ELECTRIC GUITARS, BASSES, AMPS, AND OTHERS:(Click on the underlined name for price and details)(/h3)

• None at this time

CASES, PARTS, AND MISCELLANEOUS:
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• Black Bart Bones, Made in USA, genuine cow bones for rhythm playing in old time and Celtic
• 1960s Earth Tone Guitar Strap, Earth tone colors, similar to ACE strap

LUTHIER SPECIALS AND FIXER-UPPERS:
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• None at this time

Please click on the name of the instrument or the camera icon beside it to see more details and larger pictures. If you would like additional images of a specific instrument please email your request. 
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NOTE: If the listing shows "ON HOLD", there is a sale working on the instrument and it is NOT FOR SALE.

GIBSON MANDOLINS AND RELATED


 1918 Gibson A Mandolin
(Serial Number xxx07 Fon 111467) The serial number is partially illegible, but the facotory order number stamped inside indicates a build date of 1918, which agrees with the finish and appointments. Very good condition showing some playing wear. Sheraton brown top finish with dark back and sides. No logo in the peghead as built, top bound only, unbound fingerboard, original Gibson label inside. The finish and tuners are original but it has a replaced bridge and tailpiece cover, and is missing the pickguard. Shows some playing wear but overall a nice solid mandolin. Plays easy with the great round hole tone. Excellent for Celtic, old time and jazz. Just set up so it plays fine and has a good sound. Comes with a newer case..........USD $1150

 1923 Gibson A2Z Snakehead Mandolin
(Serial No. 74945 FON 11911) Snakehead! Excellent condition, all original. The A2Z variation is the most sought after of the Gibson A style round hole instruments, and for good reason. They sound great! The label on this one is marked A2Z, and the order number (FON) is listed in the Spann book as a 1923 A2Z. It has all of the characteristics of the A2Z - blond top, dark back and sides, the inlaid pearl logo, bound top, back and fingerboard, the adjustable bridge, and the thin black line of inner binding on the top. This one was built with the double soundhole rosette rings, similar to the A2. It must have produced early in the sequence as it still has the clamp style pickguard attachment. This is a classic Loar era instrument with the sound that you expect from this period. Plays smoothly with excellent volume and tone. This is just a great sounding mandolin - an excellent demonstration of why many pickers believe the snakehead era mandolins are the best ever made by Gibson. Excellent structual condition showing almost no playing wear. No breaks, cracks or refinish. Natural top finish and brown back and sides. Has the adjustable truss rod. All hardware and finish is original. Comes with the original hardshell case...........USD $7450

 1923 Gibson A2Z Snakehead Mandolin
(Serial No. 78962 FON 11919) Snakehead! Extremely clean, all original, excellent plus condition. This is out of my personal collection. The A2Z variation is the most sought after of the Gibson A style round hole instruments, and for good reason. They sound great! The label on this one is marked A2-, but the factory order number (FON) is listed in the Spann book as a 1923 A2Z. It also has all of the characteristics of the A2Z - it has the inlaid pearl logo, bound top, back and fingerboard, the adjustable bridge, the thick white soundhole rosette like the A3, and the thin black line of inner binding on the top. This is a classic Loar era instrument with the sound that you expect from this period. Plays smoothly with excellent volume and tone. This is just a great sounding mandolin - an excellent demonstration of why many pickers believe the snakehead era mandolins are the best ever made by Gibson. Excellent structual condition showing almost no playing wear. No breaks, cracks or refinish. Natural top finish and brown back and sides. Has the adjustable truss rod. All hardware and finish is original. Comes with the original hardshell case..........USD $7450

 1916 Gibson A3 Mandolin
(Serial Number 32690 FON 2268) Excellent condition, natural top finish. The A3 was the middle grade instrument. Appointments include bound top, back and fretboard and an unique pearl inlay in the peghead. Back and sides are solid birch, and the top is solid Adirondack (red) spruce. Plays very easy and has strong volume with a very balanced sound - this would be a good session instrument. Excellent for Celtic, jazz, classical, or old-time music. Neck is straight, neck set is good, and the frets are fine. All finish and hardware is original. No repairs noted. Nice low action as the mandolin was just set up. For a short video clip of this mandolin played by Nathan Beaumont click here. Comes with a nice original hardshell case.........USD $2950

 1920 Gibson A3 Mandolin
(Serial Number 59949) Bought from the family of the original owner. Excellent condition, white top finish. Norman Blake has a video out where he uses one. Plays very easy and has strong volume with a very balanced sound - this would be a good session instrument. For a short video clip of this mandolin played by Nathan Beaumont click here. Excellent for Celtic, jazz, classical, or old-time music. Neck is straight, neck set is good, and the frets are fine. The body finish is original. Shows a little wear on the top where your arm comes over. Although the camera flash shows the top as white, it has aged to a beautiful ivory color. All hardware is original incluing the hard to find original white pickguard. No repairs noted. Nice low action as the mandolin was just set up. Comes with a nice original hardshell case. .......USD $2950

 1914 Gibson A4 Mandolin
(Serial No. 16217 FON 1936) Excellent plus condition. The A4 was the top of the line A style mandolin for Gibson. Very clean mandolin, only showing a little playing wear where the arm comes over the top, and on the back of the neck. Original finish with black top and a reddish back and sides, all solid woods with a two piece birch back and sides, spruce top, pearl logo and fleur di lise in the peghead, original hardware including the inlaid Handel tuners, bound top and back, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension. Fitted with 1920s era adustable Gibson bridge, which was a common upgrade. Nice big woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! Neck is straight, neck angle and frets are good. For a short video clip of this mandolin played by Nathan Beaumont click here. No structural repairs and only a few of the usual nicks and dings. Excellent for Celtic or old time or jazz or classical. Comes with a nice original hardshell case......USD $3150

 1914 Gibson A4 Mandolin
(Serial No. 17511 FON 2044) Excellent condition. The A4 was the top of the line A style mandolin for Gibson. This one is really clean. Original finish with black top and a reddish back and sides, all solid woods with a two piece birch back and sides, spruce top, pearl logo and fleur di lise in the peghead, original hardware including the inlaid Handel tuners, bound top and back, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension. Fitted with a new Richie Dotson replica Loar adjustable bridge. Frets were just dressed and the mandolin set up by luthier Marty Beeson. Nice big woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! For a short video clip of this mandolin played by Nathan Beaumont click here. Neck is straight, neck angle and frets are good. No structural repairs and only a few of the usual nicks and dings. Excellent for Celtic or old time or jazz or classical. Comes with the original hardshell case.....USD $3150

 1917 Gibson A4 Mandolin
(Serial No. 32557 FON 3269) Excellent condition. The A-4 was the top of the line A style mandolin for Gibson in 1917. It has a dark red sunburst top finish and reddish back and sides, pearl peghead inlay and logo, bound top and back, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension. The hardware and finish are original, but it is missing the pickguard. Nice big woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! Neck is straight, neck angle is good and the frets show very little wear. Shows the usual nicks and dings of an instrument used to make music for a hundred years. Action is low and playable and it has a good ringing sound. Excellent for Celtic or old-time music. Original hardshell case included. Here is a video clip of this mandolin as played by Nathan Beaumont. Excellent for Celtic or old-time music. Original hardshell case included. ....USD $2950

 1917 Gibson A4 Mandolin
(Serial No. 36374 FON 3503) Excellent condition. The A4 was the top of the line A style mandolin for Gibson in 1917. It has the true red sunburst top finish and reddish back and sides, pearl peghead inlay and logo, bound top and back, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension. Nice one piece back. The hardware and finish are original, including the pearl and wire inlad buttons on the Handel tuners. Nice big woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! Neck is straight, neck angle is good and the frets show very little wear. No repairs or refinish noted. Action is low and playable and it has a good ringing sound. Here is a video clip of this mandolin as played by Nathan Beaumont. Excellent for Celtic or old-time music. just set up by my luthier Marty Beeson. Clean original hardshell case included. ....USD $2950

