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Thread: Looking for more information about my mandolin

  1. #1

    Default Looking for more information about my mandolin

    I have a Mandolin with 2 identifying features- a number and a stamp/signature that can be seen through the sound hole but that I can't make out what it is. I was just curious if anyone knew anything about this specific mandolin by looking at it, or by looking at those two identifying features. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
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  2. #2

    Default Re: Looking for more information about my mandolin

    Your mandolin was almost certainly made by United of New Jersey. United on their lower end instruments nailed in the tailpiece and tuners. It looks like the nails have been replaced on the tuners. We can't see the tailpiece. Here is another thread on the same mandolin type. I have a comment at the end of the thread. The owner mentions replacing the nails with screws which I think makes it a United made instrumentwithout any doubt. There are a few more threads on United instruments here: https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...-name-mandolin

    Here is one other- very recent- not exactly the same like the one above but similar shape etc.

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...anded-Mandolin

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  4. #3
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Looking for more information about my mandolin

    Well, at least they left a few nails in those tuners. I really don't understand why whomever changed out the screws didn't use round head screws. Then again, I live in New Jersey where not much is expected of us.

    It was indeed made by United.
    "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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  6. #4
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    Default Re: Looking for more information about my mandolin

    That serial number looks like a sticky Dymo label! I have one of those on my Martin guitar which says ”Made in Taiwan”

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  8. #5
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Looking for more information about my mandolin

    I'm pretty sure that isn't a serial number, at least not one assigned from the factory
    "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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  10. #6
    Registered User Ranald's Avatar
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    Default Re: Looking for more information about my mandolin

    I read the stamp as "Made in USA."
    Robert Johnson's mother, describing blues musicians:
    "I never did have no trouble with him until he got big enough to be round with bigger boys and off from home. Then he used to follow all these harp blowers, mandoleen (sic) and guitar players."
    Lomax, Alan, The Land where The Blues Began, NY: Pantheon, 1993, p.14.

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