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I have Collings MT glosstop that is a lefty.
I got it in a trade deal and thought I would flip it.
I quickly switched it to a righty to see what it sounded like.
It sounds great.
Better than a...

As the original poster of this thread over 15 years ago all I can say is "Mr Garber, , oh sure throw that in my face!!!" Haha!
I can't remember last week never mind 15 years ago but I think I was...

Orpheum and Stradolins were built by the same people.
I have had lots of both.
They vary in quality from full laminated to laminated back and sides with a solid spruce top to some very rare ones...

I am not sure what Benko was usually using for tuners.
Might be that he used whatever he could get his hands on?
He might not have been stuck on any one brand.

Here are some pictures of my Benko Model B6 serial # 26-38
I might have the pickguard hiding around here somewhere.181626181627181628181629181630i

Lightly flamed back, mop block inlays 1967...

It is hard to explain the colouration and finish on this mandolin.
Definately hand stained. It has a mottled appearance that is hard to explain or take a picture of.
The final finish is definately...

I have a Benko A style with F holes.
I think it was a Centenial model or something like that.
I can't really remember right now but I think he built an F hole and an oval hole of this model.
I...

It takes an oddity to know an oddity and I love oddities too Will.

Yes he did have 2nd thoughts and pulled the ad because he came to realize that the mandolin was something special.
I can't remember how I got his contact info but several months later I contacted...

Ivan ,,, without a doubt your prognosis is a tough one to fathom .
It is a hard one to even believe.
I note that you still have motivation based on the fact that you jumped right on the task of...

That is a pretty nice gift. No one gifts things like that to me!

If I owned it I would now be agonizing about whether to put an era correct neck on it.
No,,, on second thought I would definitely...

I have had a lot of Stradolins. The one being discussed is not your normal $600 Stradolin.
Even the "Artist" inscription on it is deceptive.
I have an Artist here now that is nowhere near the...

I am no expert of auditory memory or anything that scientific but what I do know is what I have learned the hard way.
When buying a new to you mandolin if at all possible take along one of your...

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OOPS, I only have 2 folks,,, not 4.
I told you I am no good at this!

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I recently acquired these 2.
I had to step up in regards to cost but I couldnt let it slip away.
I wanted the experience of having twin Larsons.
I hesitated to post them because i know that there...

Yes,,, the second one is much better value as allan says at $300 or less.

I have the identical model right here in front of me.
Mine has a sticker on the headstock that says "Californian".
It is a later Stradolin though without a doubt. These came with various stickers...

I was missing for 5 years or more and no one even missed me.
:))
There is probably a lesson to be learned in that.;)

Hey Ivan, you are right about the spelling of his name.
I just looked at the label and it is "Michal".
Maybe that is part of the reason that I had trouble finding out much about him.
Thanks for...

Hi Bruce! yes I have been missing in action for about 7 years now due to illness and treatments.
I am still kicking though despite the dire prognosis and I have become interested again so you will...

Old old worn out news!
Forget about it and just lust for the mandolins that Gail hits out of the park every time.
Just by virtue of her client list the truth about her exceptional workmanship...