 1918 Gibson A4 Mandolin
(Serial No. 40590 FON 11030) Excellent restored condition. The A-4 was the top of the line A style mandolin for Gibson in 1919. It has a dark red sunburst top finish and reddish back and sides, pearl peghead inlay and logo, bound top and back, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension. Nice one piece back. The hardware and finish are original but missing the pickguard. Nice big woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! Neck is straight, neck angle is good and the frets show very little wear. Here is a video clip of this mandolin as played by Nathan Beaumont. There is a long top crack that has beed glued and cleated, and should not be a problem. However, it does lower the price. Shows the usual nicks and dings of an instrument used to make music for a hundred years. Action is low and playable and it has a good ringing sound. Excellent for Celtic or old-time music. Original hardshell case included.......USD $2500

 1920 Gibson A4 Mandolin
(Serial No. 57885) Excellent condition. The A4 was the top of the line A style mandolin for Gibson in 1920. It has the true red sunburst top finish and reddish back and sides, pearl peghead inlay and logo, bound top and back, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension. The hardware and finish are original. Nice big woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! Neck is straight, neck angle is good and the frets show very little wear. No repairs or refinish noted. Action is low and playable and it has a good ringing sound. For a short video clip of this mandolin played by Nathan Beaumont click here. Excellent for Celtic or old-time music. Just set up by my local luthier Marty Beeson. Clean original hardshell case included........USD $2950

 1920 Gibson A4 Mandolin
(Serial No. 68143 FON 11484) Excellent condition. The A4 was the top of the line A style mandolin for Gibson in 1920. It has the true red sunburst top finish and reddish back and sides, pearl peghead inlay and logo, bound top and back, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension. The hardware and finish are original. Nice big woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! Neck is straight, neck angle is good and the frets show very little wear. No repairs or refinish noted. Action is low and playable and it has a good ringing sound. For a short video clip of this mandolin played by Nathan Beaumont click here. Excellent for Celtic or old-time music. Just set up by my local luthier Marty Beeson. Clean original hardshell case included.........USD $2950

 1936 Kalamazoo KM21 Mandolin
(FON: 539 B 44) Excellent condition. Kalamazoo was the budget or student line for Gibson. Note that the instruments were made by Gibson in house. This mandolin has mahogany back and sides, an Adirondack (red) spruce top, and a flat rosewood fretboard with a 1 1/8 inch nut and a 13 7/8 inch scale. The neck is straight and in set, and the frets were just dressed and still have plenty of life left. It is top bound only. It has a woody and pretty tone with strength through the upper midrange and fat treble string response. Rounded V neck profile, 100% original, including finish, frets, nut, tuners, bridge, and tailpiece. Here is a link to a video clip of this mandolin as played by Joe Donahue of Wesley Chapel, FL and another link to a video clip by Nathan Beaumont of Brandon. Comes with a case......USD $1350

 1937 Gibson A50 Mandolin
(Serial No. 1992F-21) Nice original wide body mandolin. Has an original sunburst finish, highly flamed maple back, sides and neck, ebony fingerboard with Lucas style inlays and the "thick" pearl peghead Gibson logo and fleur-di-lise. Has the original tailpiece cover but is missing the pickguard, however the pickguard mounting hardware is in the case. Tuners are correct type Klusons but are a little later wartime era with riveted gears. Looks like it might have had Grover tuners on it at one time. At 14 1/2 inches, these are the longest scale mandolins ever made by Gibson. Frets and neck set are good and the mandolin was and set up by my luthier. Plays like silk and has a good chop. Here is a video clip of this mandolin as played by Joe Donahue. These mandolins were used extensively in bluegrass as they were more affordable than the F5 but still pretty fancy. Comes with a newer hardshell case that fits well....USD $2150

 1939 Gibson A1 Mandolin
(Serial No. EG-4397) Very clean mandolin bought from the family of the original owner. Original sunburst finish and hardware, Adirondack spruce top with F holes, dark stained nicely figured maple back, sides and neck, white script silkscreened "Gibson" peghead logo, clamshell tailpiece cover. Ebony bridge and tailpiece. It does not have a back brace, so according to book it is an A1. These were used a lot in bluegrass as not everyone could afford a F5. Nice playing and sounding instrument with no issues. Just set up by my luthier. Frets are fine, neck is straight. Good strong bluegrass sound with a woody chop. For a short video clip of this mandolin played by Nathan Beaumont click here. Very loud mandolin - excellent volume. Comes with a nice clean original soft case.....USD $2150

 1940 Gibson A50 Mandolin
(FON 246 27) Original sunburst finish and hardware, Adirondack spruce top with F holes, dark stained nicely flamed maple back, sides and neck, white script silkscreened "Gibson" peghead logo, clamshell tailpiece cover. Very cool translucent amber plastic tuner buttons. These were used a lot in bluegrass as not everyone could afford a F5. Nice playing and sounding instrument with no issues. Frets are fine, neck is straight. You can see just a little bit of crazing beginning in the original pickguard, but this has been stablized to prevent spreading. Good strong bluegrass sound with good tone and volume and a nice woody chop. Comes with a hard shell case......USD $2150

 1947 Gibson A50 Mandolin
(FON 4443 2) Original sunburst finish and hardware, dark stained nicely flamed maple back, sides and neck, spruce top with F holes, early post war decal "Gibson" peghead logo, clamshell tailpiece cover. These were used a lot in bluegrass as not everyone could afford a F5. Nice playing and sounding instrument with no issues. Tuners are original and they work fine. Note that the buttons are slightly shrunk, which is common on these instruments. Frets are fine, neck is straight. A modern pickguard has been fitted. Good strong bluegrass sound with good tone and volume and a nice woody chop. For a short video clip of this mandolin played by Nathan Beaumont click here. Comes with a hard shell case........USD $2150

 1917 Gibson F2 Mandolin
(Serial Number: 36888 FON 9173) Excellent condition. This 1917 Gibson F2 apparently went back to Gibson in the 1930's. The serial number and factory order number date the mandolin to a build date of 1917. Back then, if you needed work done on your instrument (refret, for example) you sent it back to the factory. Gibson replaced the peghead veneer with one with a straight logo, an adjustable bridge was fitted, a truss rod was added, and a new label with the old serial number and the model name rubber stamped on the label (Gibson used a rubber stamp for the model name on the label in the 1930s onward), and a shaped hardshell case with a pink interior was added. I suppose Gibson could have just replaced the neck on the mandolin, but if they did so it cannot be seen. This is an excellent mandolin upgraded by Gibson to have all of the Loar improvements. The F2 was the next to the top of the line mandolin for Gibson. It has a true red sunburst, spectacular flamy woods on the sides and back, pearl logo, bound top, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension, truss rod in the neck, and an original adjustable bridge. The differences in a F2 and a F4 are cosmetic - the F2 has an unbound back, fingerboard and peghead, and simpler peghead inlay. The build is the same and it has the same sound - just less cosmetic trim. The action is good and the sound is excellent. BIG tone and volume! Nice woody sound from this mandolin with good bass. Neck is straight, neck angle is good and the frets show very little wear. There is some picking wear evident on the mandolin but no structural repairs. Finish and hardware are original Gibson. For a short video clip of this mandolin click here. Gibson scroll mandolins are hot right now and getting very hard to find, and prices are continuing to rise every year. Comes with the hardshell case....USD $5950

