Are you looking for a vintage Martin guitar or Gibson guitar, a fine Gibson mandolin, or a good upright Kay bass? Perhaps other brands of vintage mandolins are your interest. we often have a Flatiron mandolin, Collings mandolin, or a Ratliff mandolin in stock, and occasionally a Summit, Nugget, Monteleone, and even a Loar F5 has been found here. Perhaps a Fender Stratocaster, Telecaster, or Jazzmaster is your thing. Or maybe you're a dedicated Gibson Les Paul or National Tricone player. These and many other fine vintage stringed musical instruments can often be found on this web page. The selection changes frequently, and cool instruments arrive on a regular basis. Keep reading for great deals!

Charles Johnson

P.O. Box 24555
Richmond, Virginia 23224
United States of America
804-937-4880
My business phone hours are:
Monday-Friday: 7:00 pm -10:00 pm East Coast time zone USA
Weekends: 12 noon - 10:00 pm East Coast time zone USA

Current time in Richmond

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E-mail to:charles@vintagemandolin.com

The following is the current "for sale or trade" list. The camera icon  means an image is available. Click on the instrument name or the small thumbnail picture beside it to see the full size picture. Additional digital photos are available for any item listed. I'm open to trades - what ya got? I'm especially interested in a good Martin guitar or a fine Gibson mandolin; will trade up, down, or sideways for these! As always, you have a 48 hour trial period on mail order sales of used or vintage instruments. See the details under "ordering".

Recent arrivals (scroll down for complete list)

GIBSON F HOLE MANDOLINS:
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)

• 1940 Gibson A50, Wide body with Nick Lucas style fretboard inlays, long scale, clean, missing guard, original case
• 1941 Gibson A50, Wide body with Nick Lucas style fretboard inlays, long scale, clean, original red line case
• 2004 Gibson F5/SB, From a special run of F5Gs with red spruce tops and all sunburst finish
• 1936 Gibson A-00, One owner, very clean, A style with F holes
• 1995 Flatiron F5, Chocolate brown, traditional tone bar braced, excellent bluegrass mandolin ON HOLD
  
• 2001 Flatiron Festival F, Identical to a Gibson F5G, just a different peghead inlay, very loud mandolin
• 2001 Gibson Sam Bush F5, Early Derrington era, used on tour by a Nashville pro, powerful mandolin
• 1990 Gibson F5L, Mint condition, signed by Carlson, silver hardware, torch in peghead
• 1968 Gibson F12, An excellent sounding late 60s Gibson - go figure
• 1960s/70s Gibson F5 Case with Cover, Pink interior, original canvas cover
• 1934 Gibson F7 , All original, used professionally, shows honest playing wear, not converted, one owner
• 1998 Flatiron A5 Artist , Top of the line A style for Flatiron, fitted with a pickup, nice woods

OTHER BLUEGRASS MANDOLINS:
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)

• 2007 Breedlove Quartz FF, Scroll body with F holes, all solids woods, US made for the price of an import
• 2009 Collings MF, Sunburst finish, radiused fingerboard, nice strong sound
• 1989 Ratliff R5 Lefty, Excellent condition, built as a true lefty, just set up and refretted by Audey
• 2005 Stanley F5, Near mint, varnish finish, red spruce top, quilted back- My personal mando is a Stanley
• 2010 Ratliff R5, New with warranty, classic F5 style and sound from this well respected small shop builder  Sold
• 2005 Stanley F5, Near mint, varnish finish, red spruce top, flamed back, outstanding bluegrass mandolin
• 2009 Collings MT, Near mint condition, sunburst finish, strong tone
• New Madison Montgomery F5, New with warranty, made in Virginia, stunning looks match the sound
• 2003 Will Kimble A5, Varnish finish, red spruce top, outstanding mandolin by a top builder
• 2009 Larrivee F33, As new condition, varnish finish, F5 style, same high build quality as the guitars
• 2005 Collings MF, Sunburst finish, radiused fingerboard, nice strong sound
• 2003 Bill Davis F5, Good bluegrass mandolin from this small shop builder - nice chop, satin gloss finish

GIBSON OVAL SOUND HOLE MANDOLINS:
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)

• 1925 Gibson A Junior, Snakehead, brown top, all the sound for less money
• 1924 Gibson A, Snakehead! Nice brown top, all original, just set up
• 1927 Gibson A, Black top, truss rod, all original, just set up, loud mandolin
• 1919 Gibson A2, Sheraton Brown, clean mandolin, strong sound, missing the guard, just set up
• 1920 Gibson A2, Sheraton Brown, pickwear on the top but no other issues, just set up, plays clean and strong
• 1924 Gibson A2Z, Near mint condition, the ultimate oval hole Gibson
• 1919 Gibson A3, White top, nice shape, good session mando, just refretted
• 1922 Gibson A3, White top, truss rod, all original, originally owned and played by Ethel Ray Zorn
• 1917 Gibson A4, Inlaid Handel tuners, red sunburst, top repair makes the price low
• 1917 Gibson A4, Nice mandolin, top of the line A style
• 1918 Gibson A4, Red sunburst, top of the line for Gibson A styles
• 1928 Gibson A4, Fern era, red sunburst, top of the line for Gibson A styles, truss rod in the neck
• 1935 Gibson A4, Rare elevated fingerboard, red sunburst, top of the line for Gibson A styles, truss rod in the neck
• 1915 Gibson F2, Clean, red sunburst, very nice mandolin, good sound, just set up
• 1916 Gibson F2, Clean, very nice mandolin, good sound, just set up
• 1940 Gibson F4, Rare elevated fingerboard like a F5, truss rod neck, traditional dot inlays with treble extension

MANDOLAS AND MANDOCELLOS: 
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)

• 1987 Hartz Paul Buskirk Mandola, Custom made for the legendary Texas picker, now tuned as a octave mandolin
• 1980s Stefan Sobell Cittern / Octave Mandolin, Sobells are the best Celtic instruments in the world, 5 courses, stunning
• New Richard Beard Octave Mandolin / Bouzouki, Koa wood back and sides, 21 inch scale, new w/warranty  SOLD

OTHER MANDOLINS: 
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)

• 2004 Weber Bighorn Mandolin, Two point body shape, oval soundhole, near mint condition
• 1942 Martin Style A, Sunburst top, near mint condition
• 1926 Martin Style A, Nice clean mandolin, mahogany body, sounds and plays fine, same quality as the guitars
• 1922 Martin Style B, Straight grain Brazilian rosewood body, excellent sound, same high quality as the guitars
• 1924 Martin Style B, Straight grain Brazilian rosewood body, excellent sound, same high quality as the guitars
• New Richard Beard Octave Mandolin / Bouzouki, Koa wood back and sides, 21 inch scale, new w/warranty  SOLD
  
• 1953 Martin 2-15, Carved top with F holes, nice mandolin for not much $$
• 1920 Vega Model 202 Cylinderback, Sunburst finish, clean mandolin, sweet sound

MARTIN ACOUSTIC GUITARS: 
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)

• 1957 Martin D18, All original, neck just reset, powerful bluegrasser
• 1964 Martin D18, Easy playing guitar, sounds awesome, adjustable truss added, good neck set
• 1946 Martin 0-17, All mahogany small body, side repair prices it right, plays easy
• 1939 Martin D18, Bluegrass powerhouse, just gone through and ready to hunt down some banjos ON HOLD
  
• 1966 Martin D18, Transition model with tortoise guard, black binding, and small maple bridge plate
• 2007 Martin Ditson 111, 12 fret body, mahogany/Adirondack, mint unplayed condition
• 1998 Martin D-28HW Hank Williams, Faithful copy of one of the most famous guitars in Country music, Brazilian rosewood
• 2000 Martin HD28LSV, Modeled after the Clarence White D28 now played by Tony Rice
• 1996 Martin D28, Uncommon sunburst finish, sounds as good as it looks
• 1967 Martin D18, Tortoise guard, black binding, small maple bridge plate, very clean
• 1952 Martin 00018, Bearclaw spruce top, neck just reset, well played with a big sound
• 2007 Martin OMC-16E Koa, Koa back and sides, cutaway, pickup, great gigging guitar
• 1929 Martin 0-18K, All Koa, all original, Hawaiian setup with flat board and flush frets
• 1945 Martin 00-18, Fabulous wartime guitar, ebony truss rod, light and responsive
• 1968 Martin D18,Clean guitar, no cracks, has the small maple bridge plate
• 1987 Martin D37K, Spectacular Koa back and sides, pearl soundhole ring, nice
• 1938 Martin D18, 1-3/4 nut, advanced bracing, Adirondack top, refinish prices it right
• 1948 Martin 00018, Nice clean guitar, Adirondack top
• 1949 Martin D28, Beautiful guitar, used extensively for bluegrass here in Virginia, one owner
• 1954 Martin D28, Brazilian rosewood, powerful guitar, plays easy
• 1970 Martin D28, Sounds good and plays nicely, strap button added, a 38 year old bluegrass boomer
• 1928 Martin 2-17, All mahogany body with a sound larger than you would expect, 1 3/4 inch nut, fresh neck set
• 1957 Martin 00021, Brazilian rosewood, nice clean guitar, pro setup, warm and balanced sound
• 1969 Martin D21 , Nice vintage Brazilian rosewood Martin dreadnaught, all the sound for less than a D28

