Re: Any idea what these "Chinese folk mandolins" might be?
They appear to be the work that is sold primarily by two eBay sellers Antoniotsai and Bruceweiart. This has been our week for these. The one on the right appears to be a mandola.
The tailpieces and inlay, as well as the bridge top are common to these instruments. Getting two of them in black might have been a custom order. Even though the sellers are Chinese the instruments are generally made in Vietnam.
Here is an interesting discussion page about Antoinotsai instruments.
These were also sold by a related seller Inlaidartist. They aren't stellar but a few people have reported they had one that was playable. More people over the years have had issues. If it's not too far go play them. They may be decorative items because they aren't playable. If they are cheap enough you might get a good deal on two wall hangers.
"It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
--M. Stillion
"Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
--J. Garber
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