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Thread: NMD Late 70's Ibanez 524?

  1. #1
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default NMD Late 70's Ibanez 524?

    I've read where these late 70's Japanese mandolins get some love and respect, but I was surprised enough to be blown away, and I may soon fall under the spell of this one, due to its unique voice.

    It arrived Monday IIRC, I opened the box Wednesday and had a look, then yesterday I installed its original pick guard and strung it up. I played with it awhile and worked at settling the strings down. Picked it up this morning and spent a few minutes tuning and testing it a bit.

    What I like about it: Sustain forever. A ringing quality and clarity to the notes. A super feel to the neck, good action, very easy to play. A light touch goes a long way. I like the original case, with a lone Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels sticker. I like the condition, hardly a scratch anywhere, though the back of the neck and the notched frets and the sweat-marred tailpiece cover says somebody played it often.

    I also like the imitation tortoise headstock veneer & pickguard, and the abalone appointments look nice.

    My wife likes the sound, says it sounds "more melodic" to her than the Washburn I've been playing. No surprise there, I'm sure. The Washburn is a truly entry level instrument that's overbuilt and I have had to work hard at getting anywhere near the tone I want from it.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    A big thanks to Chris Bowsman for this little beauty; he even scooped the Florida for me before shipping it.
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  3. #2
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD Late 70's Ibanez 524?

    I doubt the loose looking scroll will bother me if I can get some interesting and pleasing tones out of it.
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    Registered User John Soper's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD Late 70's Ibanez 524?

    Hopefully, you'll spend more time playing it than looking at it! The tragedy of those special mandolins with visually astounding backs and workmanship is that we only get to see them when we put the mandolin away (or not even then if there's a tonegard).

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  6. #4
    Registered User darylcrisp's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD Late 70's Ibanez 524?

    Mark
    I like this a lot!
    Never saw one before, or knew about them. I like everything about it, especially the tortoise headstock veneer-I think that's very cool.

    I'm not a bling type person at all, but I do like the fretboard inlay. I think its a killer looking mando, and especially if the sound is there and evidently so.

    thanks for posting this,
    d

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  8. #5
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    Default Re: NMD Late 70's Ibanez 524?

    Keep an eye on the faux. Turtle/celluloid - I took the pickguard off my old Ibanez a couple of years ago as it was deteriorating/gassing off.

    Apart from the handle, that looks like the original case.

    Is the back of yours as uninspiring as the back of mine?

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  10. #6
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD Late 70's Ibanez 524?

    Utilitarian back & sides, Ray, no pretty figure to the maple. Thanks for the reminder about the celluloid. Case is original including the handle; a previous owner added a “comfort wrap” there.
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  11. #7
    Gummy Bears and Scotch BrianWilliam's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD Late 70's Ibanez 524?

    Nice! Personally, I’d need a new bridge due to those screws peaking out. Enjoy the new mandolin weekend

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  13. #8

    Default Re: NMD Late 70's Ibanez 524?

    Thanks for the great pictures. I think that is a fine looking mandolin! And I see nothing wrong with that scroll. I hope you get a lot of enjoyment from it.

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  15. #9
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    Default Re: NMD Late 70's Ibanez 524?

    Quote Originally Posted by BrianWilliam View Post
    Nice! Personally, I’d need a new bridge due to those screws peaking out. Enjoy the new mandolin weekend
    Quote Originally Posted by Mark Gunter View Post
    Utilitarian back & sides, Ray, no pretty figure to the maple. Thanks for the reminder about the celluloid. Case is original including the handle; a previous owner added a “comfort wrap” there.
    I suppose I should get mine out and play it occasionally but, alas, its only one of many! Mine no longer has the original case - did a straight swap for a Calton many years ago (the full story is on the recent “Recommend a case colour” thread) and it seemed like a good deal at the time. No, I don’t want to swap back!

  16. #10
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    Default Re: NMD Late 70's Ibanez 524?

    I have fond memories of those and the Aria Pro II as well. Enjoy!
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  17. #11
    Registered User bbcee's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD Late 70's Ibanez 524?

    Congrats Mark, that's a fine-looking instrument with lots of nice old mojo. I even like the scroll! Looking forward to hearing it.

    I understand these were really hit & miss - they could either be totally overbuilt, or have a beautiful, singing, voice. Sounds like you got the latter.

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