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Thread: Name This 30s Mandolin!

  1. #1

    Default Name This 30s Mandolin!

    I have no idea- it has a cheap tailpiece. I don't know if the finish is original.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/23406096437...ndition=4%7C10

  2. #2
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Name This 30s Mandolin!

    For posterity. I don't think any of the finish is original. It's interesting. I'm leaning towards Harmony but that's based on the "rope" binding. I can't immediately place it with a builder.
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    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

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

  3. #3
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Name This 30s Mandolin!

    I should add that I think the fretboard is not original to the mandolin either. That's a very Kalamazoo-ish neck as well but there's no way it came out Gibson.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

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

  4. #4

    Default Re: Name This 30s Mandolin!

    I think it probably is a hybrid of sorts but I have no idea who made it- or the body. If I was to pick a Chicago maker, I would go for Regal but I don't think it was made by Regal. Having no inlays on the board does suggest it is not original unless it once had stencils which is unlikely, so it is probably not original as you suggest.

  5. #5
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Name This 30s Mandolin!

    The headstock reminds me of "Recording King" instruments.

    I think the top finish is original.
    Last edited by Charles E.; Jun-23-2021 at 3:24pm.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  6. #6
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Name This 30s Mandolin!

    I noticed that as well except its squared off. I just can't ID the builder by the body shape.
    "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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  8. #7
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: Name This 30s Mandolin!

    "Missing one string." I swear, I'm sick and tired of people putting shoddy merchandise up for auction!
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

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    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

  9. #8
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    Default Re: Name This 30s Mandolin!

    The body shape reminds me of an old Bacon Professional. But that's where the similarity ends.

    Bacon Professionals have a different headstock, different tailpiece, smaller sound hole and a "Florida" fretboard:
    https://bluesmandolin.wordpress.com/...andolin-1920s/

    Dunno.

  10. #9
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Name This 30s Mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by rickbella View Post
    The body shape reminds me of an old Bacon Professional. But that's where the similarity ends.

    Bacon Professionals have a different headstock, different tailpiece, smaller sound hole and a "Florida" fretboard:
    https://bluesmandolin.wordpress.com/...andolin-1920s/

    Dunno.
    Close counts sometimes.

    That's the problem with this one, it's close to a few different things but not quite there.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

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

  11. #10
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: Name This 30s Mandolin!

    Couldn't it be a custom build? Someone with skills bases his design on various elements he likes, or just dreams up something resembling what he's seen here and there. Judging by people's stumped observations, it sounds like the mandolin equivalent of a platypus.
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

  12. #11
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Name This 30s Mandolin!

    Very unusual bridge, eh? Idiosyncratic design sorta supports the "one-of" hypothesis.
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  13. #12

    Default Re: Name This 30s Mandolin!

    It has now reached $410, so there are those that think it may be something special- and I suppose it might be although I would not pay that much for it as an "unknown" instrument.

  14. #13
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Name This 30s Mandolin!

    There are three different bidders. Most likely one is a shill, maybe two. The reality of eBay.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

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

  15. #14

    Default Re: Name This 30s Mandolin!

    Well, there were no more bids. Let's hope the winner is not thinking it might have been made by Gibson!

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