This weeks mandolin that won't get a bid or buyer

**Ray(T)** · Nov-12-2022, 2:15pm

Apart from the price, the advert is actually misleading insofar as it should say “Applause by Ovation” rather than “Ovation by Applause”. A real Ovation has recently popped up at auction in the UK and the estimate for that is £100-£200 + commission and it doesn’t say that the electronics are faulty!

**Jim Garber** · Nov-18-2022, 7:46am

I don’t know if this belongs in this thread or not but this custom shop Martín AK-45 mandolin has appeared in the classifieds for quite a few years. I am not sure if it had a few owners or that the original owner continues to try to sell it. The price is a bit optimistic even from the new Carter’s owners: https://cartervintage.com/shop/marti...O9XqlY0EWKSn9V

”It's the fanciest mandolin ever made by Martin, and the hand-cut pearl headstock logo was a first for Martin.”

I highly doubt this is true having owned a 1902 style 6 Martín mandolin with fluted back and more specatular inlay.

**MikeEdgerton** · Nov-18-2022, 7:53am

Originally Posted by Jim Garber

I don’t know if this belongs in this thread or not but this custom shop Martín AK-45 mandolin has appeared in the classifieds for quite a few years. I am not sure if it had a few owners or that the original owner continues to try to sell it. The price is a bit optimistic even from the new Carter’s owners: https://cartervintage.com/shop/marti...O9XqlY0EWKSn9V

I would also argue that it's not the fanciest mandolin ever made by Martin. I think there are a few in the Martin Museum that would be more in line for that designation but who knows? I almost bought a 150 year anniversary guitar the year they came out not because it was an anniversary guitar but because it sounded great.

**FLATROCK HILL** · Nov-18-2022, 9:47am

I'm just impressed the link didn't come back 404

**Jeff Mando** · Nov-18-2022, 10:21am

Maybe it's just me, but it seems the 45 style pearl trim looks better against a dark wood, such as rosewood. The pearl against the lighter color Koa just doesn't have the contrast and doesn't seem to pop, IMHO.

**Bob Clark** · Nov-18-2022, 4:42pm

I remember this mandolin in postings some time ago, and it seemed to draw a lot of negative comments at the time. It is, in my estimation, way over-priced.

I almost always prefer less bling, or even no bling, to more bling. Yet there is something about this particular mandolin that I like. It just appeals to me. Part of it is my general fondness for flat-top instruments, and Martin mandolins in particular. But there is something more to it than that.

The only thing that doesn't appeal to me on this one is the font of the lettering on the pickguard, but I could live with that. I'm not in 'buying mode' at this time, and the price is way outside of my range, but I think I could really enjoy this instrument. I hope it goes to someone who will play it and love it. Wouldn't it be great for it to go to someone with a real connection to C.F. Martin or Nazareth, PA?

**Jim Garber** · Nov-18-2022, 7:04pm

Generally you can find vintage Martín AK mandolins for mid-teens prices. This one is on Reverb for $1500. https://reverb.com/item/62322651-192...ntent=62322651

Granted you don’t have the pearl border but I bet the sound is at least as good and possibly better. I am sure the custom shop is well made but I doubt it cost anywhere near the current asking price back in 1983.

**NickR** · Dec-01-2022, 8:26am

Rock bottom or what? Bedpan art- any resemblance to an existing instrument is purely coincidental:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/22527624518...Bk9SR7inzt2ZYQ

**journeybear** · Dec-01-2022, 12:15pm

Yeah, not sure it qualifies as a mandolin, nor even an instrument. The seller himself isn't sure whether it's a guitar, a ukelele, or a mandolin. Good luck stringing it up woth those tuners, or even getting them to do ... anything. The only part of the description he gets right is "bedpan." Even saying it's "folk art" is pushing it a bit. But, well, hope springs eternal and all.

