Anyone Know Who Makes This?

[Bbilldeaton]

I have no information on this except the Gibson shop told me it was a Martin and made in the 1920's. There are no identifying marks anywhere.
Much Appreciated,
Bill

[mrmando]

No, it's a Stromberg-Voisinet. 1920s is a reasonable guess. Someone who knows more than I do might be able to infer a specific time period from the shape of the headstock, which differs from some other mandolins made by the company.

[multidon]

"The Gibson Shop" says it's a Martin? What do you mean by the Gibson shop? The one in Nashville that makes their mandolins? I thought that you couldn't just go strolling in there off the street without an appointment. And IF that story is true, it just proves that if they may know their own instruments, but if they didn't make it, they don't know beans.

Yes, a Stromberg Voisinet. And one of their high end models, evidenced by the purfling and trim as well as the center stripe in the back. I'd judge the back and sides to be Brazilian rosewood. Don't try to leave the country with it! It might get confiscated. The head stock shape may be due to the enclosed tuners being used. Didn't they eventually switch to modern style tuners? Not sure what year that was.

I would get a luthier to check it out, get a reproduction pick guard made (keep the original in a safe place) and either get a matching pin to hold it in place or buy two matching pins ( again, retain the original). I would string it with EXTRA light strings ( to be safe, no adjustable truss rod), and I would play that sucker, a lot! I'll bet it sounds as good as it looks.

[almeriastrings]

Very nice Brazilian, too..... rather a good looking example of this style.

[Bbilldeaton]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, it was the Gibson shop at Opry Mills. The story is true because I walked into the repair shop and bought it from Dave Harvey myself back in 2007.

[Bill Kammerzell]

Good lookin' mandolin.

[colorado_al]

Post a video please. Would love to hear how that sounds. Thanks!

[multidon]

Ah so. Story makes sense now. When they were at Opry Mills anybody could walk in. Not any more. You didn't mention that it was some time ago. Still surprised Dave Harvey would have said it was a Martin.

Very nice and unusual instrument you have there. I'm jealous!

[Bbilldeaton]

Ah so. Story makes sense now. When they were at Opry Mills anybody could walk in. Not any more. You didn't mention that it was some time ago. Still surprised Dave Harvey would have said it was a Martin.

Very nice and unusual instrument you have there. I'm jealous!

Thx. I'm hoping to find the value of it.
BTW, I meant no respect to Dave in this. He's a great guy and fabulous player.
Best,
Bill

[MikeEdgerton]

They are on eBay weekly. Do a happy dance for anything over $200.00 you can get for it.

The reason there are no marks is because it was made "for the trade". That way a music teacher, music school, retailer, or distributor could label it and sell it as their own. Not uncommon to find.

Take a stroll through these threads.

[Bbilldeaton]

I will send you a sample sometime in the next two weeks!