 1917 Gibson F4 Mandolin
(Serial No.32878 FON 3244) Excellent condition. Original hardware and true red sunburst finish. Has a flamed birch 2 piece back and Adirondack red spruce top. This is a very good sounding F4 with that wonderful woody round hole Gibson tone, and it plays beautifully. No repairs or refinish evident. It does show a little playing wear as seen in the pictures, but that is because it sounds so good, pickers played it! For a short video clip of this mandolin click here. This was not a case queen. Excellent for Celtic, jazz, classical, or old-time music. Comes with the original Gibson hard shell case.......USD $6250ON HOLD for CK in DE

 1919 Gibson F4 Mandolin
(Serial Number: 50008 FON 11903) Excellent minus condition. The F4 was the top of the line mandolin for Gibson. It has a true red sunburst, spectacular flamy woods on the sides and back, pearl logo, bound top, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension, and the elabortae double flowerpot peghead inlay. The bridge has been upgraded to a modern adjustable Loar replica. The action is good and the sound is excellent. BIG tone and volume! Nice woody sound from this mandolin with good bass. Neck is straight, neck angle is good and the frets show very little wear. There is some picking wear evident on the mandolin but no structural repairs. Finish and hardware are original, but it is missing the pickguard. Its been setup by my luthier and is ready to play. Here is a video clip of this mandolin as played by Nathan Beaumont. Loar era scroll mandolins are hot right now and getting very hard to find, and prices are continuing to rise every year. Comes with the original hardshell case......USD $6250

 1920 Gibson F4 Mandolin
(Serial No. 62127 FON 11366) Excellent condition. True red sunburst finish. This mandolin was loved - the first owner sent it back to Gibson around 1922 to have a truss rod installed. Gibson also fitted the new 2 piece bridge and provided a new green lined hard shell case. Back then, when your instrument needed work, you sent it back to the factory. The local luthier as we know them today did not exist except possibly in the big cities. Gibson installed the truss rod right through the existing peghead inlay. This was common practice at Gibson for refits. The hardware and finish are original as seen by the Waverly tuners and the clamp mounted pickguard. The nice thing is you get the best of both - the slightly wider neck of the non-truss rodded instrument, but with all of the Loar era improvments. When I bought it, the rear seam behind the tailpiece was starting to open up. Master luthier Gail Hester perfectly reglued the seam and set up the mandolin. You cannot tell the work was done. The nice woods compliment the sound. This is a exceptionally good sounding F4 with that wonderful woody round hole Gibson tone, and it plays beautifully. For a short video clip of this mandolin click here. Excellent for Celtic, jazz, classical, or old-time music. As mentioned earlier, it comes with an original early 20s Gibson green lined hard shell case.....USD $7250

 1956 Gibson F12 Mandolin
(Serial No. 23106) Excellent condition, original sunburst finish. Completely original. The F12 was intended to be the plainer version of the F5, but it is still the classic Gibson scroll mandolin. It has all the good stuff - long neck, f-holes, elevated fretboard, nicely flamed maple back and sides, solid Sitka spruce top, bound ebony fingerboard, gold hardware, and the pearl Gibson peghead logo and crown inlay. Differences from the F5 include a plainer headstock inlay and binding, no treble fretboard extention, a mahogany neck, and a different tailpiece cover. Shows some expected finish checking and the usual small nicks and dings of mandolin used to make music for 60+ years. Click here for a video clip of this mandolin as played by Nathan Beaumont. This mandolin has opened up nicely, with a great chop and bark. Just set up by my luthier. Comes with the original pink lined hardshell case....USD $4250

 1988 Gibson F5L Mandolin
(Serial No. 8173118) If you are looking for a nearly new 1988 Gibson F5L it is unlikely you will find one cleaner. You might find a mark or two, as the mandolin has been used in a bluegrass band, but it looks nearly unplayed. Excellent plus condition, "ice tea" Cremona brown sunburst finish. This is the classic Gibson scroll mandolin - long neck, f-holes, flat elevated fingerboard with a 1 1/8 inch nut, beautifully flamed maple back and sides, solid spruce top, bound ebony fingerboard, and the fern peghead inlay in pearl. It has been upgraded with silver plated Schaller tuners and tailpiece cover, as later used on the Monroe model. In 1988 this model was the top of the line for Gibson. This was made in the Bozeman, Montana plant, and was signed by the legendary luthier Steve Carlson on September 19, 1988. There are no issues or repairs.The mandolin has just been set up by my luthier. Action is great - easy and low. This mandolin sounds great with a strong chop and bark, even though it is still needs to be broken in. Click here for a video clip of this mandolin as played by Nathan Beaumont of the Remedy Tree Band, Brandon FL. Comes in the original rectangular hardshell case. Comes with the original hardshell case.....USD $9,500

 1999 Gibson F5L Mandolin
(Serial No. 5997129) Excellent plus condition, traditional dark brown tabacco sunburst finish, completely original. This is the classic Gibson scroll mandolin - long neck, f-holes, elevated fretboard, flamed maple back and sides, solid spruce top, bound ebony fingerboard, and the classic Fern peghead inlay. It has the original gold plated Schaller tuners with pearl buttons. If you look hard enough, you might find a mark or two, as the mandolin was been used in a bluegrass band, but there are no cracks, breaks, refinish, or bad dings. This was probably made in the Bozeman, Montana plant, but it has a Nashville label. It was signed by luthier Charlie Derrington on June 10, 1999. Action is great - easy and low. This mandolin sounds great with a strong chop and bark. Here is a short video clip of this instrument, again played by Nathan Beaumont. Comes in the original rectangular hardshell case......USD $9,500

 2003 Gibson F5FB Flame Burst Mandolin
(Serial No.31218040) Excellent condition. I recently bought this mandolin from a well known professional NC picker who is buying a Loar. This was one of his go-to stage mandolins. This instrument is part of a series built by the Gibson Custom Shop for a store called Making Music up in Washington state. They had about 40 of these built. The mandolin appears very similar to the F5G. However, in addition to the F5G trim, this mandolin features an Andirondack red spruce top, highly figured maple back and sides, lacquer finish, top bound only, and the back has a sunburst finish. Tuners are silver plated Waverlys with pearl buttons. The mandolin has been speed necked - that is, finish has been removed from the back of the neck to stop your hand sticking in high humidity and to speed up picking. Outstanding sounding mandolin with strong volume and tone. Has a deep woofy bass, strong midrange, and glassy high trebles. Good bluegrass chop when needed. Here is a video clip of this mandolin. Its set up perfectly. Comes with the original hardshell case.......USD $7450

Please click on the name of the instrument or the camera icon beside it to see more details and larger pictures. If you would like additional images of a specific instrument please email your request. 
Click here   for how to order and return policy information
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MANDOLAS, OCTAVE MANDOLINS, MANDOCELLOS, CITTERNS, AND BOUZOUKIS  1910 Gibson H1 Mandola
(Serial No. 9789) Excellent condition showing typical minor playing wear. Mandolas are cool - they are tuned CGDA, a fifth down from a mandolin, and they have this huge resonate voice. They are excellent for giving a little bit different voice to your music by adding the deep tenor counterpoint. Excellent instrument that plays easy and has a deep woody tone. Has the slightly longer scale than a mandolin at 16 inches and the nut is 1 5/16. The H1 has a bound top and fingerboard and "The Gibson" as the pearl logo inlaid in the peghead. Neck is straight, frets are good, no top sinkage. All original finish and hardware except missing the pickguard. Tuners are correct. Just set up by my local luthier Marty Beeson. The instrument has a big deep woody sound and is easy to play. It needs nothing but your fingers on the strings! Comes with the original hard shell case........USD $2350

