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Thread: please help

  1. #1

    Question please help

    Hello! This is my grandfather's Washburn mandolin that I just had restrung so that my son can learn to play it. Other than something strange going on with the varnish on the head, it is in really good condition and I'm guessing that Grandpa purchased it in the 1970s or early 1980s. My elderly old mom however, thinks this is the same mandolin that he played during her childhood (mid-1930s and 1940s). There are no serial numbers that I can find. I've reached out to Washburn for help, but thought that you all might also be able to advise.

    Thanks!
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  2. #2
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: please help

    It's no earlier than the late 70's, probably early to mid 80's.
    "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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  4. #3

    Default Re: please help

    Thank you, Mike. I thought my mom might be mistaken about the age of the instrument and I appreciate the confirmation.

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  6. #4
    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: please help

    Time changes with age, I agree with Mike, that’s most likely from the mid-late 70’s at earliest. I wonder if your grandfather had a different one and maybe your mom has gotten them turned around. That really isn’t a big deal at all, the big deal is that your son wants to play it! Very cool.
    Timothy F. Lewis
    "If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett

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  8. #5
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    Default Re: please help

    Looking at the head, it looks to me as if somebody has glued something on it and then peeled it off again. Of course it’s possible that your Grandpa bought it in the 70s when he shouldn’t, sneaked it into the house and told everyone it was his old one. (Some players have to do that!)

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  10. #6
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: please help

    I was actually going to say that.

    Her: Is that a new mandolin?

    Him: No, this is same one I've had for years. I just cleaned it up a bit.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

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

  11. #7
    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
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    Default Re: please help

    Of course, all bets are off when they start counting the cases

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  13. #8
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    Default Re: please help

    Quote Originally Posted by Sue Rieter View Post
    Of course, all bets are off when they start counting the cases
    Or it’s a different color
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  15. #9
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    Default Re: please help

    I seriously doubt that non mandolin players even notice.

  16. #10
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: please help

    Quote Originally Posted by Ray(T) View Post
    I seriously doubt that non mandolin players even notice.
    And no self respecting slimeball would keep the cases where they could be counted. I will note that when I finally built shelving for all my instruments there was a major blowout in the house. They had never all been in the same place before. Big mistake on my part.
    "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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  18. #11
    Full Grown and Cussin' brunello97's Avatar
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    Default Re: please help

    I've seen a picture or two of your shelving, Mike. Very impressive. Actually inspired a (uh, slightly smaller) unit of my own.

    Mick
    Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
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  19. #12
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    Default Re: please help

    I’ve not yet got round to buillding shelving but my wife did suggest it!

  20. #13
    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
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    Default Re: please help

    If the spouse is suggesting the shelf, then there are no worries

  21. #14
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: please help

    Quote Originally Posted by brunello97 View Post
    I've seen a picture or two of your shelving, Mike. Very impressive. Actually inspired a (uh, slightly smaller) unit of my own.

    Mick
    Yes, it did the trick but I can't seem to get to it anymore because there are too many cases stacked in front of it. Yes, I am a sick man.
    "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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