Looking for info about a German mandolin

**swisstopher** · Jun-02-2014, 4:56pm

I am looking into buying this violin but first I want to know whether or not of course it's worth it. I haven't played before but I want to learn. Is this violin in good shape? Is it playable? And any other background information about it would be great.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/msg/4494207016.html

**swisstopher** · Jun-02-2014, 4:56pm

I meant mandolin sorry. I used to play violin.

**RayMan7** · Jun-02-2014, 5:20pm

With some work Im sure it can be an okay mandolin, it does have a nice maple back on it. But from the pics you can see the action is super high, though the neck doesnt look bent, it just has a really high bridge which would need to be sanded down. Looks like there might be a crack in the top too. So it will probably take a bit of work to get playable. If you want a bowlback theres plenty out there for around the same price which may even be higher quality. For that price I would keep looking, have fun!

**swisstopher** · Jun-02-2014, 5:27pm

Ok, yeah there's a nice music store near me that sells brand new a style mandolins that I may have a look at tomorrow. Cheaper and newer. Thanks for the information.

**allenhopkins** · Jun-03-2014, 3:47pm

Well: if the new A-model mandolins are cheaper than $140 they may not be high quality; probably plywood while the bowl-back is at least solid wood.

On the other hand: bowl-backs aren't for everybody, this one does seem to have pretty high action, the soundhole binding is detached, and that does look like a crack below the pickguard. If your budget is $150 or under, you might want to consider something like this Rover RM-50, which is at least all solid woods.