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Thread: Can someone give me info on this mandolin please?

  1. #1
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    Default Can someone give me info on this mandolin please?

    Hi,
    I just bought this mandolin from a friend who bought it in 1970 but am not sure what kind of mandolin it is. It has vivi on it but also the Gibson decal. Was also told it could be a harmony. I just like to know the history of my instruments and their worth. Has anyone seen this mandolin with the same designs and name and decal on it? I looked inside and all that’s there is a circle with an M in it but can’t find a serial number. Any help would be very appreciated. I am new to mandolin but love the sound and learning quite fast
    Thanks for any help
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  2. #2
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    Default Re: Can someone give me info on this mandolin please?

    That looks to be a Vivi import from Japan, if it was from the 70's. They also made copies of the Harmony "Batwing" mandolin. The flower pot decal is just that. Someone's attempt to make it look Gibson-like in passing.
    I don't expect it would be worth much monetarily as it appears to have a pressed, not carved, top, and therefore is likely to even be laminate not solid wood.
    If you like how it plays and sounds, it is worth holding on to though.

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  4. #3
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can someone give me info on this mandolin please?

    Actually I believe there is one of these in the famous scroll thread. It is neither a Gibson or a Harmony. If you like the way it sounds play the heck out of it.
    "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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  6. #4
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can someone give me info on this mandolin please?

    Looked for Vivi in a couple sources for Japanese guitar brands, couldn't find it. There are Vivi acoustic guitars on the market as well, generally called "1980's Japanese," on what authority I don't know.
    Allen Hopkins
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  8. #5
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    Default Re: Can someone give me info on this mandolin please?

    Here's an insane video of a 1970's Vivi Batwing being played upside down in an open tuning.

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  10. #6
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    Default Re: Can someone give me info on this mandolin please?

    Thank you for your help. It is pressed not solid so at least now I know it’s history. Thank you

  11. #7

    Default Re: Can someone give me info on this mandolin please?

    Vivi.....................possibly inspired by the old USA company ViviTone, started by none other than Lloyd Loar, himself! Talk about TWO degrees of separation! And, it appeared YEARS before the current The Loar brand! hmmm............

    Another thought: Vivi batwing copy -- for those not ready to "step up" to paying Harmony prices!

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