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Cynthia
Jun-06-2012, 12:39pm
I found this Musima Mandolin at an estate auction several years ago, the decal on the front say's "Musima". I was wondering if anyone could tell me more about it as I am unable to find very much information. I believe it to be German made and maybe from the 1960's. It sounds good and I have enjoyed playing it.

http://cynthianochowitz.smugmug.com/photos/i-SfLwV5F/0/L/i-SfLwV5F-L.jpg (http://cynthianochowitz.smugmug.com/Other/web/4738764_99DCDq#!i=1818814102&k=SfLwV5F&lb=1&s=A)
http://cynthianochowitz.smugmug.com/photos/i-2CzvkJW/0/L/i-2CzvkJW-L.jpg (http://cynthianochowitz.smugmug.com/Other/web/4738764_99DCDq#!i=1818814293&k=2CzvkJW&lb=1&s=A)

billkilpatrick
Jun-06-2012, 1:17pm
very pretty - looks to be in good condition - what's it sound like?

east german - info from dave hynds:

http://www.mandolinluthier.com/german_mandolin_makers.htm

Tavy
Jun-07-2012, 4:03am
I too would be interested to hear how it sounds - those often come up on ebay and sell for next to nothing - seems a shame to me as the craftsmanship in some of those looks first rate - GDR mandolins just aren't collectable apparently - or maybe you're just ahead of the wave? :)

vic-victor
Jun-07-2012, 4:56am
I had a chance to play a Musima Resonata, GDR made classical guitar in the my old USSR days. In fact it was highly sought after there and though it was an all-laminated instrument it didn't sound too bad. Actually better than my then Czech made Cremona and a lot better than factory-made Russian guitars. Musima aslo made some decent electric guitars. I guess their mandolins are not bad either.

Cynthia
Jun-07-2012, 10:56am
Thank you for the replies. This mandolin is in decent shape but does have a few small cracks on the back and one on the front that seem stable for now, I may have them repaired someday. I am thinking it is constructed with pine (top and sides) and it seems to be a well made instrument. I have been watching on ebay(usa) for years and have never seen anything quite like this one and rarely have seen one with the Musima label come up. As far as how it sounds I am not sure how to describe it but to me the G and D strings sound deeper (bass) that really resonates and overall has a nice tone. I am still a beginner player so not able to really compare this to other instruments as far as sound and playability.