Please click on the name of the instrument or the camera icon beside it to see more details and larger pictures. If you would like additional images of a specific instrument please email your request. 
Click here   for how to order and return policy information
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FLATIRON MANDOLINS AND RELATED

Flatiron was started by Steve Carlson as "Back Porch Productions" in Bozeman, Montana in 1979. Bruce Weber was an early employee and built many of the mandolins. Their first mandolins were copies of the teens Gibson "Army-Navy" pancake mandolins. They later branched out into carved top instruments, and were building a superior mandolin to Gibson by the mid to late 1980s. In May of 1987 Gibson bought Flatiron and moved all mandolin production from Nashville to Bozeman. Mandolins were built in Bozeman until 1998, when Gibson moved all production back to Nashville. In 2000 Gibson discontinued the Flatiron line, and later revived the name to use for cheap souvenir mandolins at the Opry Mills Store in Nashville. Current Flatiron mandolins are low quality Chinese imports. Although Flatiron was the "budget" line, since 1987 Gibson and Flatiron mandolins were built side by side in the plant by the same luthiers. Both are the same high build quality. There were some models of each that were identical and the only difference was the color of the finish and the name on the peghead. There are some basic differences in the upper end models. The top of the line Gibsons were always tone bar braced, used traditional size fret wire and had the classic fingerboard extension. The Flatiron top of the line Master and Artist mandolins were X braced, which many pickers think gives a more percussive chop. They also had abbreviated fingerboard extensions, had a radiused fretboard and used larger fret wire. The pre-Gibson carved top Flatirons are considered some of the best post war mandolins made. The Bozeman era Gibson and Flatiron mandolins are excellent bluegrass instruments.

• None at this time

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RATLIFF MANDOLINS

Audey Ratliff runs a one-man shop making mandolins in east Tennessee. At one time he had a small production shop with assistants, but he found that the way to insure high quality workmanship and good sound was just to do it himself. He has now concentrated his efforts on building the finest F5 style bluegrass mandolin available. The mandolins sound better than ever...the bad news is that they're getting harder and harder to get. Audey just may make the best bluegrass mandolin on the planet for under $5000...we invite you to be the judge.

None at this time
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OTHER MANDOLINS AND RELATED

2017 Amesqua F5 Mandolin
(Serial No. 9) Mint condition, black ice lacquer finish, built in Tallahassee, Florida. Debra Amesqua was a fire chief up north, and she retired to Florida and started building mandolins. Building is a passion with her, and it shows. I like small shop builders as they often have a different approach to building which can often be a pleasant surprise. This is one of those nice surprises. This is an excellent, well built mandolin thats sounds as good as it looks. Finished in a black satin laccquer with a highly flamed maple back, sides and neck, an Adirondack spruce top, Stew Mac Golden Age Restoration tuners, a James tailpiece, and a striking custom pickguard. Plays very easy with good low action and excellent sound. Has a big, rich voice, great projection and a powerful chop - everything you'd expect from a custom built instrument. Top bound only in white. Has a 1 1/8 inch nut and jumbo frets on the radiused ebony fretboard, which is shortened and scooped to eliminate pick click. Has a soft V profile neck. Its in as-new condition - no repairs, refinish, or other issues noted. Click here for a video clip of this mandolin as played by Nathan Beaumont of the Remedy Tree Band, Brandon FL. Comes with a nice hardshell case.........USD $3250

1920s Bacon Amateur Mandolin
(Serial No. 403) Excellent cosmetic condition with a well repaired heel crack. Everyone knows about Gibson; most people know about Lyon & Healy; but fewer people recall that the Bacon Banjo Company of Groton, Ct., also competed in the carved mandolin market, at least for a brief time. With their own aesthetic and a good sound, these rare mandolins are of interest to both collectors and players. They were endorsed by classical player/teacher William Place Jr., making them the first signature model carved mandolins. This one is the entry level A style model called the Amateur. The others were the two point "Artist and the four point Professional. No fancy pearl or bling, it is similar in look and feel to a Gibson A style. To my ears it has more focus than a Gibson oval hole and none of the tubbiness. It actually has a pretty decent bark and chop. You could play bluegrass on this if your F5 is down. It would also be great for ragtime, jazz, or blues. Dark brown top and back finish is original. Has an Adirondack spruce top with single-ply binding, mahogany neck, ebony bridge, black celluloid pickguard, and a two piece birch back and sides. fitted with a cloud type tailpiece, with a strap button added at the back screw hole of the tailpiece. The mandolin is pretty clean except for the well repaired heel crack. Modern glues are stronger than wood, so this repair should pose no problems in the future. Other than that repair, the mandolin is in excellent shape. The neck is straight, the neck set is good and the frets are fine. Just set up by my luthier and the action is low and comfortable. Very good sounding mandolin with good response all across the strings and up and down the neck. Comes with an old possibly original hardshell case........USD $1750

1922 Bruno A Style Mandolin
(Serial No. 403) Excellent condition. Bruno was one of the very large instrument manufacturers in Chicago prior to World War Two. They made mandolins for other labels as well as their own. This is a nice clean mandolin, all mahogany top, back and sides, and a rosewood fretboard and bridge. The body is bound top and back as well as the soundhole. The pickguard is inlaid into the top. Original inlaid tuners that work well. Neck is straight, neck set is good and the frets are fine. All original finish and hardware. It has a surprising good sound. It does chop for bluegrass, but would be great as a first mandolin, or just to have something cool and different to have at the house. Its been set up by my luthier is ready to go. Comes with a hard shell case. Comes with an old possibly original hardshell case........USD $650

2007 Collings MT Mandolin
(Serial #1477) Near mint condition, sunburst finish. The MT is the best-selling mandolin model Collings makes, and it offers excellent value with professional level tone and playability in a simple and understated appointment package. Features a premium carved Engelmann spruce top, seasoned figured Eastern maple back and sides, tortoise binding, an ultra thin all-nitrocellulose lacquer satin finish, and an ebony fretboard and bridge. Frets are in great condition with no noticable wear, neck set is fine, and the action is low and comfortable. Like all Collings instruments, this MT is impeccably crafted. This is a great sounding mandolin with ringing sustain, a wide dynamic range, and an impressive responsiveness that can rival instruments at considerably higher price points. Click here for a video clip of this mandolin as played by Nathan Beaumont of the Remedy Tree Band, Brandon FL. Comes with the original Collings case.......USD $3450

2024 Collings MT Mandolin
(Serial No. 4637) Mint unplayed condition, sunburst satin lacquer finish, built in Austin,Texas. Collings mandolins are built to the same high quality standards as their guitars. Plays nice with good low action and sounds pretty good, too. This mandolin has a big, rich voice with great projection and a powerful chop - everything you'd expect from a Collings. Nice clean mandolin with an Englemann spruce top and heavily flamed Eastern maple back and sides. The mandolin is fitted with nickle tuners with black buttons. Top bound only in white. Has a 1 1/8 inch nut and jumbo frets on the radiused ebony fretboard, which is slightly shortened by Collings to eliminate pick click. Has a soft V profile neck. Fitted with the nickle Collings one piece tailpiece. Its in as-new condition - no repairs, refinish, or other issues noted. Click here for a video clip of this mandolin as played by Nathan Beaumont of the Remedy Tree Band, Brandon FL. Comes with the original Collings hardshell case........USD $3450

