Hello Everyone
I know you all have been through this a couple times but Neil (the only owner of such a mandolin) suggested to try again.
My dad bought a Morris mandolin in Munich, Germany in 1980. It was stolen at a concert in 1993 in Budapest, Hungary (where I am originally from, and where my family lives) My dad was one of the great popularizers of Bluegrass Music in Easter Europe, often prosecuted by the communist government for playing the music of the "evil capitalists".
Unfortunately I have no records of the mandolin. No serial or model number. I know what it looks like, I've seen a few pictures but do not have any with me here in the US.
The following article verified that Morris mandolins where made in Japan. The same town the high end Kentucky mandolins were made along with Aria, Alvarez, Ibanez, instruments etc.
Frets Article on Kentucky KM-1500
I know that Morris has three F-style models. MF-200, MF-400, MF-600.
My dad's was gloss finish with fairly bright yellow to brown
sunburs. The fret markers were highly decorated. I figured it is the top model but it is not. Neal has an MF-600 which is a 20's looking, satin brown finish with dot markers.
Neil's Morris MF-600
Other Pictures of Neil's
I guess several companies had their 20's style model on the top of the line. (see Kentucky's KM-1000 or 1500 vs the 3 digit ones, Aria's Japanese Line)
My dad's looked more like the M-900. The Morris MF-600 looks more like the M-1000.
(by the way, if anyone has an MF-600 or one of these Aria M-1000, or something equivalent looking and quality, I might be interested in buying one for my self, right now all I have is a Rover RM-75, and even that is in Europe while I am in Lincoln, NE)
Any information would be appreciated about these Morris mandolins. Any pictures, descrptions, specs or the three models. First of all I would like to figure out what I am looking for. Probably the MF-400, but I am not sure anymore. In december my dad will have his 50's Bday. I need to find one until then. It would be the greatest present for a veteran who lost his loved one over 15 years ago.
Please help.
Thanks
Levi
Bookmarks