GIBSON ACOUSTIC GUITARS: 
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)

• 1976 Gibson MK53, Blonde, maple back and sides, looks different but sounds excellent, very well made
• 1977 Gibson MK53, Sunburst finish, maple back and sides, looks different but sounds excellent, very well made
• 1963 Gibson J45, Faded cherry sunburst, local one owner guitar, well played but not whipped, tone machine
• 1966 Gibson J50, Slope shoulder dreadnaught, natural top, clean
• 1958 Gibson LG2, X braced, very clean, original rare brown case
• 1958 Gibson Southern Jumbo, Heavy playing wear but structurally fine, strong sound  ON HOLD
• 1946-47 Gibson LG2, Made just after the Banner pegheads, lots of wear, lots of sound
• 1935 Gibson L00, Small tight sunburst, low action, excellent sound
• 1944 Gibson J45 Banner, Big neck, big sound, mahogany top Banner
• 1935 Gibson L00, Big 30s neck profile, 1-3/4 inch nut, neck was just set, its ready to go

OTHER FINE ACOUSTIC GUITARS:
 (Click on the underlined name for price and details)

• 2003 Bourgeois JMOC "Georgia Cotton Picker", Adirondack/cocobola, stunning looks match the sound
• 2001 Collings D2H, Indian/Sitka, mint condition, 1 3/4 inch nut ON HOLD
  
• 2010 Larrivee L-09BZ , Brazilian rosewood dreadnaught, as-new, mint with tags, priced to sell
• 2001 Gallagher Doc Watson Modified 12 fret body, near mint condition, 1 13/16 inch nut
• 1977 Mossman Flint Hills,Hand built US made dreadnaught, 2 piece rosewood back, made in the Winfield KS shop
• 2005 Collings 0002H Cutaway, 12 fret body, Indian rosewood/Sitka, 1 3/4 inch nut, slot peghead, near mint
• 1998 Bourgeois Slope D, This is the model made famous by Bryan Sutton as the "Banjo Killer"
• 2001 Gallagher Doc Watson, Mint unplayed condition, beautiful woods, good sound  
• 1976 Mossman Great Plains, Just your basic excellent condition hand built US made bluegrass powerhouse guitar
• 2000 Taylor 810CE, Rosewood/spruce higher grade Taylor, cutaway, Fishman Expression pickup system
• 2002 Santa Cruz VJ, Slope shoulder dreadnaught, nice sunburst top, good sound
• 2004 Randall Kramer Prairie Grass, Outstanding innovative small body by this respected California builder
• 1940s Vega Profundo, Killer pre-war Brazilian rosewood dreadnought

ARCHTOP AND SEMI-HOLLOW GUITARS, ELECTRIC AND ACOUSTIC:
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)

• 1962 Gibson ES-120T, Clean, 1st year for this model, thin body with a hot single coil
• 1935 Gretsch Model 35 Archtop, Who says a cool vintage guitar has to be expensive?

UKULELES, BANJOS, TIPLES, AND OTHER ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENTS:
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)

• 1966 Martin T28 Tiple, Very clean, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, original case, nice sound
• 1937 Martin T-17 Tiple, All mahogany, nice low action, mellow tone, loud
• 1927 Martin T-18 Tiple, Adirondack spruce top, mahogany back and sides, priced right
• 1930s Slingerland May Bell Tenor Banjo, Needs a little work, low price, original Presto tailpiece

STEELS, DOBROS, NATIONALS, AND RESONATOR INSTRUMENTS:
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)

• 1946 Rickenbacker Bakelite Lap Steel, Has the desirable horseshoe pickup and a Stringtone tuning system
• 1937 Rickenbacker Model 100 Silver Hawaiian Lap Steel Guitar, Very clean, all original, first year
• 1932 National Style 0 , 12 fret body, clean, neck has some wear, all original
• 1932 National Triolian, Very clean, 12 fret body, flat F-holes, just set up
• 1932 National Duolian, 12 fret body, flat F holes, all original, very clean
• 1936 National Duolian, Monster sound, 14 fret body with rolled F holes
• 1931 National Triolian, 12 fret body, flat f-holes, all original, has the Hawaiian scene on the back

ELECTRIC SOLIDBODY INSTRUMENTS AND AMPS:
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)

• 1983 Gibson Les Paul Standard Flame top Reissue, Mint with tags, Gibsons first 59 Reissue
• 2006 Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster, Bold Graffiti Yellow, flamed maple neck, too much fun
• 1992 Fender SRV Stratocaster, First year of production, changed tuners drops the price, nice guitar
• 1969 Telecaster, Well played but no changes, strong tone
• 1971 Fender Telecaster, Classic Tele blonde, maple board, all original
• 1974 Fender Telecaster, Blonde with a maple neck, just enough wear to be cool
• 1974 Fender Telecaster, Blonde with maple fingerboard, clean, straight and original
• 1983 Fender Telecaster, Blonde, maple neck, clean and light weight
• 1967 Rickenbacker 330, Fireglo finish, very clean and original guitar

CASES, PARTS AND MISCELLANEOUS:
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)

• 1940s Gibson 17 Inch Brown Case, Clean case, shows a little wear, brown exterior/red interior
• 1939 Gibson 17 Inch Red line Archtop Case, Clean case, black exterior with green interior
• 1960s Gretsch 17 Inch Archtop Case, Very clean, silver grey exterior/maroon interior
• 1970s Kustom Kombo II Maintenance Manual, Original service manual, very difficult to find

LUTHIER SPECIALS AND FIXER-UPPERS:
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)

• Click here for luthier specials, blowouts, fixer uppers, and other bargains
  

•   1925 Gibson A Junior Snakehead Mandolin
  (Serial #82704 FON 8766) Loar era snakehead. Excellent minus condition, Sheraton Brown top finish with dark back and sides. Looking for a good mandolin for fiddle tunes or sessions? This is it! Lots of volume in this one! The "A Junior" model was the entry level mandolin for Gibson. Even so, these are excellent instruments. They do not have body or fingerboard binding, and the truss rod is not adjustable. Then again, all Gibson mandolins prior to 1922 didn't even have truss rods. Where it counts, however - all solid woods, carved spruce top, carved birch back and sides - its the same mandolin as the higher grade versions. All hardware and finish is original except missing the pickguard. Shows some playing wear but no repairs are evident. Recent professional setup. No logo on the peghead as made by Gibson. Neck is straight and the frets are in good shape. Plays nice and has a good ringing sound. Excellent for Celtic or old-time music. Newer hardshell case included....USD $1500
  
•   1924 Gibson A Snakehead Mandolin
  (Serial No. 77443 FON 1204) Snakehead! Another Loar era instrument with that great sound. This is an early production snakehead with the brown top finish. Excellent overall condition showing some pickwear on the top. All finish and hardware is original including the tuners. Has the adjustable truss rod in the neck. Shows some minor playing and case wear but no repairs are evident. Great playability and sound - the classic round hole Gibson punch and volume, with the modern feeling slimmer snakehead neck profile and all of the Loar era improvements. Excellent for Irish, Celtic, and old time music. Comes with the original hardshell case...USD $3450
  
•   1919 Gibson A2 Mandolin
  (Serial No. 49989 FON 11166) Excellent minus condition, Sheraton brown finish. Nice playing and sounding mandolin just set up by my luthier. No breaks or cracks, neck is straight, frets are fine, all original finish and hardware but missing the pickguard. Has two small screw holes where a non-original guard was mounted. Has the usual nicks and dings of a mandolin used to make music for 90 years. Big open woody round hole sound. Comes with the original hardshell case.....USD $1950
  
  
•   1920 Gibson A2 Mandolin
  (Serial No. 59022) Excellent minus condition showing some pick wear on the top. Sheraton brown finish. Nice playing and sounding mandolin just set up by my luthier. No breaks or cracks, neck is straight, frets are fine, original tuners, tailpiece and bridge, and missing the pickguard. Shows a little pick wear on the top in the area usually covered by the pickguard and the usual nicks and dings of a mandolin used to make music for 90 years. Big open woody round hole sound. Comes with the original hardshell case....USD $1950
  
