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Thread: When did Martin make these mandolins

  1. #1
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    Default When did Martin make these mandolins

    I have a friend that inherited a Martin carved top mandolin. He said he thought it was made in the 1980's. I have only had one of these in my hand and now my friend has one ( I haven't seen it yet). Anyway I didn't think they were still being made in the 80's. Any one know what years they were made start to end. Thanks for any help.

  2. #2
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: When did Martin make these mandolins

    Gruhn says they made the 2-15 up through 1964. The rest of the carved mandolins appear to have stopped being manufactured in the 40's or earlier.

    They show mandolin serial numbers up into 1997. A few of the later years have production numbers of 6 and 11 mandolins for the entire year. I'm assuming the years with no numbers mean one was manufactured. I'm guessing those were cant top style A's. I've seen those into the late 70's personally.

    Reading further. The Style B (Rosewood back and sides) was reintroduced in 1981 and discontinued in 1987. There's nothing listed as to what those mandolins were in the 90's.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

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  4. #3
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    Default Re: When did Martin make these mandolins

    Thanks Mike

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