new (to me) strad-o-lin

[Odysseus]

I'm a newbie just starting out with mandolins.

Rather than picking up a cheapo pacrim instrument, I shopped around and found a craigslist Strad-o-lin for $175. Part of the way through restringing it, I stopped to take some pictures.

I had to move the bridge quite a bit to get the intonation even close to right, and obviously the two missing tuning buttons need to be replaced. A couple of the tuners I haven't messed with yet are really sticky, but I think they're just in need of some cleaning and care. Other than that, I don't see any issues.

Did I do ok for $175? Can anyone tell me anything specific from the pictures?

http://i.imgur.com/wcyrPl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/42wz2l.jpg

Link to bigger first picture (http://i.imgur.com/wcyrP.jpg)
Link to bigger second picture (http://i.imgur.com/42wz2.jpg)

[allenhopkins]

As a fellow Strad owner who picked up a cracked one for $25, and has used it as not just a "beater," but for performance and recording -- I think you did very well to get it for $175. I would have it scoped out by a qualified tech to see if there are any issues that aren't obvious, but with Strad prices running twice what you paid, you got a decent instrument for a good price.

[Odysseus]

As a fellow Strad owner who picked up a cracked one for $25, and has used it as not just a "beater," but for performance and recording -- I think you did very well to get it for $175. I would have it scoped out by a qualified tech to see if there are any issues that aren't obvious, but with Strad prices running twice what you paid, you got a decent instrument for a good price.

Thanks! Maybe next time I go up to Austin (I think that'll be for the Old Settler's Festival, which I can't wait for) I'll get it looked at. Somehow I doubt there are any mandolin techs in my little town.

I'm going to pick up some Triflow on the way home from work to get those tuners under control.