  
•   1924 Gibson A2Z Snakehead Mandolin
  (Serial No. 74971 FON 11991) Snakehead! Very clean mandolin in excellent original condition. 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 is marked "A2Z". It has the inlaid pearl logo, bound top, back and fingerboard, the double thin soundhole rosettes like the A2, 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 condition with some very minor finish wear and checking and some pick scratches on the bass side of the top. No breaks, cracks or refinish. Blonde 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 $7250
•   1922 Gibson A3 Mandolin
  (Serial No. xx640 FON 11578) Excellent minus condition, white top finish. Has a truss rod in the neck. This is the last year before the snakeheads and you get the best of both styles - the wider fingerboard of the paddle peghead neck but also has the adjustable bridge and truss rod and, most importantly, they have the sound of the snakeheads. You get all of the Loar era improvements with a wider neck for more comfortable playing. 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. Shows some minor nicks and dings and a little wear on the edge of the top that's expected on an A3 that was played. The wear on the upper back edge of the peghead is caused by leaning the instrument against the wall for years. Neck is straight, frets are fine. The original metal truss rod cover is engraved "Ethel Ray Zorn". I'm not certain of the exact year as the first two digits of the serial number are illegible, but white top A3s with truss rods were only made in 1922 and a few in 1923. The body finish is original but shows some apparent water damage on the bottom near the end pin and it looks like the back edge seam near the tailpiece was reglued. Other than the addition of a reproduction Loar era adjustable bridge all hardware is original and it comes with the original hardshell case....USD $2800
  

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•   1917 Gibson A4 Mandolin
  (Serial No. 38937) Very clean mandolin in excellent repaired condition. The A4 was the top of the line for the Gibson A style mandolins. It has the overall red finish with the slight sunburst as is correct for 1917, a pearl logo and peghead inlay, bound top and back, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension. The hardware is all original including the inlaid Handel tuners but it is missing the pickguard. A top crack has been repaired as shown. Its been stable under tension for several months. With modern glues this will never be a problem in the future. Nice big woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! Neck is straight, neck angle is good and the frets are in great shape. Just set up so plays nicely. Soft case....USD $2250
  
  
•   1918 Gibson A4 Mandolin
  (Serial # 46309) Excellent condition. The A-4 was the top of the line A style mandolin for Gibson in 1918. It has the 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 the pickguard is missing. 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. There is some top sinkage as shown, but its been like this for several years and appears stable. 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
  
  
•   1928 Gibson A4 Mandolin
  (Serial No. 86106) Excellent condition. The A4 was the top of the line A style mandolin for Gibson. It has a true red sunburst, spectacular flamy woods on the back and sides, two piece back, pearl logo and fleur di lise in the peghead, bound top and back, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension. Has the adjustable truss rod in the neck. The hardware is original including the original adjustable bridge. The upper D tuner shaft is very slightly bent as seen in the photos. The finish is original with a small area of wear seen at the base of the back of the peghead. This is where your thumb would rest when playing first position chords. Nice big woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! Neck is straight, neck angle and frets are good. No structural repairs and has a few minor nicks or dings, the usual playing wear, as seen in the pics. Just gone over and set up by luthier Dave Sheppard. Overall its a clean mandolin. Excellent for Celtic or old time, and this mandolin would be superior for classical. Comes with the original hardshell case...USD $3250
  
•   1935 Gibson A4 Mandolin
  (Factory Order No. 785) Excellent condition. Very late for a round hole A4 mandolin, and this one has the rare elevated fingerboard, only made for a few years in the 1930's. This was undoubtedly a special order. The A4 was the top of the line A style mandolin for Gibson. It has a true red sunburst, flamed maple back and sides, straight pearl logo in the peghead, bound top and back, and unbound peghead and fingerboard as was usual on 30s era Style 4 instruments. Has the adjustable truss rod in the neck. The finish and hardware are original including the original adjustable bridge. Nice big woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! Neck is straight, neck angle and frets are good. No structural repairs and has a few minor nicks and dings, the usual playing wear, as seen in the pics. Missing the interior label as is common on 30s Gibsons but has the factory order number is stamped on the neck block. Just gone over and set up professionally. Excellent for Celtic or old time, and this mandolin would be superior for classical. Comes with the original hardshell case....USD $3450
  
  
•   1927 Gibson Style A0 Mandolin
  (Serial No. 84768) Excellent original condition. These are sleepers on the market. This a Fern era Gibson A style body with oval sound hole, adjustable truss rod, and the straight painted script Gibson logo. All hardware and finish is original. Very clean mandolin bought from the family of the original owner. Great sounding mandolin with a very woody tone and yet still has the sweet round sound of the oval hole mandolins. Very loud mandolin - excellent volume. Plays very nicely too with good frets and a straight neck. Has some finish checking on the back and the typical nicks and dings from playing a well loved instrument. No repairs. Comes with a very beat original case.....USD $2750
  

•   1936 Gibson A-00 Mandolin
  (Serial No. 876B-6) Bought from the wife of the original owner. Original sunburst finish and hardware, Adirondack spruce top with F holes, dark stained maple back, sides and neck, white script silkscreened "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. Frets are fine, neck is straight. Good strong bluegrass sound with a woody chop. Very loud mandooin - excellent volume. Comes with an original somewhat beat up cardboard case.....USD $1250

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•   1940 Gibson A50 Mandolin
  (Serial No. 1992F-11) Nice original wide body mandolin. Original finish and hardware includes a 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 tuners and tailpiece cover but is missing the pickguard, however the pickguard mounting hardware is in the case. At 14 1/2 inches, these are the longest scale mandolins ever made by Gibson. Just beautifully refretted with original size wire and set up by luthier Jerry Ray. Small crack on the lower treble side near the end pin was professionally repaired. Plays like silk and has a good chop. These were used extensively in bluegrass as they were more affordable than the F5 but still pretty fancy. Comes with the original hardshell case...USD $1600

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•   1941 Gibson A-50 Mandolin
  (Serial No. EG-4732) Nice original wide body mandolin. Original finish and hardware includes a sunburst finish, flamed maple back, sides and neck, pearl peghead logo and fleur di lise inlay, pearloid truss rod cover, metal buttons tuners used only from 1938-1941. Has the original pickguard and tailpiece cover. Pickguard has a small spot of crystalization that has benn stabilized. At 14 1/2 inches, these are the longest scale mandolins ever made by Gibson. Frets are fine, neck is straight. Plays nice and has a good chop. These were used extensively in bluegrass as they were more affordable than the F5 but still pretty fancy. Comes with the original red line hardshell case......USD $1750

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    1915 Gibson F2 Mandolin
  (Serial No. 22968) Excellent condition showing some checking and playing wear. The F2 is the same mandolin as the top of the line scroll F4, but with less fancy cosmetics. It has the overall red finish with a slight sunburst, two piece back, pearl logo, bound top and bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension. Finish and hardware appear original. Nice big woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! The finish and hardware are original. Neck is straight, neck angle is good and the frets are fine. The big scroll on the peghead was apparently broken off and reglued as there is a very old repair there that is not visible on either the face or the back of the peghead. Please click on the pics of the peghead and tuners to see really high resolution pics. There are some pick scrapes on the top near the sound hole and some finish checking on the sides and back of the mandolin. F2s are getting harder to find in decent playable condition, and prices are continuing to rise every year. Did I mention that it has really strong tone and volume and plays like butter? Comes with a hardshell case....USD $3950
  
    1916 Gibson F2 Mandolin
  (Serial No. 28292, FON 2908) Excellent plus condition showing minor playing wear. The F2 is the same mandolin as the top of the line scroll F4, but with less fancy cosmetics. It has the overall red finish with a slight sunburst, two piece back, pearl logo, bound top and bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension. Finish and hardware appear original. Nice big woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! Neck is straight, neck angle is good and the frets are fine. The big scroll on the peghead was apparently broken off and replaced as the grain does not match exactly and you can see a line on the upper top edge, but it is an excellent repair as you cannot see the repair on either the face or the back of the peghead. Please click on the pics of the peghead and tuners to see really high resolution pics. There was a minor finish check on the top right under the scroll that threatened to become a crack, so it was cleated inside to prevent any future issues. F2s are getting harder to find in decent playable condition, and prices are continuing to rise every year. Did I mention that it has really strong tone and volume and plays like butter? Comes with a newer hardshell case......USD $3950

•   1940 Gibson F4 Mandolin
  (Serial No. 96388 FON 565F) This is one of most scarce versions of a Gibson F-4. Gibson F style mandolins from the 1930's and 40's are extremely rare. By then, the mando craze from the teens and early 20's had faded away. This particular mandolin features a simple pearl Gibson logo in the unbound peghead and traditional dot inlays in the fingerboard. Has a sunburst top, chocolate brown stained maple back and sides, a checkerboard pattern soundhole rosette, and the treble extension on the fingerboard. The fingerboard is elevated off the top like the F5. The condition is overall excellent. No repairs, crack or other structural issues noted. It retains all of it's original hardware except the missing pickguard. The tuners, bridge, tailpiece and cover are all correct. The fitting between the tuners on the back of the peghead is for a strap. The best thing about this mandolin is the sound!! It is really a great sounding mandolin. It has a very deep throaty bass response. The playability is great. As a general rule, the F-4/F-2s from this era are consistently good sounding. I have had several of these and they are real sleepers on the market. Comes in the original hardshell case....USD $6,500
  