2007 Tom Ellis F5 Deluxe Mandolin
(Serial No. 118) Near mint condition, looks almost unplayed. Tom Ellis is considered one of the top mandolin luthiers building today. Outstanding mandolin with a powerful smooth midrange, deep woody chop and clear ringing trebles. Gloss varnish finish with a dark sunburst finish top, back and sides. The top is Adirondack red spruce with traditional tone bar bracing and the sides and one piece back are figured sugar maple. The bridge and radiused fretboard with the 1-1/8" bone nut are ebony. Note that the fretboard is scooped and deliberately shortened to eliminate pick click. Pearl logo and peghead inlay. Fitted with gold Waverly tuners, an engraved gold one piece James tailpiece, and both a factory ebony pickguard and ebony arm rest. No repairs or other issues noted. Click here for a video clip of this mandolin, and another video clip, both played by Nathan Beaumont of Brandon FL. Just set up by my luthier so it plays low and easy. Comes with a nice hardshell case...... ....USD $14,500

1996 Franklin F5 Mandolin
(Serial No. 011) Excellent condition with one repair. I like small shop builders, and when I saw this at a guitar show I just had to buy it. That was a good decision. I have never before handled a Franklin mandolin, but they apparently know how to build a good one. This model has a dark sunburst lacquer finish, flamed maple back and sides, a solid spruce top, ebony fretboard with diamond pearl positions markers, an ebony bridge with a deer antler saddle, Gotah tuners, fully bound body and peghead, and the body points are abalone. Pearl peghead inlay. Good sounding mandolin thats set up well and has an excellent sound, with woofy chops and clear trebles. The center seam on the top near the tailpiece was reglued so it will not be an issue, although you can see it. Click here for a video clip of this mandolin as played by Nathan Beaumont of the Remedy Tree Band, Brandon FL. Comes with the original hardshell case....USD $2950

1971 Goya Model 158 Mandolin
(Serial No. 1143) Excellent condition. Original hardware and finish. Good mandolins are made everywhere. This is a Goya Model 158, made in Sweden by Levin. Levin is an old and well respected musical instrument maker. This mandolin has a mahogany back and sides, a spruce top, and a rosewood fretboard and bridge. Has a 1 1/8 inch nut with a flat fretboard. Frets are fine, neck set is good and the neck is straight. Body is top bound only with multi-ply white binding. No pickguard as made. Very good sounding mandolin with good response all across the strings and up and down the neck. The instrument has a flat top and back. Its not surprising that it reminds me of the Flatiron pancake mandolins, as this one also has a loud and direct sound. Click here for a video clip of this mandolin as played by Nathan Beaumont. Comes with the original soft case....USD $1050

1932 Martin Style C Mandolin
(Serial No. D-15376) Excellent condition with minor playing wear. Martin made 5 grades of flatback mandolins, from A to E. The Style A and Style B mandolins are easily found, but the higher grades are more difficult to locate, with Style C being the middle grade. Its a early Style C with the colored wood marquetry top binding, Adirondack spruce top with beautifully grained Brazilian rosewood back and sides, a bound ebony fingerboard with slotted diamond inlays, and an abalone pearl soundhole rosette. Good neck and frets, plays nice with a low action but still has plenty of volume. No cracks or repairs. Great for old-time, Celtic, or jazz. Nice tortoiseshell pickguard. All original finish and hardware, with inset tuners and no tuner bushings as made. Martin stamp and serial number on the back strip inside the mandolin. Interesting that this body was originally planned to be a Style D, but was finished out as a Style C. Original tuners and engraved tailpiece cover. Click here for a video clip of this mandolin as played by Nathan Beaumont of the Remedy Tree Band, Brandon FL. Comes with a older but probably not original hardshell case.....USD $2450

2003 Lime Creek Two Point Mandolin
(Serial No. S006M) Mint condition. This mandolin was made by Daniel Myers in Oregon, who is now a successful architect. Building cool things just comes natural to him. I think he was influenced by the Kay mandolins in the 1960s. This mandolin looks very lightly played. It has a Sitka spuce top, outstanding flamed maple back and sides, and an ebony fretboard and bridge. The unique aluminum tailpiece was hand made by the builder. Good chop and bark, but it still sounds like it needs to be played in a little more. Click here for a video clip of this mandolin as played by Nathan Beaumont of Brandon FL. Action is nice and low with plenty of saddle left. Comes with a good hardshell case......USD $2750

1978 Stelling 2 Point Mandolin
(Serial No. 007) Excellent condition with no top sinkage or fretboard hump. Sunburst lacquer finish, modified A shape with double bump shoulders, large f-holes, bound carved spruce top, beautiful figured maple back and sides, gold hardware, bound fretboard and headstock, slotted diamond fretboard inlays, 1-3/16 inch nut width, 14 inch scale. Has a custom build original wooden pickguard. These early Stelling mandolins were hand built by noted luthier Kim Breedlove in California for Stelling. As this was in the first or second batch Breedlove made for Stelling, it stands to reason he would have spent the the extra time on these mandolins to be sure they were built to the highest standard. It has a small screw hole in the back near the button for a strap button I removed, otherwise there are no repairs, refinish, etc. The tailpiece cover shows some wear but it is gold plated and original to the mandolin. The strap buttons were reinstalled after these photos. Excellent chop and bark - good bluegrass sound. Here is a video clip of this mandolin as played by Nathan Beaumont. Comes with the original rectangular hardshell case...... ....USD $2950

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ELECTRIC MANDOLINS

For a brief discussion of Tiny Moore, Johnny Gimble and the Gibson EM-150 mandolin click here!

None at this time


MARTIN ACOUSTIC GUITARS  1921 Martin 028 Guitar
(Serial No. 16299) Excellent plus (9.5/10) condition. All original finish and hardware. These small body Martins are great for blues or fingerstyle. Adirondack red spruce top, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, 1 3/4 nut, 12 fret body, slot peghead, round neck with original bar frets and a nice vintage V profile. Braced for steel strings. The body is 13.5 inchs wide at the lower bout, scale length is 24.9 inchs. Tuners are original. Excellent neck set by luthier Harry Eibert gives a nice low action for fingerstyle but the tall saddle still gives the volume. Its a great travel or sitting on the couch guitar. Its louder than you would think given the small size. Comes with the original cardboard case............USD $12,250

 1964 Martin 0018 Guitar
(Serial Number 194641) Very good condition with one significant repair. Nicely aged Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Indian rosewood peghead overlay with gold Martin script. Fitted with the original Grover openback tuners. Nice big open woody sound with strong volume. Plays extremely well with low action as the neck was just reset by luthier Jack Dillen. Shows the evidence of being used to make music for 60 years, as it has the usual nicks, dings and pickwear, and the top has turned a nice orange. Neck is straight, frets were just dressed and crowned. There was a side crack caused by dryness on the bass side, which has been professionally repaired, and there is a strap burn (caused by long term contact with a vinyl strap) in the middle of the back. These do not affect either playabililty or tone. It has a wonderful even tone - this would be a great recording guitar. Comes with a nice hardshell case...........USD $4250

 2019 Martin OM28 Modern Deluxe Guitar
(Serial No. 2266179) Near mint condition. This is a modern interpretation of a classic Martin build. Martin still very much knows how to build a powerful OM, and here is a great example. These Modern Deluxe models are great - the same sound as the 1930s guitars, but with a few updated cosmetic and functional touches. Dreadnaught scale length at 25.4 inches, the body is 000 size with Indian rosewood back and sides, Sitka spruce top with scalloped advanced X bracing, a composite carbon fiber bridge plate that boosts volume, herringbone top trim and backstrip, fully bound with flame maple binding, maple heel cap and endstrip, 1 3/4 inch nut with a V profile neck, ebony fretboard with abalone slotted diamond inlays, ebony bridge with 2 1/4 inch bridge pin spacing fitted with Martin Liquidmetal® red dot bridge pins, bone nut and saddle, rosewood peghead faceplate with an abalone script Martin logo, hide glue construction, and gold plated Waverly open back tuners with butterbean buttons. Very lightweight guitar with a beautiful open clear sound. It has an extremely complex tone with lots of volume, clear trebles, and a strong focused bass. Click here for a video clip of this guitar as played by Nathan Beaumont of the Remedy Tree Band, Brandon FL. It has a quick and delicate sound that responds equally well to fingerstyle or a flatpick. Comes with the original hardshell case........USD $3950 USD

