New Zeland made hybrid mando question

**Michael Donnel** · Jun-26-2017, 2:49pm

Found this hybrid mando for sale locally and the seller does not know the luthier details other than he bought it off eBay a few years back. It is a beautiful mando. I am yet to go play it to decide if I would buy it. Wondering if anyone call tell the luthier just by the piece of work shown in the pictures. No luthier marks on it. Thanks

**mandobassman** · Jun-26-2017, 2:55pm

It looks like one of those Vietnamese made mandolins that are all over eBay. Generally, they're known for LOTS of inlay, but not much when it comes to build quality or sound. Not totally sure if this is one of those, but it looks like one.

**Michael Donnel** · Jun-26-2017, 3:15pm

Originally Posted by mandobassman

It looks like one of those Vietnamese made mandolins that are all over eBay. Generally, they're known for LOTS of inlay, but not much when it comes to build quality or sound. Not totally sure if this is one of those, but it looks like one.

Thank you for the heads up. This does make sense. Why would a luthier go to all this trouble and not apply their mark to it. For $650 he is wanting on this mandolin I think I will pass and look for a Kentucky KM-505.

**Ray(T)** · Jun-26-2017, 3:49pm

Try putting "antoniotsai" in our old friend google.

**pops1** · Jun-26-2017, 3:55pm

You can find these new for about half of that price.

**mandobassman** · Jun-26-2017, 9:35pm

Originally Posted by Ray(T)

Try putting "antoniotsai" in our old friend google.

That's the name. I couldn't remember it. You'll find hundreds of his inlay clad instruments on eBay. This one actually resembles a mandolin more than many of the others.

Going for the KM-505 is a much smarter move.

**allenhopkins** · Jun-26-2017, 9:47pm

While some Cafe members have massaged the antoniotsai and Inlaid Artist Vietnamese instruments into serviceability, others cite unseasoned wood, flimsy metal parts, and easily-detachable inlays. The price is 'way too high for a questionable mandolin.

**almeriastrings** · Jun-27-2017, 6:15am

I'd be 99.9% sure it is one of those.... avoid. Not worth $200, never mind $650. The KM-505's are excellent. They have one head start over these gaudy wall-hangers - they are actually a genuine, playable good sounding mandolin!