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Thread: 1919 Martin Style B

  1. #1

    Default 1919 Martin Style B

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    A newly-acquired Style B, No. 6589, built in 1919. I had casually made a mention of Martin mandolins to my MAS-infected dad (I played a '53 Style A in a guitar shop and really liked the tone), so he placed a bid for me on eBay, where it sold for much less than most vintage Martins—only several hundred dollars compared to $1K or more—since it wasn't strung up, some hardware was missing, and there was cosmetic damage, especially on the ribs and back. All in all, it was an absurdly great deal. He brought it up over the weekend (having found the original bridge when he picked it up from the previous owner and added stand-in tailpiece cover until a suitable Martin replacement can be found) and I set it up to see if it was playable. The neck is straight, intonation is perfect, there's practically no fret wear, and while it lacks the power and playability of my Breedlove FF, it has a rich, mellow depth that I haven't heard in many mandolins that I've played.

    I named it "Carrizo," since the inlay on the back's center seam resembles the reed-like plant. Sound clips to follow...

    --Tom

  2. #2

    Default Re: 1919 Martin Style B

    Here's a Sound Clip, just some noodling around on Sweeney's Buttermilk. The audio player's at the bottom of the page.

    --Tom

  3. #3
    MandolaViola bratsche's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1919 Martin Style B

    Congrats! I think those Martins are really cool instruments. I like the sound of the Style Bs a little more than the As.

    bratsche
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  4. #4

    Default Re: 1919 Martin Style B

    Quote Originally Posted by bratsche View Post
    Congrats! I think those Martins are really cool instruments. I like the sound of the Style Bs a little more than the As.

    bratsche
    Thanks! It is definitely a joy to play. And while the mahogany Style A was a bit deeper in tone, this one seems to project better with the rosewood.

    --Tom

  5. #5
    Idiot Savant padawan's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1919 Martin Style B

    That thing sounds really sweet! Congrats

    Lock it up at night or I might have to steal it. (idle threat)
    My GFs: Collings MF, Mandobird VIII, Mando-Strat, soprano & baritone ukuleles tuned to GDAE and a Martin X1-DE Guitar.

  6. #6
    its a very very long song Jim's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1919 Martin Style B

    Nice sounding mandolin, enjoyed the sound clip.
    Jim Richmond

  7. #7
    Full Grown and Cussin' brunello97's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1919 Martin Style B

    Ah, rosewood and spruce, my favorite tonal scheme. Congrats, Tom, on the 'new' Martin. I had a '20s something Ditson-labeled Martin B for awhile and really enjoyed it. I let it go (not without regrets) and kept a '51 A. I've got a few Lelands to keep the rw + spruce fix satisfied.

    A few more photos of the B would be greatly appreciated.

    Mick
    Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
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    Default Re: 1919 Martin Style B

    Quote Originally Posted by brunello97 View Post
    Ah, rosewood and spruce, my favorite tonal scheme.
    "With a pull off and a hammer down to A Sharp he did slide."

    I see what you did there.

  9. #9
    Full Grown and Cussin' brunello97's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1919 Martin Style B

    Quote Originally Posted by KEB View Post
    "With a pull off and a hammer down to A Sharp he did slide."

    I see what you did there.
    Ha! Nice catch......

    Mick
    Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
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