 1958 Martin D28 Guitar
(Serial No. 164233) Excellent condition. This is what a good bluegrass guitar is all about. This D28 has a Sitka spruce top, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, and a dark Brazilian rosewood fretboard. Original finish, factory pick guard, and original bridge/bridge plate. Looks like the bridge was slightly shaved down to lower the action. It worked well, as the action is perfect. Has a new bone saddle. Tuners are original Grover Rotomatics. Has some pickwear on the top, several small scratches and the usual nicks and dings of a guitar used to make music, but overall a fairly clean guitar. Neck is straight and the frets were dressed. The guitar retains the original small maple bridge plate. Made in USA is stamped on the back of the peghead, indicating this was an export guitar, probably to Canada. That would explain the weather checking in the top finish. The guitar has the typical chunky neck that these 50s D28s are known for. It has the powerful sound you only get from a 67 year old rosewood guitar, with beautiful tone and that huge Martin boom on the bottom end. Here is a video clip of this guitar as played by Nathan Beaumont. Comes with the original Lifton hardshell case, very functional and nice inside but has some tape on the outside edges.......USD $14,500 USD

 1966 Martin D18 Guitar
(Serial No. 212678) Excellent condition with one repair. This is the classic Martin D18 - solid mahogany back and sides and a solid spruce top. Tuners are the original patent applied for Grover Rotomatics. Neck is straight, frets are good, neck looks like it has been reset as the action is low and comfortable. Has some finish checking on the top and back and and the usual playing wear of a guitar used to make music for almost 60 years. There is a small crack at the screw for the lower bass E tuner, but this appears to have been repaired some time ago. Has the tortoise binding and pickguard, Brazilian rosewood fretboard and bridge and the small maple bridge plate. This guitar is a vetern of the campfire wars - most of the finish has been played off the back of the neck. This one has that solid Martin "boom" you need in a good bluegrass guitar. Plays very easy with a nice low action. This is an well played, excellent sounding D18. Comes with a newer hardshell case.......USD $4950 USD

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GIBSON ACOUSTIC GUITARS

 1953 Gibson J45 Guitar
(Serial No. y6296_31) Excellent structural condition showing some typical playing wear. I love early J45s. This is one of those guitars you just want to play for hours once you pick it up. Nice well played and open sounding guitar. Plays nice and easy - its as comfortable as an old pair of boots. The sound just rolls out of this guitar. It is loud, very responsive and open sounding. It really nails the slope shoulder Gibson midrangy dreadnaught sound. Here is a video clip of this guitar as played by Nathan Beaumont. Sunburst finish, spruce top, mahogany back and sides, teardrop pickguard, a 1 11-16 inch nut, Brazilian rosewood fretboard with dot inlays and original Brazilian bridge with fixed saddle. The original Kluson tuners work well. The frets are in excellent shape, the neck was reset by luthier Jack Dillen, and the neck is straight. There is a well repaired back crack which catches a little polish in the pictures. The back was apparently oversprayed at the time as well, as it is just too shiny. Shows some pick wear and nicks and dings as would be expected with a well loved guitar. Comes with a period hardshell case. ......USD $9250

 1955 Gibson J45 Guitar
(Serial No. w2154) Excellent structural condition. This guitar has some serious mojo going on. You can see where a previous owner loved the guitar so much he put some stickers with his name and some inscriptions on the top. The stickers have been removed, but you can still see where this was on the top. I love 1950s J45s - my main guitar is a 1953 J45. This is one of those guitars you just want to play for hours once you pick it up. It is a well played and open sounding guitar with no structural repairs noted. The guitar plays nice and easy - its as comfortable as an old pair of boots. The sound just rolls out of this guitar. It is loud, very responsive and open sounding. It really nails the slope shoulder Gibson midrangy dreadnaught sound. Sunburst finish, spruce top, mahogany back and sides, 1 11-16 inch nut, Brazilian rosewood fretboard with dot inlays and original Brazilian bridge with fixed saddle. The original Kluson tuners work well. The frets were dressed and are in excellent shape, the neck has been reset in the past, and the neck is straight. It plays like silk with excellent volume and that signature Gibson slope shoulder tone. Here is a video clip of this guitar as played by Nathan Beaumont. There are some pick wear and nicks and dings as would be expected with a well loved vintage guitar. Comes with a nice hardshell case. ......USD $8500

 1966 Gibson J50 Guitar
(Serial No. 422409) Excellent structural condition showing some playing wear. The J50 is the same guitar as the J45, but with a natural top finish. Otherwise, the guitars are identical. Great sounding guitar with a Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a rosewood fretboard and adjustable bridge. Frets are good, bridges and braces are tight, and the neck set is good. It is loud, very responsive and open sounding. It really nails the slope shoulder Gibson midrangy dreadnaught sound. Here is a video clip of this guitar as played by Nathan Beaumont. Has an 1 11-16 inch nut, Brazilian rosewood fretboard with dot inlays, and original Brazilian bridge with adjustable saddle. The original double line Kluson tuners work well. This guitar has spent its time in the banjo wars and it shows in the pick wear and handling wear. The pickguard is a replacement with pickwear underneath. This guitar has had the sound played into it. Plays nice and easy - its as comfortable as an old pair of boots. The sound just rolls out of this guitar. Comes with a gold lined 1960s Gibson hardshell case.........USD $3750

 2010 Gibson Advanced Jumbo Guitar
(Serial No. 102760011) Excellent/near mint condition. I think the Advanced Jumbo is the best modern flat top guitar made by Gibson. I've played a lot of them, and they all seem to have a good sound. This one fits that description. Its a 14 fret slope shoulder dreadnaught, 16 inches wide, sunburst finish on a Sitka spruce top, dark natural finish on Indian rosewood back and sides, rosewood bridge, bound rosewood fretboard with chevron inlays, 1 3/4 inch nut, 25 1/2 inch scale, rosewood headstock overlay features chevron and logo inlays, and Grover vintage style open gear tuners. Fitted with a L.R. Baggs (I think) under saddle pickup and endpin jack. Big sound and good bass, even though it looks pretty much unplayed. Here is a video clip of this guitar played by Nathan Beaumont of Brandon, FL Very clean guitar - anything that looks like an imperfection is probably a reflection. Comes with the original Gibson hard shell case......USD $2750

 2022 Gibson 1942 J45 Banner Reissue Guitar
(Serial No. 21562027) Mint condition with the addition of a pickup/endpin jack and a strap button at the heel. This is one of a very limited number of guitars built in conjunction with John Thomas's "Kalamazoo Gals" project, with specs taken from the author's original 1942 J45. It's a very lightweight guitar, with an open, throaty sound. Premium mahogany back and sides, Adirondack red spruce top hand sprayed with a traditional vintage sunburst, hot hide glue top bracing for better tonal response, nut is 1.75 inches, fretboard and bridge are Madagascar rosewood, and a bone nut and saddle. Banners are known for their big beefy necks, and this one is true to the originals. An active L.R. Baggs pickup is installed. Its been set up by my luthier and is ready to go. Here is a video clip of this guitar as played by Nathan Beaumont. Comes with the original reissue redline hard shell case and all the case candy......USD $3850

MOSSMAN ACOUSTIC GUITARS

Mossman guitars are considered to be some of the better handcrafted instruments from the 70s and 80s. In direct competition with other high-end brands, Stuart Mossman's guitars could be rightfully compared to Michael Gurian who was also active around the time time period. In fact, it is our opinion that Gurians are to fingerpicking what Mossmans are to flatpicking. Mossman combined high-quality workmanship with great attention to detail to create some of the finest guitars of his era and helped to pioneer the small factory guitar.

