Re: Help me identify this bowlback please!
Likely made by Lyon and Healy, but from one of their (many) other lines.
But not a Washburn. If it were....there would be a label saying it was and there would likely be a model number on the headstock.
Washburn was the signature level line for L+H and typically used their higher grade materials, though we do see many quality overlaps with their American Conservatory line.
We had an ongoing (and relatively fruitless) discussion here about what to "call" various L+H models in the the absence of a label. Some folks (not including me) felt it productive to call an L+H mandolin by the name of one of their labels (eg. Washburn or American Conservatory) if they exhibited the qualitative traits of that line.
I continue to feel that this is a confusing practice.
Not to reopen that can of worms, but this isn't a Washburn either by label or by qualitative traits. Likely one of the many, many L+H mandolins that were made with parts that resemble other parts that were used on that label's production run.
When L+H bought out Regal they inherited all of Regal's existing stock which apparently included beaucoup mandolins in various states of completion and finish, some of which were labeled for sale by L+H (Lakeside models, I believe) and others sold off without labels.
That isn't to confirm or deny speculation that this might be Regal made, only to suggest that the relationship between L+H and Regal for any given instrument might be more complex than "Regal made these for L+H..." for instance.
As to value: not a lot in $$ terms. In poetic, mandolin lover terms....quite a lot. As our friend, Mike, is wont to say: These fail to sell regularly on ebay, etc.
Does it need a refinish? May it just need a good deep cleaning instead. And an overhaul of the tuners and a proper setup to be playable and enjoyable?
What type of refinish? Would you use this to learn how to French polish a mandolin? In which case, I would encourage it.
Otherwise, maybe just be kind to it and let its modest good looks suffice. Treat the "wear" as the elusive "mojo" and then take pleasure in playing.
solo i miei due centesimi....
Mick
Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
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