**LadysSolo** · Dec-01-2022, 12:40pm

Originally Posted by journeybear

Yeah, not sure it qualifies as a mandolin, nor even an instrument. The seller himself isn't sure whether it's a guitar, a ukelele, or a mandolin. Good luck stringing it up woth those tuners, or even getting them to do ... anything. The only part of the description he gets right is "bedpan." Even saying it's "folk art" is pushing it a bit. But, well, hope springs eternal and all.

Especially for $200! LOL!! I wouldn't even pay that for it as a wall-hanger!

**rickbella** · Dec-01-2022, 1:38pm

Maybe hang it on the wall of an outhouse?!

**journeybear** · Dec-01-2022, 1:44pm

Originally Posted by LadysSolo

Especially for $200! LOL!! I wouldn't even pay that for it as a wall-hanger!

Right? If one had a hankering to hang something like this on the wall - even of an outhouse

- one could slap it together for a lot less.

**Jim Garber** · Dec-01-2022, 2:02pm

There was a maker here on the Cafe who actually made playable Bed-Pandolins. Ah, yes, the Commodium! Discussed here on this thread: https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...1-Bedpan-dolin

**journeybear** · Dec-01-2022, 3:06pm

Yes, indeed. This ain't that!

BTW, thanks for holding off on your usual druthers regarding posting pics for posterior.

Don't think this deserves that accommodation.

**your_diamond** · Dec-02-2022, 11:30am

Originally Posted by NickR

Rock bottom or what? Bedpan art- any resemblance to an existing instrument is purely coincidental:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/22527624518...Bk9SR7inzt2ZYQ

Can't carry a tune in a bucket? Try this!

**Bertram Henze** · Dec-02-2022, 2:10pm

Originally Posted by NickR

Rock bottom or what? Bedpan art- any resemblance to an existing instrument is purely coincidental:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/22527624518...Bk9SR7inzt2ZYQ

This thing is really pissing me off.

**Jeff Mando** · Dec-02-2022, 3:56pm

Not to be confused with toilet seat guitar/mandolin creations.....

**Jim Garber** · Dec-08-2022, 1:43pm

Here's a real winner: Combine terrible pictures, poor condition including missing frets and sell a relatively undesirable mandolin for a ridiculous price $1,000.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/144845319875

Click image for larger version.

Name: s-l1600.jpg
Views: 36
Size: 124.9 KB
ID: 204679

**Jim Garber** · Dec-08-2022, 1:45pm

Here's a real winner: Combine terrible pictures, poor condition including missing frets and sell a relatively undesirable mandolin for a ridiculous price $1,000. And I especially like the electrical connection in the background.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/144845319875

Click image for larger version.

Name: s-l1600xx.jpg
Views: 34
Size: 196.0 KB
ID: 204680

**Charles E.** · Dec-08-2022, 5:36pm

Yeah, that's a "little" overpriced.

**milli857** · Dec-08-2022, 6:04pm

I got one a lot like that, but in better shape, for $80 as a project! Sounds thin and terrible but it is a bit of fun.

**mrmando** · Dec-08-2022, 8:29pm

$1895 for a Harmony Batwing?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/225244370499

**jaycat** · Dec-08-2022, 8:55pm

Originally Posted by mrmando

$1895 for a Harmony Batwing?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/225244370499

Makes this one look like a bargain.

**LadysSolo** · Dec-10-2022, 11:31am

Originally Posted by Jim Garber

Here's a real winner: Combine terrible pictures, poor condition including missing frets and sell a relatively undesirable mandolin for a ridiculous price $1,000. And I especially like the electrical connection in the background.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/144845319875

But it has "free" shipping! LOL!!

**Sue Rieter** · Dec-10-2022, 12:39pm

Okay, you guys, what about this one:

Click image for larger version.

Name: sort of octofoneish.jpg
Views: 91
Size: 178.8 KB
ID: 204691

The front of the body has some cracks and splits, the back has just one small crack. The pegs all turn and appear to be serviceable. One interior strut has come loose and will be included. The instrument may or may not be playable when fully strung.

(It actually looks like it would be pretty cool if it weren't so beat ... low price, too

)