives a nice even full sort of response, too. The sides are fairly deep as well.

[Jill McAuley]

Another looker! Nice one, Jake!

Cheers,
Jill

[Jake Wildwood]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHS5sav9LJo

Here's a quick little improv on the mando.

[Jill McAuley]

Wow, that thing sure is sweet sounding!

Cheers,
Jill

[Charles E.]

Jake, here is a regal on eBay just like it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Regal-A-style-Mandolin-Original-Linen-Case-/220624014861?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item335e374e0d

[Jake Wildwood]

Thanks for the link Charley!

I'm with Mike & Jim on the Harmony sourcing, however... and I can tell you for certain that if that fellow looks inside his/her mando, he/she'll find out that the sides are certainly not rosewood or walnut! But that one looks in darn near as nice condition as this one for sure.

[Jason Kessler]

That thang really does have a sweet sound, especially the bottom end.