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Thread: Martin style 20

  1. #1
    Registered User
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    Default Martin style 20

    Anybody know what became of the mandolin Bill Bolick played??
    Early 1954 Gibson F-12
    Lare 1922 Gibson A2 paddlehead
    Late 1963 Gibson A5 Two point
    1950's Stradolin
    ~1918 Weymann Style 30

    " Mandolin - good for the mind, good for the body, good for the soul"

  2. #2
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Martin style 20

    Well, the collection of Bolick's papers, music (written and recorded), and such like is in the University of North Carolina library.

    No mention of the Martin mandolin.
    Allen Hopkins
    Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
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    Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
    H-O mandolinetto
    Stradolin Vega banjolin
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    Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
    Flatiron 3K OM

  3. #3
    Teacher, repair person
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    Default Re: Martin style 20

    So far as I know, Bill's mandolin has not turned up.
    Earl Bolick's D-28 was listed for sale at Maple Street Guitars a few years back.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Martin style 20

    Thanks for the info!

  5. #5

    Default Re: Martin style 20

    It appears.that Bill played a 1929 Style 20, since that was the only year the model was made without fretboard binding. 101 were made that year.
    I have a 1929 with very little little wear. Bob Chuckrow replaced the teenie bar fret with modern fret wire and it plays effortlessly. The tone is bright and immediate but with a woody bass. The tonal response is so unique that most players used to bluegrass mandolins don’t know what to do with them.

    I think the design of the Style 20 is so artful and the workmanship so immaculate that it deserves a spot in the Golden Age Hall of Fame. But so few exist that they are under appreciated.

  6. The following members say thank you to George Henry for this post:


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