Hi Mandolin lovers,
I'm a guitarist in Australia, and have just found my first mandolin at an opportunity shop (I think Americans call them thrift stores?), and am keen to find out any info regarding it's manufacturer/age/possible value...
I bought it to play and learn on, so it's resale value is a moot point at this stage, but it'd be nice to have an idea, in case I were to resell in the future?!
I note these particular characteristics - although some may be common, some are not...
First is the headstock shape - I've found similar, but none exactly like it. Second, is the zero fret - which makes me think it could be of Eastern European origin, as typically on old arch top guitars from the region, they would use a zero fret (I'm thinking East Germany, Czech Republic, etc...
I think (from how it changes colour in the light as you move it), it has decorative mother of pearl around the top edge, near the binding, though the way it's worn near the upper bout, I'm unsure. Spruce top, maple back and sides, with lovely birds eye, and flame on the back.
On the downside, I note the top has collapsed a little under the bridge area, and I'd say there's something missing from the tailpiece (string cover?) and the bridge looks like a replacement to me. I think overall it's a little beauty, and it plays pretty nicely, (the strings are years old I'd say, and pretty rusty), though the neck down the nut end is very narrow. Also, I need to put slots into the bridge, as the strings simply pull into a straight line, under string pressure when in tune.
I wonder what is a typical neck width (nut, and 12th fret area) on a mandolin?
I'm sure at the very least, my daughter will be able to learn to play it, as she's only 10.
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