  
•   1934 Gibson F-7 Mandolin
  (Serial No. 92107) Excellent condition. Same model as played by Bill Monroe early in his career. This mandolin was once owned by Frank Vento, a well known entertainer in California in the mid-1960s. Shows plenty of honest playing wear but it is all original finish and hardware with no repairs. It has the original neck which has not been converted to long scale. As you can imagine the sound has been played into this one. Great woody tone and has a decent chop. Action is great. Comes with the original red line hardshell case. ....USD $14,500
  
•   1968 Gibson F12 Mandolin
  (Serial No. 896437) Excellent plus condition, sunburst finish. Here's something you don't see often - a late 60s Gibson mandolin that sounds great! The late 1960s were the beginning of Gibsons "dark period" and quality control was very erratic. Occasionally a really good instrument was made - this is one of those. The F5 of this period had a bright cherry sunburst with big block fingerboard inlays, gold hardware, and multiple body binding - a very flashy instrument. This mandolin has a more traditional appearance. The F12 was intended to be the plainer version of the F5, but this one is still the classic Gibson scroll mandolin. It has all the good stuff - long neck, f-holes, elevated fingerboard, slightly flamed maple back and sides, solid spruce top, bound ebony fingerboard with no treble extension as built, gold hardware, and the pearl Gibson logo. Action is great - easy and low. Shows some expected finish checking and the usual small nicks and dings of mandolin used to make music for over 40 years. This mandolin has opened up nicely, with a great chop and bark. Original black rectangular hardshell case with the gold interior...USD $3750
  
•  1998 Flatiron A5 Artist Mandolin
  (Serial #80624049) Excellent minus condition, sunburst finish. Want the sound and playability of a Flatiron F5 Artist at a more affordable price? This is the classic Flatiron mandolin in an "A" body style. These came in two trim levels - the Artist is the higher grade version. It has the long neck, f-holes, bound top, back, fingerboard and peghead, elevated radiused ebony fingerboard with extension, pearl flowerpot and logo, solid heavily flamed maple back, sides and neck, solid spruce top, and gold hardware with pearl buttons on the tuners. This mandolin has a Nashville label but was probably built in the Bozeman, MT plant and finished in Nashville, as 1998 was the year Gibson shifted production. The Artist series mandolins have X top bracing, which many pickers think gives a more percussive chop. Must work - this one has the good bluegrass chop for sure. This mandolin has nice low action and has strong tone and good volume. Fitted with a Fishman bridge pickup and end pin jack. There's a minor center seam repair on the back at the bottom and it shows some wear on the tailpiece cover. Comes with the original shaped hardshell case.....USD $2250
•  1990 Gibson F5L Mandolin
  (Serial No. 0271069) Mint condition with two small lacquer checks. Sunburst finish. Bought from the original owner. This is the classic Gibson scroll mandolin - long neck, f-holes, elevated fingerboard, heavily flamed maple back and sides, solid spruce top, bound ebony fingerboard, silver plated hardware, and the torch peghead inlay. In 1990 this model was the top of the line for Gibson. Its the same mandolin as the lacquer Monroe F5 of a few years later without the signature on the label. This was made in the third year of Gibson production in the Bozeman, Montana plant, and was signed by the legendary luthier Steve Carlson on June 11, 1990. Shows no playing wear. The frets were lightly dressed and 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. Original hardshell case, also near mint condition. This is a fine playing fine sounding very collectable mandolin...USD $6250
  
  
•  1995 Flatiron F5 Mandolin
  (Serial No. 95101276) Excellent plus condition, chocolate brown finish. When Gibson went to the NAMM show in 1987, Flatirons were the high quality mandolins they were competing with. They couldn't beat them, so they bought the company. Excellent sounding and playing F5 scroll mandolin with a flamed maple back, sides and neck, carved spruce top with traditional tone bar bracing, Gibson torch peghead inlay and logo in pearl, 1 1/8 inch nut, traditional flat ebony fretboard with factory jumbo frets and shortened extension to eliminate pick click. Fully bound body, neck and peghead and nickel hardware. Fitted with a Weber end pin. Great playing mandolin that shows almost no playing wear. This one has the sound - powerful chop and bark, strong tone - excellent bluegrass mandolin. Just set up by my luthier so it plays like butter. Signed by Bruce Weber. Bozeman built Flatirons are always heavily in demand, because most pickers won't part with theirs - once you play this one you'll know why. Comes with the original hardshell case...USD $4650 ON HOLD for Marc in MD
  
•  2001 Gibson Sam Bush F5 Mandolin
  (Serial #11023020) Excellent condition, sunburst finish. Made during the early Charlie Derrington era. I bought this mandolin directly from a Nashville pro. It was used live on numerous Alan Jackson tours and TV dates and comes with documentation from the previous owner. The Sam Bush model is based on the 1938 mandolin played by Sam. It has all the usual high end Gibson appointments and features, including spectacular flamed maple neck, sides and back, solid spruce top with tone bar bracing, ebony fingerboard and bridge, triple binding on the body, neck and peghead, pearl logo and flowerpot peghead inlay, a hand-fitted dovetail neck joint, gold hardware with the Sam Bush signature on the tail piece cover, and a hand-tuned tone chamber. Lacquer finish. It has the slightly wider and deeper neck from the Sam Bush model, with the 1 3/16" nut width, the rounded neck profile, finish removed from the back of the neck, and abbreviated fingerboard with block pearl inlays. String spacing at the nut is standard, not the Bush equal spacing. Comes from Gibson without a pickguard. Very powerful sounding mandolin with good response all across the strings and up and down the neck. The mandolin plays nice with an easy action as it was just set up by my luthier. Good chop - excellent bluegrass sound! Comes with a Travelite hardshell case....USD $5950
  
•   2004 Gibson F5/SB Mandolin
  (Serial #40123030) Excellent condition, sunburst finish. In 2004 Music Machine, a store in Seattle, had 26 custom F5Gs made. This is one of those. Has an Anirondak red spruce top, which is the same top wood used on the old Loars as well as the new Gibson Master Models. Its already a powerful sounding mandolin and will just get better, as red spruce takes about a year of hard picking to really open up. When that happens this mandolin will need to be registered as a weapon of bluegrass jam mass destruction. It also has a nicely figured flamed maple back, sides and neck, a bound fingerboard and sunburst lacquer finish all around in the lighter 1923 Loar style burst, pearl logo and flowerpot headstock inlay, 1 1/8 nut, triple bound top with a bound flat ebony fretboard. Unbound back like the F5G. Comes from Gibson without a pickguard. Nice playing and sounding instrument with a few minor dings and one finish check at the lower f hole, but no significant dings or issues. Tuners have been upgraded from the original Schallers to modern satin finish nickel Grovers. Frets are fine, neck is straight. Good strong bluegrass sound with a woody chop. Very loud mandolin - excellent volume. Comes with the original shaped hardshell case....USD $3750

• None at this time
  
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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 late 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. Although Flatiron was the "budget" line, 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.

•  1995 Flatiron F5 Mandolin
  (Serial No. 95101276) Excellent plus condition, chocolate brown finish. When Gibson went to the NAMM show in 1987, Flatirons were the high quality mandolins they were competing with. They couldn't beat them, so they bought the company. Excellent sounding and playing F5 scroll mandolin with a flamed maple back, sides and neck, carved spruce top with traditional tone bar bracing, Gibson torch peghead inlay and logo in pearl, 1 1/8 inch nut, traditional flat ebony fretboard with factory jumbo frets and shortened extension to eliminate pick click. Fully bound body, neck and peghead and nickel hardware. Fitted with a Weber end pin. Great playing mandolin that shows almost no playing wear. This one has the sound - powerful chop and bark, strong tone - excellent bluegrass mandolin. Just set up by my luthier so it plays like butter. Signed by Bruce Weber. Bozeman built Flatirons are always heavily in demand, because most pickers won't part with theirs - once you play this one you'll know why. Comes with the original hardshell case...USD $4650 ON HOLD for Marc in MD
  
•  1998 Flatiron A5 Artist Mandolin
  (Serial #80624049) Excellent minus condition, sunburst finish. Want the sound and playability of a Flatiron F5 Artist at a more affordable price? This is the classic Flatiron mandolin in an "A" body style. These came in two trim levels - the Artist is the higher grade version. It has the long neck, f-holes, bound top, back, fingerboard and peghead, elevated ebony fingerboard with extension, pearl flowerpot and logo, solid heavily flamed maple back, sides and neck, solid spruce top, and gold hardware with pearl buttons on the tuners. This mandolin has a Nashville label but was probably built in the Bozeman, MT plant and finished in Nashville, as 1998 was the year Gibson shifted production. The Artist series mandolins have X top bracing, which many pickers think gives a more percussive chop. Must work - this one has the good bluegrass chop for sure. This mandolin has nice low action and has strong tone and good volume. Fitted with a Fishman bridge pickup and end pin jack. There's a minor center seam repair on the back at the bottom and it shows some wear on the tailpiece cover. Comes with the original shaped hardshell case.....USD $2250
  
