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Thread: Orpheus

  1. #1

    Default Orpheus

    Finding any information on this mandolin is proving to be difficult. There are no other identifying marks that I can see other than the name Orpheus. I’ve looked inside and it’s all black. I don’t see any marks or stamps in there.

    This is my mother’s and she got it from her ex husband that supposedly had it in the family for years.

    I’m looking to sell it for her and am afraid I’m not selling for what it’s worth. Can anyone tell me anything about this that would help me determine its worth?

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  2. #2

    Default Re: Orpheus

    I see there is a higher grade one on Worthpoint. My immediate reaction is that it was made in Japan but it may have been made in South Korea. The instrument's value is not a great deal if in good playing condition- it is a worthy if rather low level instrument. Bowlback mandolins do not in general fetch much money, I am afraid. On that basis, any repairs are likely to cost more than the instrument is worth, so if it is not in playing order, its worth without a case is minimal. I am sure others will elaborate, but this mandolin is part of the large crowd of instruments that will not stand out in that crowd but it may be ideal as a starter mandolin for somebody- which gets back to its condition as a primary consideration.

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  4. #3
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Orpheus

    Most likely built in Japan. If you do a Google Image search using the terms "Japanese Bowlback Mandolin" you'll see several with similar pickguards and trim. Some are more ornate, some less. The brand name Orpheus was used on instruments as far back as the 30's and was probably captured by an importer and used to import this mandolin from the mid to late 70's through the 90's. There are a few mentions of the brand name through the years on the Cafe. By the way, here's one on ShopGoodwill. Price wise it's not going to buy a car, make a house payment or put a child through college. You might be able to have a nice dinner at a mid-priced restaurant for two or three people provided you can find a buyer.
    Last edited by MikeEdgerton; Jun-23-2020 at 12:43pm.
    "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

    Default Re: Orpheus

    Thanks Nick and Mike!

  7. #5
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Orpheus

    Similar ones were sold under the Kent label among others and were probably made by Suzuki as Mike noted, in Japan in the 1970s.
    Jim

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  9. #6

    Default Re: Orpheus

    Japan it is. Someone has certainly been creative making a replacement bridge and bolting it to the top (at the wrong side of the cant, too), which is not a strong selling point, I am afraid.

  10. #7
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Orpheus

    Yikes. How did I ever miss the custom “feature”?
    Jim

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    1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1

  11. #8
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Orpheus

    I saw the bridge, didn't think it was bolted down. I just assumed it was adjustable.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  12. #9
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Orpheus

    I also don't think they made it, I'm going to guess that came off an imported guitar.
    "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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