Nice old Stradolin (1938)

**your_diamond** · Mar-18-2023, 12:00pm

Reduced from the $599.99 previous auction (that got no bids) to $199 (plus shipping).
She might need the two top cracks cleated if it hasn't been done yet (I've got an email in, will let you know what they say).

www.ebay.com/itm/314470655826

**Jeff Mando** · Mar-18-2023, 12:24pm

Seller is a pawn shop, so there's a 1000% percent chance the cracks aren't cleated, IMHO. Nice looking mandolin, otherwise, but the position of those cracks scare me. Plus, it would take a lot of work to get to them in order to cleat them. Probably have to take the back off...$$

**Eric Platt** · Mar-18-2023, 1:41pm

Totally agree with Jeff. And have to wonder if the tail block is okay.

Also, just my opinion on this, but the bridge looks too high up. Should be closer to the lower part of the f holes for intonation based on the couple I have owned.

**Jeff Mando** · Mar-18-2023, 2:20pm

I do like the old school case.

**Richard500** · Mar-18-2023, 3:31pm

I think the cracks are regulation and unimportant. Exactly where my (later) one cracked on the bass side very early. Single transverse brace about an inch aft of the bridge. We’ve talked up the early ones enough that I think there will be a few more bids on this one.

**your_diamond** · Mar-18-2023, 8:38pm

I heard back from the seller, cracks are not cleated. Easy fix if you know what you're doing and have the proper tools. My guy (Lenny Brooks in Sarasota) charges $70 per crack that size. Worth every penny to know the cracks are never going to extend further.

**Eric Platt** · Mar-20-2023, 3:53pm

Was looking at that one again this morning. Really wonder if it's the narrow body shape. The overall looks make me think so. If so, this is another variant with the narrow body and bullet f hole ends.

**your_diamond** · Mar-23-2023, 2:51am

Originally Posted by Eric Platt

Was looking at that one again this morning. Really wonder if it's the narrow body shape. The overall looks make me think so. If so, this is another variant with the narrow body and bullet f hole ends.

Also, this variant does not have painted on "binding" but a white inlaid stripe, on the top (only).

FYI looks like a crack in the pickguard, by the screw that is closest to the neck?

**your_diamond** · Mar-23-2023, 5:31pm

By the way, there is a 1935 Star Model Strad-O-Lin for sale in the Classifieds that I'm fairly sure I used to own. It was one of the finest sounding SOL's I ever played (and one of the oldest). If I remember correctly, it had a really skinny neck (1 & 1/8" at the nut) and most pro's like that but my fingers are just too fat, so I let it go. Pretty sure Lenny Brooks cleated the crack (his work makes me jealous) and that location is not to worry about, especially once he's done with it. If it was the one I used to own (and I'm pretty sure it is) the back was a single piece of maple, beautifully flamed (HUGE FLAME, so ask to make sure, if interested). Not a lot of Stradolin's are worth $595.00... but that one is.

**Jim Garber** · Mar-24-2023, 3:57pm

Someone got a good deal on this eBay SOL. $199 + shipping. Only one bidder. I figured after this thread that we would be battling for it among us here. Did any of you folks get this one?

**Eric Platt** · Mar-24-2023, 4:51pm

Almost wish I had bid on it. But figured it was another list member. Even with repair costs, that should be a good deal.

**Sue Rieter** · Mar-24-2023, 5:11pm

I thought about it, too. But who knows what the winner was willing to spend? And really, I already have one.

I'm glad they got a good deal.

**NickR** · Mar-28-2023, 8:20am

Here is a new arrival on eBay. It looks all original although the finish is a little odd and may be messed with and I assume it is either late 30s or 40s and is possibly the Artist Deluxe which was $30. It needs work and has been mutilated a little- holes in the headstock which could be filled. The bridge has been added to which makes me wonder if the top has sunk. Someone has mucked with the nut. The Geib hard case may well be original.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/12584880020...Bk9SR6iZ4oXlYQ

**Sue Rieter** · Mar-28-2023, 10:35am

I saw this. "messed with" seems like an understatement. The top looks wicked sunken, flat even, and look at the headstock

I feel like the color is just wrong and someone "refinished" it.

Could be a fairly risk-free project for someone ambitious, though.

**NickR** · Mar-28-2023, 11:30am

Here's another-maybe, the finish is mostly original?

https://reverb.com/item/6234736-stra...-artist-deluxe

**MikeEdgerton** · Mar-28-2023, 11:59am

That one isn't the same as the other one. This one is a bit more desirable.

**Sue Rieter** · Mar-28-2023, 2:03pm

Originally Posted by NickR

Here's another-maybe, the finish is mostly original?

https://reverb.com/item/6234736-stra...-artist-deluxe

Point taken.

Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton

That one isn't the same as the other one. This one is a bit more desirable.

Mike, which one is "this one" and which is "the other one" ?

**Eric Platt** · Mar-28-2023, 3:15pm

Believe we've discussed the one NickR posted before. Looks to be the same one that had been on Reveb from a seller in Canada.

Yes it is the most desirable model with the bridge in the middle of the f-holes.

**your_diamond** · Mar-28-2023, 6:35pm

The ebay Stradolin looks like it needs a top brace (might be cracked or might just be loose) and may need a neck reset, too.
I recently had a SOL repaired that needed the cracked top brace replaced and a neck reset. A year and a half later plus $350.00 for the repair bill and she is good to go.
Not a cheap or easy repair. If you can do the repair yourself, this becomes more interesting.