  
•  2001 Flatiron Festival F Mandolin
  (Serial No. 11208020) Excellent condition, gloss sunburst finish with a brown back and sides. Made by Gibson in Nashville during the early Charlie Derrington years. Since 1987 Flatirons have been made side by side on the same bench with Gibsons. Don't confuse this mandolin with the cheap Opry Mills tourist Flatirons made today by Gibson. This is professional grade instrument. During the Bozeman production years the Flatiron Festival F models were different from Gibsons, with an elevated fretboard extension support and different top bracing, but by 2001 the Festival F is structurally identical to a Gibson F5G. Has the single bound top and unbound back like the F5G. It still has all the design features that give the Gibson F5 its legendary tone, including a hand-fitted dovetail neck joint, solid flamed maple neck, sides and back, solid spruce top, a 1 1/8 nut on the flat ebony fingerboard, tone bar bracing, and a hand-tuned tone chamber. This mandolin is in excellent condition with one small ding on the back as shown. No wear or pick marks of any kind. The mandolin was just set up so its ready to pick. Comes from Gibson without a pickguard. Very good sounding and very loud mandolin with good response all across the strings and up and down the neck. The mandolin plays easily and has a powerful Gibson chop - excellent bluegrass sound! Original shaped hardshell case, also very clean.....USD $2950

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Mandolin World Headquarters is the exclusive dealer for Richard Beard mandolins and 'zooks. These excellent instruments are hand-built in North Carolina. Richard teaches woodworking and is known in the area for both his Celtic music radio show and his excellent picking at the local Irish session. As a session player he knows the difference in an instrument suited for Celtic and Irish music instead of the usual bluegrass mandolin. Richard only builds a handful of instruments a year and the build quality is top notch - right up there with the best. If you play Celtic and are ready to step up to a professional grade instrument at an affordable price you need to check out one of these.

•  2009 Richard Beard Octave Mandolin / Bouzouki
  (Serial #32) New with warranty. This is the seventeen 'zook I have received from Richard and I think he just gets better and better with each one he builds. These are professional grade instruments. Tremendous resonance and response in this one. It has a strong and powerful percussive sound with a deep rich bass. The back and sides are Hawaiian Koa which I think is a superior tone wood for long scale double course instruments. The fingerboard and bridge are ebony, and the solid Sitka spruce top is x-braced with herringbone top trim. The neck has an adjustable truss rod and the ebony fingerboard has slotted diamond inlays. Solid one piece tailpiece eliminates buzzing and loose covers. Fit and finish is first class professional work - as good as those famous guitar makers. Scale length is 21 inches so it works well for both melody and backup rhythm playing. The x-braced top gives it plenty of punch for driving a session. Nice low action plays effortlessly with a great neck. Its currently tuned GDAE as an octave mandolin but any zook tuning like ADAD or GDAD would work as well. Handmade in North Carolina and comes with a custom fitted TKL hardshell case. Call me for your internet price...USD $SOLD..another on order
  

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 may make the best bluegrass mandolin on the planet for under $5000...we invite you to be the judge.

•  2010 Ratliff R5 Scroll Mandolin
  (Serial No. 1020) New with warranty, dark red brown sunburst finish. Audey only build about 18 mandolins a year. Getting a new one to sell it tough - every dealer out there wants one, as they are excellent mandolins. Ratliff builds a fine looking and fine sounding mandolin. This is the classic F-5 style scroll mandolin with the long neck, f holes, and the elevated bound ebony fretboard with dot inlays. Nut width is 1 1/8 inch. It features a beautiful flamed maple back and neck and quilted maple sides. This is a great sounding mandolin. It also features a hand-carved spruce top and is bound top, back, fingerboard and peghead. Custom ordered with a very slight radius to the ebony fretboard and a slightly shortened unfretted treble extension to eliminate pick click in the sweet spot. Pearl headstock inlay and logo. Even though its a new mandolin, it has that woody bluegrass bark and the excellent volume and tone that these mandolins are known for. Frankly, these are under priced - many pickers believe these to be the best mandolins made today under $5000. These mandolins list for $3500 and Audey does not usually allow significant discounting. Comes with a new rectangular TKL hardshell case...$SOLD..another on order
•  1989 Ratliff R5 Left handed Scroll Mandolin
  (Serial number: 90) Excellent condition. Quality left handed mandolins are tough to find. Audey Ratliff plays mandolin lefty. One of his goals as a builder is to provide a source for mandolins for pickers like himself, and he has been building leftys since day one. I bought this one from the original owner. Its 21 years old - buts its number 90. Audey had built almost a hundred mandolins when this one was finished. Has all the good stuff - all solid woods, flamed maple sides and one piece back, carved Sitka spruce top, ebony fretboard and bridge, and a very cool hand cut pearl inlay on the peghead. Its a true lefty - its strung up opposite of a right handed mandolin, with the bass strings nearest the scroll. Very loud mandolin with excellent tone. Good woody chop with nice clear trebles. Plays like silk as it was just refretted and set up by Audey. Comes with a hardshell case....$1950

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•   2007 Breedlove Quartz FF Mandolin
  (Serial No. 9895) Near mint condition, looks unplayed. Made in Bend, Oregon. Nice traditional shape reflecting Kim Breedlove's interpretation of the classic F5. This has the new scroll body shape in flamed maple back and sides with F-holes in the solid spruce top. Minimal appointments such as the satin gloss lacquer, no binding, no pickguard, and nickel hardware give it an refined understated look. There is nothing understated about the sound, however - sound is powerful with good cut and definition. Excellent bluegrass mandolin. Top quality workmanship. There are no dings, scratches or other blemishes - anything you see in the pictures is a reflection. Just set up by my luthier and has no fret or fingerboard wear. Comes with the original hard case...USD $1250
•   2003 Kimble A5 Mandolin
  (Serial No. 26) Excellent plus condition. When you list the top half dozen mandolin luthiers building today, Will Kimble will be on that list. Outstanding mandolin with a smooth midrange, powerful deep chop and clear ringing highs. Gloss varnish finish with black top and back and sides stained red. The top is red spruce with traditional tone bar bracing. Back, sides and neck are red spruce. The bridge and radiused fretboard are ebony. Fitted with a one piece Allen tailpiece and a strap button added at the heel. Has typical nicks and dings playing wear as the mandolin sounds so good it was played often. No repairs or other major issues noted. Just set up by my luthier so it plays low and easy. Comes with a hardshell case...USD $4250
•   2009 Larrivee F33 Scroll Mandolin
  (SN: 107795) Mint as-new condition, traded to me by a Larrivee Dealer. F5 style body. Jean Larrivee has been building fine guitars for some time. He has now started building mandolins and this is the same high build quality as his guitars. Fit and finish is excellent. Has a traditional thin hand rubbed varnish finish in sunburst, flamed maple back and sides, Sitka spruce top, ebony bridge and radiused fretboard, pearl logo, and gold hardware including a one piece Allen tailpiece. Fully bound body, neck and headstock. Has a good balanced sweet sound all its own. Its not a Gibson sound - it sounds more like a X-braced Flatiron or Weber. It probably still thinks its a tree as it sounds a bit green but you can hear it will have a nice bluegrass voice in it with a little age and picking. If you are looking for a neck with a little more room this will work for you. It has a 1-1/8 nut with a very playable slightly larger neck profile than a Gibson F5 - it reminds me of a F4 neck. Just set up professionally and ready to play. Comes with a TKL rectangular hardshell case....USD $2500
• 2003 Bill Davis F5 Mandolin
  (Serial No. 11603) Excellent plus condition, sunburst finish with a satin gloss. Nice looking and sounding mandolin custom built by Bill Davis, noted Kansas builder. Sounds very strong with good depth and projection. Has nicely flamed maple back and sides, solid spruce top with tone bar bracing, radiused ebony fingerboard and bridge, gold hardware including an Allen one piece tailpiece, and a pearl logo and peghead inlay. The fingerboard has a scooped extension to eliminate pick click. Workmanship is first class. The mandolin plays like silk with good volume and a strong woody chop. If you are looking for good sound and playability at a reasonable price, this is your mandolin. Comes with a shaped hardshell case...USD $3250
  
