Bowlback Mandolin $80 on CL

[Harold The Barrel]

"Professional" Bowlback Mandolin, excellent condition, brought back from Greece years ago, never used. $80

I certainly don't expect this to be a hidden treasure but can anybody id it and tell me anything about it or if its worth even $80? (Looks like a thick finish on it as well). If there's a chance it's a halfway decent instrument that needs a setup I might just grab it.
Much thanks in advance.

http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/msg/5654555959.html

[houseworker]

Looks like it was made for the tourist trade to me. I'd steer clear.

[Roger Moss]

It looks like it has a pretty severe problem with the nut. Probably will need a new one. I would try to talk him down a few dollars to compensate. That is if you still want it. I'd pass.

[DavidKOS]

It also may have high action and there is a problem with the tailpiece where one of the strings attaches.

For some reason there is something about this "Professional" brand instrument that tells me that it may have come through Greece but it was not made there - it looks like a Japanese mandolin in many ways. I could be wrong.

[Jim Garber]

I agree, David. Looks like one of many mandolins made by or for Suzuki or the like. 1970s Japan, probably.

[Harold The Barrel]

Thanks so much for the prompt replies! I think I'm gonna pass on it. Be fun to have a bowlback to play around with, but my gut was telling me the same as most of you have indicated. I'll keep looking. Thanks again!

[Roger Moss]

Good call. So are you a Genesis fan?

[DavidKOS]

Good call. So are you a Genesis fan?

I noticed the reference too.

I was a big fan of Genesis when it had 5 members.

[Roger Moss]

I noticed the reference too.

I was a big fan of Genesis when it had 5 members.

I stayed with them until Hackett left in '77. Nothing left for me after that.

[DavidKOS]

I agree, David. Looks like one of many mandolins made by or for Suzuki or the like. 1970s Japan, probably.

That's exactly what I get the impression this is.

I stayed with them until Hackett left in '77. Nothing left for me after that.

Same here...and oddly, I was not a fan of solo Peter Gabriel.