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Thread: Østbu 12-string mandolin from Norway

  1. #1
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Østbu 12-string mandolin from Norway

    Came across this for sale recently. You don't see too many mandolins trying to have it both ways with soundholes. It reminds me in some ways of the Framus Black Rose Baby but is dated 1926 on the label. Anyone ever heard of Østbu before?

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  2. #2

    Default Re: Østbu 12-string mandolin from Norway

    1926 is the telephone number and 1919 is another alternative number. I would imagine it is a German made instrument from the 1950s as you have observed or a similar style made by Østbu.

    Edit:

    It seems the firm was started in 1947. Here is a history and a picture of a man with a mandolin- Magne Østbu one of the two brothers n charge:

    http://norskegitarer.no/?page_id=51

    I read at the Nybergsund Wiki entry that a big wood lamination plant was established there but there was no mention that there had once been an instrument factory.
    Last edited by NickR; Dec-13-2020 at 5:00am.

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  4. #3
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: Østbu 12-string mandolin from Norway

    Very cool ... Glad there's someone out there whose Norwegian is better than mine and who can distinguish between a date and a telephone number. 1940s/50s makes a lot more sense as a date for this than 1926 does.
    Emando.com: More than you wanted to know about electric mandolins.

    Notorious: My Celtic CD--listen & buy!

    Lyon & Healy • Wood • Thormahlen • Andersen • Bacorn • Yanuziello • Fender • National • Gibson • Franke • Fuchs • Aceto • Three Hungry Pit Bulls

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    Full Grown and Cussin' brunello97's Avatar
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    Default Re: Østbu 12-string mandolin from Norway

    From the site:
    ".... Henry was a lumberjack and carpenter, and made the first guitar as a gift to his wife Dagny...."

    Mick
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    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Østbu 12-string mandolin from Norway

    courses of 3 or Hardanger fiddle like 4 un fretted drone strings?
    writing about music
    is like dancing,
    about architecture

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    Default Re: Østbu 12-string mandolin from Norway

    Very rough translation (I think):

    1 year warranty. Should something arise concerning materials or workmanship within 1 year, repairs will be performed for free if sent back to where the instrument was made.
    Don

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