  
•  2009 Collings MT Mandolin
  (Serial No. 1713) Near mint condition, sunburst lacquer in a satin low-gloss finish. Collings mandolins are made to the same high standards as their guitars. This is an outstanding A5 style mandolin. Has a fully carved top and back and is crafted with a seasoned select solid Englemann spruce top and flamed maple back, neck and sides. Has a radiused ebony fingerboard and ebony bridge. Top bound only with grained ivoriod binding to contrast nicely with the sunburst finish, nickel hardware, and a pearl Collings logo and inlay. Excellent volume and tone with a good woody chop. Plays like silk. Very nice original shaped hardshell case included....USD $1850
•  2005 Collings MF Mandolin
  (Serial No. 568) Excellent plus condition, dark sunburst lacquer with the satin finish. Collings mandolins are made to the same high standards as their guitars. This is the less fancy version of the Collings F5, but believe me, the only thing lacking is some of the pretty cosmetics. Soundwise its a banjo killer - this one is loud. It really cuts through a jam. Excellent tone with a good woody chop. It has a fully carved top and back and is crafted with a seasoned select solid Adirondack spruce top and flamed maple back, neck and sides. Has a radiused ebony fingerboard and ebony bridge. Tortoise top binding only and an unbound back, fingerboard and peghead, but it does have the nice pearl Collings logo and inlay. Chrome hardware. Action is low and easy - it plays like silk. Original shaped Collings hardshell case included...USD $3500
•   2009 Collings MF Mandolin
  (Serial Number: 1022) Near mint condition, satin sunburst finish. Collings mandolins are made to the same high standards as their guitars. This is the less fancy version of the Collings F5, but believe me, the only thing lacking is some of the pretty cosmetics. Soundwise its a banjo killer - this one is loud. It really cuts through a jam. Excellent tone with a good woody chop. It has a fully carved top and back and is crafted with a seasoned select solid Adirondack spruce top and flamed maple back, neck and sides. Has an 1-1/8 inch nut on the radiused ebony fingerboard. Ebony bridge. Grained ivoriod top binding only and an unbound back, fingerboard and peghead, but it does have the nice pearl Collings logo and inlay. Chrome hardware. Action is low and easy - it plays like silk. the mandolin is really clean - looks unplayed. Anything you see in the pictures that looks like a blemish is probably a reflection. Come with the original shaped Collings hardshell case....USD $3500
•   New Madison Montgomery F5 Mandolin
  (Serial No. 15) New with warranty. This is an absolutely beautiful mandolin by Madison Montgomery, a builder here in Virginia. Madison is both and engineer and a picker, which means he is very deliberate in getting things exactly right. The workmanship and finish is top notch. It has a beautiful black top finish with a stunning back wood in a natural finish. The top is solid Sitka spruce X-braced and the back, sides and neck are absolutely amazing flamed hard Virginia maple, some of the best I have ever seen. Has a hand rubbed oil varnish finish. Ebony fingerboard with pearl dot inlays. Chrome hardware. The logo and headstock Fern inlay are hand-cut pearl, very nicely done. The Brazilian rosewood pickguard is easily removable. The fingerboard was deliberately made shorter to eliminate "pick click". Plays very easy and has great tone and volume, even though its a new mandolin. Comes with a hardshell case and a lifetime warranty....USD $4250
•   2005 Stanley F5 Mandolin
  (Serial number 10) Near mint condition with a structural warranty. I'll tell you how much I like Chris's mandolins - I bought one for myself. Chris Stanley is a great picker and has owned several Loars and Ferns, so he knows tone. He's also an accomplished woodworker and luthier, so when he decided to build mandolins he had a pretty good head start. This mandolin is impressive - the fit and hand rubbed varnish finish is great, the action is easy and the tone is there. Look at that back wood - its bookmatched highly quilted maple. The top is red spruce and is deliberately mismatched like most Loars you see. All high grade parts - ebony fingerboard and bridge, pearl logo, Silver plated hardware, and grained multi-ply ivoriod binding. Now, there's two camps on mandolin sound. The Loar F5 was made to play in ensembles, so it has a good midrange as well as bass and treble. Many modern mandolins are looking for a deep woody woof on the bottom, sometimes decent trebles, but usually lack in the mids. This mandolin is firmly in the Loar camp. Its a very well balanced mandolin across the strings, with strong even response. Yes you have the chop but you also have the rest of the notes as well. Chris has agreed to extend a structural warranty to the new owner. Its a pre-owned mandolin, so finish wear and nicks and dings are not covered. Comes with a hardshell case...$6250 USD
•   2005 Stanley F5 Mandolin
  (Serial Number 14) Near mint condition with a structural warranty. I'll tell you how much I like Chris's mandolins - I bought one for myself. Chris Stanley is a great picker and has owned several Loars and Ferns, so he knows tone. He's also an accomplished woodworker and luthier, so when he decided to build mandolins he had a pretty good head start. This mandolin is impressive - the fit and hand rubbed varnish finish is great, the action is easy and the tone is there. Look at that back wood - its one piece of nicely flamed maple. The top is red spruce and is deliberately mismatched like most Loars you see. All high grade parts - ebony fingerboard and bridge, pearl logo, and grained ivoriod binding. Now, there's two camps on mandolin sound. The Loar F5 was made to play in ensembles, so it has a good midrange as well as bass and treble. Many modern mandolins are looking for a deep woody woof on the bottom, sometimes decent trebles, but usually lack in the mids. This mandolin is firmly in the Loar camp. Its a very well balanced mandolin across the strings, with strong even response. Yes you have the chop but you also have the rest of the notes as well. Chris has agreed to extend a structural warranty to the new owner. Its a pre-owned mandolin, so finish wear and nicks and dings are not covered. Comes with a nice hardshell case...$6250 USD
•  2004 Weber Bighorn Mandolin
  (Serial No. 4151910) Near mint condition. Has nice flamed maple back, sides and top, solid Sitka spruce top with bearclaw figure and oval soundhole, x braced top, pearl logo in the tapered snakehead style peghead, solid one piece tailpiece, radiused ebony fingerboard with treble extension, ebony Weber Traditional bridge, and of course the very cool two point body shape. The bearclaw figure you see in the top comes from the compressed wood at the bottom of a tree. Not only is it pretty, but the wood is denser allowing for a thinner and more responsive top without sacrificing strength. The modified x bracing give the mandolin some serious pop and volume, and a lovely depth and warmth you wouldn't expect. The Bighorn body is the largest volume area of any of the mandolins Weber makes, even more than an F-style, and in fact Bruce Weber's own personal instrument is a Bighorn he built a few years back. Plays great and has a very warm woody tone. Bruce Weber built a lot of Gibsons and Flatirons there in Montana. Now he has his own shop and is turning out high quality instruments. This instrument is ready to go. It needs nothing but your fingers on the strings! Comes with the original Weber hardshell case....USD $2650
  
•  1980s Stefan Sobell 5 Course Octave Mandolin
  (Serial # none) Stefan Sobell builds the finest instruments for Celtic music in the world. This is the sound you hear on all the Irish and Celtic recordings. It has an Indian rosewood back and sides and a spruce top, which is the combination of tone woods Stefan used most often. The long scale at 24 inches and 5 courses give numerous possibilities for tuning. I have it in DADAD tuning, but you could use GCGCD, GDADA or other long scale tunings as well. The cool thing about the longer scale is the ability to capo, even up to the octave. It also has a mahogany neck, herringbone top trim, fully bound body, gold tuners, brass Sobell one piece tailpiece, and an ebony fingerboard. The fingerboard is slightly wider than a Gibson to allow quick rolls and triplets. Has amazing volume and sustain. Neck is straight, neck angle is good, frets are fine. The bridge appears to be original and is fit well to the top. A high quality Fishman soundhole pickup is included and the body has already been drilled for the jack. Action is low and comfortable. Very loud instrument that will cut through sessions with ease. Deep woody round tone and very clear notes. Comes with a custom made Calton hardshell case....USD $6500
  
  
•  1926 Martin Style A Mandolin
  (Serial #12907) Excellent condition. All solid woods with a mahogany back and sides and spruce top. Good neck and frets, plays nice with a low action but still has plenty of volume. Great for old-time, Celtic, or jazz. Tortoise binding and pickguard. Original tailpiece and tuners. The Martin stamp is both inside and on the back of the peghead. Comes with a non-original case....USD $1200
  
  
•  1942 Martin Style A Mandolin
  (Serial Number #A17306) Excellent plus condition showing only the slightest pick wear on the front. Nice prewar Martin sunburst on the Adirondack top, mahogany back and sides, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, tortoiseshell binding and pickguard. Good neck and frets, plays nice with a low action but still has plenty of volume. Great for old-time, Celtic, or jazz. Nice tortoiseshell binding and pickguard. Original tuners and a Style A unengraved tailpiece. Comes with a soft case.....USD $1600
  
  
•  1925 Martin Style B Mandolin
  (Serial No. 11964) Excellent condition with very little playing wear. This is the early style cutout peghead with the Martin stamp embossed on the back and no decal on the front. Beautifully grained Brazilian rosewood back and sides, spruce top, herringbone rosette and back strip, and an ebony fingerboard with slotted diamond inlays. Good neck and frets, plays nice with a low action but still has plenty of volume. Great for old-time, Celtic, or jazz. Nice tortoiseshell binding and pickguard. Original tuners and plain tailpiece cover. Original case...USD $2000
  
