What did I buy here?

[wlosinger]

I'm guessing a Suzuki mandolin, but I'm not sure.

https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Item/67933550

[LadysSolo]

Looks like some Suzukis I have seen advertised, but I can't be sure. Maybe someone else can comment.

[NickR]

I cannot access the site- can you post a photo from it?

[Jim Garber]

I believe that it is a Suzuki. Some of these are overbuilt, especially ones from the 1970s.

[wlosinger]

That's the one. What do you mean by "overbuilt?"

[Jim Garber]

Bowlbacks are usually built very light. The one I owned from the 1970s was disappointing in terms of tone and volume. I believe there are some Suzuki bowlbacks that are decent instruments but not the one I owned.

[wlosinger]

This one is a bit on the heavy side. The tone is okay. The strings seem just a tad high (in my opinion), and I might sand down the bridge a bit.

[Jim Garber]

Yes. That is what I mean. Unlike older vintage bowlbacks (1920s and earlier from Europe or US) this one would probably take light-gauge or even medium-gague strings.