 1976 Mossman Great Plains Guitar
(Serial No. 76-3795) My first "real" guitar was a Mossman. I still think they are outstanding guitars. Excellent condition with straight grain three piece Indian rosewood back and sides, solid spruce top, ebony fingerboard with pearl dots, nickel hardware and an ebony bridge. Built pre-fire in the Winfield, KS shop and signed on the label by all the craftsmen that worked on it. Finish and hardware is all original. Shows the typical finish checking for Mossmans of this era. Mossman was a direct competitor to Martin and Gibson in the 70's and built very high quality guitars. Good action and playability. There is a very well repaired peghead crack, hence the nice price. This is an excellent vintage hand built US made bluegrass guitar with lots of volume and tone. Here is a video clip of this guitar as played by Ed Wright of Brandon, FL. Why play the same thing everyone else has? Comes with a nice hardshell case....USD $3250

 2000 Mossman Blackland Custom Vintage Guitar
(Serial No. 0018018) Excellent condition. Built in Texas, this guitar upholds the reputation of the Kansas built guitars. Top wood was reclaimed from the old pecan trees that were harvested from the grounds in front of the State Capitol building in Austin, Texas. It has flamed Santos mahogany sides, and a three piece back of Santos mahogany and black walnut. Nut is 1 11/16 inch. Neck is straight and in set, frets are fine. The action is low and comfortable, with room to lower the saddle if desired. Fretboard and bridge are rosewood. Click here for a video clip of this guitar as played by Nathan Beaumont of Brandon, FL. This is an outstanding hand built US made bluegrass guitar with lots of volume and tone....USD $3250

COLLINGS, TAYLOR, GUILD, AND OTHER FINE ACOUSTIC FLATTOP GUITARS

 2008 Collings SJ Guitar
(Serial No. 15540) Mint nearly unplayed condition. I cannot find a single indication that this guitar was played, except for the installation of a strap button. This is the Collings version of the body size commonly called a small jumbo. Beautiful flamed European maple back and sides, Sitka spruce top, and an ebony bridge and fretboard. The 16 inch lower bout is just slightly wider than a dreadnought, and the sides are almost as deep. The tight curve at the waist creates a very different sound chamber. I have found that SJs, especially in maple, usually have a stronger midrange response when compared to a dreadnought. Many maple guitars sound trebly or brittle to me, but this one has a full, rich sound with good bass. I love Gibson J-200s, but they are just too big for me to play comfortably unless I am standing. I like to pick sitting down most of the time. This SJ gives the tone and volume of a big maple jumbo but it is much more comfortable to play. Collings guitars are known to sound good right out of the box, and this one fits right in. Excellent volume, with clear trebles, a strong midrange, and deep bass. Action is nice and low. Has a 1 3/4 inch bone nut. Neck is straight, frets are perfect, neck set is good. Absolutely no issues of any kind. Click here for a video clip of this guitar as played by Nathan Beaumont of Brandon FL. Comes with the original Geib style Collings hardshell case. List price (MSRP) is $7400. You can get this guitar that cannot be told from new for....USD $4900

 2023 Gallagher SG50 Guitar
(Serial No. 4018) Mint condition, made in the heart of bluegrass country in Wartrace, TN. Looks nearly unplayed. Gallaghers are made in very limited numbers so you have to seach them out. Its uncommon to find a used one. Pickers that play a Gallagher have owned the other makes and models and have chosen a Gallagher for the sound. This slope shouldered body is a new model for Gallagher. Once again, Gallagher has built an outstanding blue ribbon flatpicking guitar - the same make as the one that was played by Doc Watson. It has all solid woods with a Adirondack spruce top, sinker mahogany back and sides, an ebony fingerboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle, grained ivoriod binding, pearl logo, and nickel hardware. Sinker mahogany is a special tone wood - it offers that strong fundamental mahogany sound, but with more overtones than a mahogany set that has not sat in the bottom of a riverbed for a few hundred years. The large soundhole (similar to the guitar used by Tony Rice) provides for a strong flating picking sound. Nut width is 1-3/4 inch. The sound is simply amazing - very loud with excellent tone. Here is a short video clip of this instrument played by Herb Manila of the band Herb and Hanson, and here is a short video clip of this guitar played by Nathan Beaumont. Action is low with plenty of saddle left. Comes with the original hardshell case....USD $3350

 1991 Goodall Koa Standard Guitar
(Serial No. KS 435) Excellent condition with a little pickwear on the top. Jean Goodall indicated that this guitar was a custom order and was built by James himself. It has beautifully figured flamed Koa back and sides, a Sitka top with a abalone soundhole rosette, ebony fretboard and bridge with pearl diamond inlays, a Koa peghead face with the logo in pearl, gold Gotah tuners, and the body binding is Acacia wood. Nut is 1.75 inch and the scale is 25.5 inches. James Goodall has taken the iconic shape and elevated it tonally to more rarified air with the Standard model. It's curves look familiar, but the voice is just as well suited to fingerstyle as flatpicking -- I love the bass response of this guitar, and the balance is superb all the way up the neck and across the strings. The sound is bold and moves free. It's warm, yet focused and bright. The neck fits my hand like a glove. There's something about the feel of this guitar that is just so pleasantly round.It show a little pickwear on the top right under the clear pickguard, but thats about it. The guitar is fitted with a K&K internal pickup and endpin jack. Its a pretty clean, good sounding, and nice playing guitar. Click here for a video clip of this guitar as played by Nathan Beaumont of the Remedy Tree Band, Brandon FL. Comes with a nice hardshell case. Its a pretty clean, good sounding, and nice playing guitar. Comes with a nice hardshell case....USD $4750

 2000 Roy Noble Cocobolo Custom Guitar
(Serial No. 338) Near mint/excellent plus condition, looks nearly unplayed. Roy Noble was a noted west coast builder. The legendary guitarist Clarence White is best remembered for his Martin guitar with the large soundhole, but Clarence was known to record with only Roy Noble guitars. The cocobolo peghead overlay features a diagonal ivoroid strip through the center, and ivoroid binding on the top edge. There is truss rod access before the bone nut. Nut is 1 3/4 inch, the mahogany neck profile is a shallow D profile. The ebony fretboard features a 1 3/4 inch bone nut, slotted diamond pearl inlays, and black side dot position markers on the bass side of the ivoroid fingerboard binding. Tuners are Waverlys. The rosewood bridge has a bone saddle and original unslotted bone bridge pins with black dots. The red spruce top has a herringbone soundhole rosette, a tortoise pickguard, and herringbone purfling inside the flamed faple binding on the top edge. This was an experimental guitar for Noble. Cocobolo is a dark sounding tonewood, and maple has a better treble response. The sides are made up of a thin strip of cocobolo and a thin strip of maple laminated together, and the cocobolo back has a large center wedge of maple. Both of these were done to to balance out the cocobolo tonally. The back edge is bound in ivoroid. Strap button added at the heel. The guitar has been set up by my local luthier and it plays like butter and sounds amazing. Here is a link to a video of this guitar and here is another video link by Nathan Beaumont. Frets are fine, neck set is good. Comes with the original hard shell case.....USD $5950