  
•  1924 Martin Style B Mandolin
  (Serial No. 11167) Excellent condition with very little playing wear. This is the early style cutout peghead with the Martin stamp embossed on the back and no decal on the front. Beautifully grained Brazilian rosewood back and sides, spruce top, herringbone rosette and back strip, and an ebony fingerboard with slotted diamond inlays. Good neck and frets, plays nice with a low action but still has plenty of volume. Has a small well-repaired side crack. Great for old-time, Celtic, or jazz. Nice tortoiseshell binding and pickguard. Original tuners and plain tailpiece cover. Comes with a newer hardshell case....USD $2000
  
  
•  1953 Martin 2-15 Mandolin
  (Serial No. 21268) Excellent condition. Has a carved solid spruce top and solid figured maple back and sides. This was Martins answer to the Gibson carved top mandolins. These carved top Martins are often used in mandolin orchestras or for recording, as they have a sweet delicate sound but are not particularly loud or punchy. Its not a bluegrass mandolin. Tuners are original with one bent shaft but it still works fine . Bridge and tailpiece cover are replacements and the guard is missing. Straight neck, good frets, and a nice low action. As the bridge saddle is high I suspect it had a neck set in the past. No structural repairs or top issues but is missing a couple of dot inlays in the ebony fingerboard. Comes with a newer non-original hardshell case. ....USD $950
  
  
•  1920 Vega Model 202 Cylinderback Mandolin
  (Serial No. 38824) Excellent plus condition, somewhat uncommon sunburst finish. Clean mandolin with only minor playing wear. Has the curved mahogany back and sides, solid spruce top, ebony fingerboard, fancy soundhole ring, and an inlaid pickguard. Finish and hardware are original with no repairs. Has the usual nicks and dings of a well loved teens mandolin, but nothing major. Has a beautiful sweet sound and plays like silk. Excellent for classical and Celtic music. Comes with an old possibly original hardshell case......USD $1650
  
  
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•  1987 Hartz Buskirk Mandola
  (Serial No. 003) Excellent condition. This instrument was custom made for the late great Paul Buskirk by Steve Hartz of Nacagdoches, Texas, and was used to record the 1993 CD "Nacagdoches Waltz". Paul Buskirk was well known as a mandolin and tenor banjo player, and is credited with teaching Willie Nelson how to play guitar. Willie in fact plays backup guitar on the CD. The label indicates this is a mandola, but the scale length is 21.5 inches. I have it strung up and tuned as an octave mandolin and it works fine. Top is spruce and the back, sides and neck are flamed maple. The flat ebony fingerboard has a 1 3/8 inch nut. Pearl logo and fingerboard inlay. The pickguard is missing, and the instrument has several nicks and dings as it was a working instrument for Buskirk. No repairs noted. Has a huge rich sound and a nice low action. Excellent for studio or live work as a mando cello, octave mandolin or possibly mandola. Would be perfect for Celtic or classical music. Comes with a large custom made hardshell case and a copy of the CD....USD $4950


•  1980s Stefan Sobell 5 Course Octave Mandolin
  (Serial # none) Stefan Sobell builds the finest instruments for Celtic music in the world. This is the sound you hear on all the Irish and Celtic recordings. It has an Indian rosewood back and sides and a spruce top, which is the combination of tone woods Stefan used most often. The long scale at 24 inches and 5 courses give numerous possibilities for tuning. I have it in DADAD tuning, but you could use GCGCD, GDADA or other long scale tunings as well. The cool thing about the longer scale is the ability to capo, even up to the octave. It also has a mahogany neck, herringbone top trim, fully bound body, gold tuners, brass Sobell one piece tailpiece, and an ebony fingerboard. The fingerboard is slightly wider than a Gibson to allow quick rolls and triplets. Has amazing volume and sustain. Neck is straight, neck angle is good, frets are fine. The bridge appears to be original and is fit well to the top. A high quality Fishman soundhole pickup is included and the body has already been drilled for the jack. Action is low and comfortable. Very loud instrument that will cut through sessions with ease. Deep woody round tone and very clear notes. Comes with a custom made Calton hardshell case....USD $6500
  
  
•  2009 Richard Beard Octave Mandolin / Bouzouki
  (Serial #32) New with warranty. This is the seventeen 'zook I have received from Richard and I think he just gets better and better with each one he builds. These are professional grade instruments. Tremendous resonance and response in this one. It has a strong and powerful percussive sound with a deep rich bass. The back and sides are Hawaiian Koa which I think is a superior tone wood for long scale double course instruments. The fingerboard and bridge are ebony, and the solid Sitka spruce top is x-braced with herringbone top trim. The neck has an adjustable truss rod and the ebony fingerboard has slotted diamond inlays. Solid one piece tailpiece eliminates buzzing and loose covers. Fit and finish is first class professional work - as good as those famous guitar makers. Scale length is 21 inches so it works well for both melody and backup rhythm playing. The x-braced top gives it plenty of punch for driving a session. Nice low action plays effortlessly with a great neck. Its currently tuned GDAE as an octave mandolin but any zook tuning like ADAD or GDAD would work as well. Handmade in North Carolina and comes with a custom fitted TKL hardshell case. Call me for your internet price...USD $SOLD another on order
  

•  1928 Martin 2-17 Guitar
  (Serial No. 35169) Excellent condition. These small body all mahogany Martins are great for blues, with that warm sound only a mahogany top will give. Its only 12 inches wide at the lower bout with a 24 inch scale, 1 3/4 inch nut and 2 3/8 inch bridge spacing. All original hardware and finish. Original bar frets have just been dressed. The neck has been reset and the bridge reglued - its ready to go. Shows some playing wear on the back and there are the usual nicks and dings of a well-loved instrument. Its a perfect travel or sitting on the couch guitar. Has a huge sound all out of proportion to the small size. It also makes a dynamite slide guitar; string it up with mediums, tune it to open G, and roar! Comes with the original softshell case which is in excellent condition...USD $2550
  
  
•  1946 Martin 0-17 Guitar
  (Serial No. 95578) Very good plus condition with one noted repair. All mahogany body including the top gives these guitars a warm rich sound perfect for blues and fingerstyle. Has the original 1 11/16 inch ebony nut. Peghead overlay, bridge and fingerboard are Brazilian rosewood with a gold Martin decal logo on the peghead. Nice easy action as it just set up. Shows player wear with the usual nicks, dings and pickwear. There are some capo marks on the back of the neck and a few grooves in the fingerboard from playing but the neck is straight and the frets were just dressed and crowned. There is one repaired side crack on the bass side. Its stable but not the best color match on the finish work. Tuners are exact replacement reissue Klusons. All this sounds bad but it plays easy and sounds great. Its a dynamite little guitar that is perfect for sitting on the couch and playing some blues. And, its priced right for 64 year old vintage Martin. Comes with an old softshell case....USD $2300
•  1929 Martin 0-18K Guitar
  (Serial No. 35042) Excellent condition with one noticeable repair. This guitar was purchased from the family of the original owner and then traded to me. All Hawaiian Koa wood body. Peghead overlay, fingerboard and bridge are Brazilian rosewood with gold Martin script logo. Original unconverted Hawaiian setup with a flat fingerboard with flush frets, original tall ebony nut and a straight across saddle. Very well balanced guitar with a big open woody sound and strong volume. It would be a fabulous recording guitar. Very minor player wear. Neck is straight, frets are good, neck set is good. There is one noticeable repair on the side near the neck on the upper bass bout. It was repaired a long time ago but you can see it. Comes with the original case.....USD $3550
  
  
•  1945 Martin 0018 Guitar
  (Serial No. 92795) Excellent condition. Great sounding and playing small body guitar. Adirondack spruce top with scalloped braces, mahogany back and sides, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge - whats not to like? All the good stuff coming to you in a small couch friendly package. Very well balanced guitar with a big open woody sound and strong volume. It would be a fabulous recording guitar. Has the standard 1-11/16 nut. Peghead overlay and fingerboard are Brazilian rosewood with gold Martin script logo. The neck was just reset by luthier Ward Elliott so the action is low with plenty of saddle. There is a repaired area on the lower side that is probably a jack hole repair. Tuners have been changed for nickel open back Grovers as used on Martin small bodies from the 60's. Has an ebony truss rod so its light and responsive. Wartime peghead has no tuner bushings as built. Shows player wear with the usual nicks, dings and pickwear. The top has turned a nice orange and the lighting shows the run out in the book matched top. That is not a modified top, its one piece of wood that was sawed and book matched end to end. The grain shows differently in direct light which gives the appearance of two different pieces of wood. Neck is straight, frets were just dressed and crowned. Strap button added at the heel. Comes with a newer hardshell case....USD $5900
  
