Whadaya Think?

[Roger Moss]

Any thoughts on this?

https://reverb.com/item/11898146-1968-stradolin-jr

[AndyV]

Hi Roger,

I recently picked up an electric version. Pancake type pickup with no soundholes, otherwise the same construction, but mahogany body. Great tone and sustain. I've since kept an eye open for an acoustic.
I don't know if I'd go for the junior because of the different body wood, but the mahogany is laminate too so I'm probably just being fussy.
These are also branded Beltone and Orpheum, and I'm sure I've seen another name on one.

Andy

[Seter]

I've seen Stradolins fully assembled and in better condition go unbid for less than that, so I'd pass unless they took a lower offer. There are a few on ebay for under 100 right now.

[EdHanrahan]

I may be off base but, if the date is accurate (based on what?), 1968 sounds maybe two decades too late for this to be a real Strad-O-Lin. But I also think those go for quite a bit higher by now, maybe $600 or so? Or I'm still off base!

It does, to this non-expert, look like the Strad-O-Lin f-holes.

[Mark Wilson]

It's all speculation until Mike E oppines..
I'd prefer an older one myself

[Dave Sheets]

Prices on these have really headed upward! I paid $100 for one in decent playing shape, though the tuner buttons crumbled rapidly, and is very scuffed up. A surprisingly engaging instrument though.

[Seter]

These are much better deals, NFI:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1939-Strado...e/192536511757

https://www.ebay.com/itm/STRADOLIN-M...R/382460766298


My fully functional, nicely playing 30s/40s Strad-o-lin was $155. I wouldn't mind seeing the prices creep up though eventually.

[Jeff Mando]

There is a reason that it is cheap and it is a project. I'm guessing it needs a neckset and if you put strings and a bridge on it the action will be way too high -- or they would string it up and sell it as a playable mandolin for more money.

Someone mentioned $600 Stradolins -- that is a relatively new concept, most don't bring half of that, but yes, I've noticed certain dealers starting to charge $600 or so, in NYC you can get that, etc.............disturbing trend, IMHO.

[fentonjames]

keep searching.

i got this one off reverb a few months ago for $150. all solid wood, from 1935. has some major crack repairs, but, it's a total hoss.

[Seter]

Did anyone here snag the '39 Strad Jr I posted? Curious how it'll turn out.

[Seter]

Did anyone here snag the '39 Strad Jr I posted? Curious how it'll turn out. It went for $136 including postage just to give an idea for values these days.

[Denny Gies]

I think not.

[Russ Donahue]

I bid on it up to $100...quit there and it sold at $101, plus $35 shipping.

I'm curious as well.

No regrets.
Russ