 1995 Taylor 610 Guitar
(Serial No. 951213109) Extremely clean guitar. This guitar has the familiar dreadnaught size body, very highly flamed maple back and sides, a mahogany neck, a solid Sitka spruce top, an ebony fretboard with pearl inlays, and an ebony bridge. Very good sounding guitar all the way up and down the fretboard. Most maple guitars sound brittle to me. This guitar has a very smooth, clean sound. Its very responsive so it is excellent for either singer/songwriters, flatpickers, or fingerstyle players. Here is a link to a video of this guitar. If you need to plug in, it is fitted with an undersaddle Baggs pickup/endpin jack setup that works well. Its an active pickup system with a battery. Very powerful dreadnaught that will work well for bluegrass, but will play other music equally well. Click here for another video clip of this guitar as played by Nathan Beaumont of Brandon FL. Yes, this guitar is actually used, but there are no repairs or issues of any kind. Good neck set, neck is straight, frets are fine, and I'll put in a new battery. Comes with the original brown Taylor hard case......USD $1950

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Click here   for how to order and return policy information
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ELECTRIC AND ACOUSTIC ARCHTOP AND SEMI-HOLLOW GUITARS  1953 Gibson ES-125 Guitar
(No Serial Number) Very good condition, sunburst finish. This is the classic late 1940s-early 1950s Gibson archtop, perfect for jazz or even better rockabilly. I am calling this a 1953, as the the logo and knobs indicate a build date between 1949 and 1953. Full depth laminated maple 16 inch archtop body, arched back, spruce top, open back Kluson tuners with new buttons, untapered peg head which will date the guitar after mid 1950, bound top and back, unbound Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with dot inlay, 1 11/16 inch nut, gold silkscreened block Gibson logo. All electronics including the hot P-90 pickup with adjustable pole pieces appear original. Original 5/8 inch tall clear barrel knobs with numbers, rosewood bridge, and a later Gibson chrome trapeze tailpiece. Stamped inside with ES-125. The finish is original and the frets are fine with some minor fingerboard wear on the upper frets. Has the usual nicks and dings of a guitar that was well used and much loved. The frets were dressed and the guitar was just set up by my local luthier Marty Beeson. If you are looking for a great sounding and playing working mans vintage guitar to make music, one you don't mind taking on the road or out to a gig, this is it. Its an excellent playing and sounding guitar with a nice cutting rockabilly or jazzer tone. Comes with a newer case.......USD $2950

TENOR GUITARS

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UKULELES, BANJOS, TIPLES, AND OTHER ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENTS
 2013 Martin 3K Soprano Ukulele
(Serial No. 1702424) Mint condition, stamped Custom Shop on the neck block along with the serial number. This uke shows no playing wear. The top, back and sides are highly flamed Hawaiian Koa wood, and the neck is mahogany. The fretboard is ebony, with split diamond position markers and a strip of binding down the center of the fretboard. Also has the small ornament at the base of the top, and is stamped Martin on the back of the peghead. These are details found on the original 1920s 3K ukes. Fitted with Grover tuners with black buttons. Multi-ply binding on the top, back and soundhole rosette. Excellent volume and tone. Comes with the original Martin Geib style hardshell case, also mint......USD $2750

 1934 Martin T-17 Tiple
(Serial #56985) Think of a tiple as an ukelele with 10 steel strings and is tuned A-D-F#-B. The first and fourth strings are double, like a mandolin, while the second and third are triple with the center string tuned an octave below the outer strings in each group. The firsts are tuned in unison. In this standard tuning you can play harmonies to everybody elses guitar and make a major contribution to the ensemble. If you have never heard swing jazz on a tiple you are missing a treat! Natural lacquer finish, all mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, original ebony nut. It has the Martin decal on the peghead as well as stamped inside. While not well remembered now, numerous small African-American string-swing ensembles of the 1930's and '40's made extensive use of these small but loud instruments for fast melody work and rhythmic strumming. Two of the best known were the Spirits Of Rhythm (featuring guitarist Teddy Bunn) and Cats and the Fiddle, where Tiny Grimes got his professional start. Overall length is 27 1/2 inches, and the nut is 1 1/2 inches. Has the typical nicks and dings of a well played instrument with some finish checking. No repairs noted. Neck is straight, frets are fine. Plays well with a nice low action as it was just set up by luthier Marty Beeson. Has the cool jangly sound you are looking for. Comes with a recent hard shell tenor uke case that fits well.....USD $2050

 1951 Martin T15 Tiple
(Serial #118112) This instrument will not win any beauty prizes. It has suffered some indignities in its existance. Looks like there was a pickup in the soundhole at one time and some random items mounted on the top. But if you have been curious about playing a tiple, here is one that is priced right, it is cosmetically challenged, and it plays and sounds fantastic. The neck was just reset and the instrument set up by luthier Steve Kovacik. The neck is straight, the frets were dressed, and as noted before it plays and sounds great. Finish and hardware are original. There are no repairs noted. Think of a tiple as an ukelele with 10 steel strings and is tuned A-D-F#-B. The first and fourth strings are double, like a mandolin, while the second and third are triple with the center string tuned an octave below the outer strings in each group. The firsts are tuned in unison. In this standard tuning you can play harmonies to everybody else’s guitar and make a major contribution to the ensemble. If you have never heard swing jazz on a tiple you are missing a treat! Natural lacquer finish, all mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and original ebony nut. It has the Martin decal on the peghead as well as stamped inside. While not well remembered now, numerous small African-American string-swing ensembles of the 1930's and '40's made extensive use of these small but loud instruments for fast melody work and rhythmic strumming. Two of the best known were the Spirits Of Rhythm (featuring guitarist Teddy Bunn) and Cats and the Fiddle, where Tiny Grimes got his professional start. Overall length is 27 1/2 inches, and the nut is 1 1/2 inches. Has the cool jangly sound you are looking for. Comes with a recent hard shell tenor uke case that fits well......USD $850

STEELS AND RESONATOR INSTRUMENTS For a good article on Weissenborn, Kona and similar Hawaiian slide guitars click here!

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Please click on the name of the instrument or the camera icon beside it to see more details and larger pictures. If you would like additional images of a specific instrument please email your request. 
Click here   for how to order and return policy information
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Click here   to return to the home page for Mandolin World Headquarters...and Guitars!

ELECTRIC GUITARS, BASSES, AND AMPS

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LUTHIER SPECIALS

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Are you searching the flea markets and antique stores every weekend for looking for old or cool instruments? Are you looking for something decent to fix up and play? On a tight budget and don't mind a little sweat equity? Keep reading for great deals! I get a lot of instruments in. Some need work or have significant wear or finish issues. Many are projects that I just do not have the time to get started, let alone complete. A few I've just had for too long and they need to go on down the road. Some are just cool wall hangers. These instruments are sold as-is. There is no approval period. I might look at a trade if its not another project. I'm not interested in low ball offers on these, as most are priced at my cost. Assume that they need work to make them right. You do get a good deal on the price!

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TUNERS AND BUTTONS

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ACCESSORIES

 Taylor Guitar Strap
Genuine Taylor Guitars strap. Black sueded leather with the embroidered Taylor logo in silver. The strap appears unused....USD $50

All prices subject to change, up or down, without notice. All instruments are subject to prior sale. All instruments are sold as-is, with an approval period of 48 hours after receipt. For details click on "How to order" information above.

Appraisals Click here for information on appraisals.

I'm looking for O, OO, and OOO size Martins and Gibsons, also Gibson mandolins and mandolin parts. Please let me know what you have for sale. Cash or fair trades offered. Thanks! Keep in touch!

To send me email click:  1939d18@gmail.com To return to the Mandolin World Headquarters Home Page  click here