  
•  1948 Martin 000-18 Guitar
  (Serial No. 108119) Excellent minus condition. Nicely aged spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Martin is supposed to have used Adirondack spruce for the tops until the early 50's, but no one can really tell by looking at it. To be sure, you have put it under a microscope in a lab. The open back Kluson tuners are original. Rosewood peghead overlay with gold Martin script. Has that nice meaty 40s Martin C shaped neck profile with a standard 1 11/16 nut width. Weighs almost nothing - this guitar is light as a feather. The bridge has been reglued, there is the usual pickguard crack repair under the high e string, and a couple of short dryness side cracks have been professionally glued. No other repairs noted. It does have some minor scratches, nicks and dings and honest pickwear from 60 years of playing. Neck has probably been set at some time in the past as the action is low and comfortable. The frets are in good shape and the neck is straight. Has a nice big open woody sound with strong volume. Comes with a 1990s black Martin hardshell case....USD $5900
  
  
•  1952 Martin 000-18 Guitar
  (Serial No. 123477) Excellent minus/very good plus condition. Nicely aged spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Martin is supposed to have used Adirondack spruce for the tops until the early 50's, but no one can really tell by looking at it. To be sure, you have put it under a microscope in a lab. This is a beautiful piece of bearclaw spruce. Bearclaw is a natural figure in the wood that is caused by compression on the lower part of the tree trunk. The wood is denser so the top can be lighter, thinner and more responsive without giving up strength. Weighs almost nothing - this guitar is light as a feather. The open back Kluson tuners are original. Rosewood peghead overlay with gold Martin script. Has a Martin C shaped neck profile with a standard 1 11/16 nut width. The bridge was reglued and the neck was recently reset by luthier Dave Sheppard and the action is low and comfortable with plenty of saddle left. Dave also repaired the typical Martin pickguard crack under the high e string, a couple of short dryness side cracks, and a long back crack. No other repairs noted. The frets are in good shape and the neck is straight. There are some minor scratches, nicks and dings and honest pickwear from 57 years of playing. Has a nice big open woody sound with strong volume. Comes with a newer Martin hardshell case....USD $4850
  
  
•  1957 Martin 000-21 Guitar
  (Serial No. 157606) Excellent minus condition. Nicely aged spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides. Has the standard 1 11/16 inch nut and a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Rosewood peghead overlay with gold Martin script. Nice big open woody sound with strong volume. This guitar must have had a pro neck set and setup as it plays beautifully. All hardware and finish is original. Someone screwed the bridge down in the past but it has been repaired and this is the original bridge. Bridge plate is replaced with a oversized maple plate which does not seem to affect the sound, as this guitar has the warm tone, string to string balance and volume you expect from these rosewood 000 size guitars. There are no structural repairs but lots of finish checking, pickwear, and the usual nicks and dings of a well loved and much played guitar. Comes with a newer Martin Geib hardshell case...USD $5850
  
  
•  2007 Martin 0MC16E Koa Guitar
  (Serial No. 1233945) Excellent near mint condition with only the slightest signs its been played. Wonderful small body guitar with a large sound all out of proportion to the smaller size. Solid Sitka spruce top with a abalone rosette, cutaway, and the hybrid X scalloped top bracing. Has beautiful flamed Hawaiian koa wood back and sides, tortoise binding, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, chrome Schaller tuners, bone nut and saddle. Has a 1-3/4 inch nut and the neck is a rounded oval profile. It has the sound, too. Works well for flatpickers or fingerpickers with a broad dynamic range that responds well to a light touch or a hard attack. Very versatile and comfortable guitar. If you need to plug in, its fitted with a Fishman Ellipse Matrix Blend pickup that has both an under saddle pickup as well as a microphone on a gooseneck inside the guitar. The pickup has discreet volume and tone controls mounted inside the soundhole. Strap button added at the heel. Comes with the original very nice hardshell case....USD $2150
  
  
•  1938 Martin D18 Guitar
  (Serial #70797) Excellent restored condition. This is the guitar that all of the modern makers are trying to copy. Last year for the 1-3/4 nut width for this model. Dreadnaught size body with mahogany back and sides, Adirondack spruce top with advanced bracing, 1-3/4 inch nut with a V profile neck, ebony fingerboard and bridge, original pickguard. Complete refinish in the 1950s including a new decal and new 1950s tuners. Has an old neck heel repair that was doweled by David Musslewhite when he just went through the guitar. Fresh neck set and frets, new bridge plate and bridge also by Musselwhite. The action is low and comfortable. Very lightweight guitar with a beautiful open clear sound. Its an extremely complex tone with lots of volume, clear trebles, and a strong focused bass. It has a quick and delicate sound that responds equally well to fingerstyle or a flat pick. Comes with the original hardshell case. In original condition these are nearing $50,000. This one will smoke all the newer guitars at the jam, and its yours for....USD $19,950
  
  
•  1939 Martin D18 Guitar
  (Serial #74004) Excellent condition with some repairs. This is the guitar that all of the modern makers are trying to copy. First year for the modern 1 11/16 inch nut width. Dreadnaught size body with mahogany back and sides, Adirondack spruce top with standard bracing, V profile neck, ebony fingerboard and bridge, original pickguard, original tuners, original and very cool tortoise peghead overlay. Original finish. Neck set is good, frets were just dressed and the guitar set up by Harry Eibert in NY. Harry also made a new exact repro ebony bridge as the original was cracked. Bridge plate is original. There are a few repaired top cracks, but all are professionally cleated. The action is comfortable. Very lightweight guitar with a beautiful open clear sound. Its an extremely complex tone with lots of volume, clear trebles, and a strong focused bass. This is a big bluegrass hoss for the banjo wars. Comes with a newer but still old hardshell case, probably 1950s.....USD $13,950 ON HOLD for David in CA
  
  
•  1957 Martin D18 Guitar
  (Serial No. 157935) Excellent condition. This is what a good bluegrass guitar is all about. Well played old festival warrior D-18 has a Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides. No structural repairs noted, not even a pickguard crack. There is some pickwear on the top, a small filled strap button hole near the heel and some buckle wear that has been poorly touched up on the back, but overall a clean guitar. Tuners are original Klusons. Neck is straight, neck was just reset and the frets were dressed. It has the dry woody sound you only get from a 50 year old mahogany guitar, with that huge Martin boom on the bottom end. Very powerful bluegrass sound. Nice low action with plenty of saddle left. Comes with what looks like an original 50's Martin hardshell case.....USD $4950
•  1964 Martin D18 Guitar
  (Serial No. 195036) Excellent plus condition. This is the classic Martin D18 - solid mahogany back and sides and a solid spruce top. Tuners are the correct Klusons. Luthier wizard Frank Finoccio replaced the original non-adjustable truss rod with an adjustable rod, reset the neck, and probably replaced the fingerboard at that time. Tortoise binding and pickguard and has the small maple bridge plate. Shows some playing wear next to the bridge and buckle wear on the back and but overall a clean guitar. A couple of short dryness cracks were repaired on the side. This one has that solid Martin "boom" you need in a good bluegrass guitar. Neck is straight, neck set is fine and it plays great with a nice low action. This is one of the good ones. Comes with a newer hardshell case....USD $2900 ON HOLD for Mike in CA
  
•  1966 Martin D18 Guitar
  (Serial No. 216673) Excellent condition. This is the classic Martin D18 - solid mahogany back and sides and a solid spruce top. Tuners are the correct Grovers marked Patent Applied For. Has a few nicks and dings and but overall a clean guitar. Neck is straight, neck set is fine and it plays great with a nice low action. has some finish checking but no cracks or other repairs. The white area in the picture of the back is a reflection. Transition model with the black binding and tortoise pickguard and the small maple bridge plate. Has a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. 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 excellent sounding D18. Comes with a newer hardshell case.....USD $3800
•  1967 Martin D18 Guitar
  (Serial No. 219412) Excellent plus condition. This is the classic Martin D18 - solid mahogany back and sides and a solid spruce top. Tuners are the correct Grovers marked Patent Applied For. Has a few nicks and dings and but overall a clean guitar. Neck is straight, neck set is fine and it plays great with a nice low action. No cracks or other repairs. Transition model with the black binding and tortoise pickguard and the small maple bridge plate. Has a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. 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 excellent sounding D18. Comes with a newer hardshell case....USD $3800
  
  
•    1968 Martin D-18 Guitar
  (Serial No. 233487) Excellent plus condition. This is the classic Martin D-18 - solid mahogany back and sides and a solid spruce top, black pickguard and binding. Tuners are the correct Grovers marked Patent Applied For. Has a few nicks and dings and a small spot of thumb wear on the side of the neck but overall a clean guitar. Neck is straight, neck set is fine and it plays great with a nice low action. No cracks or other repairs. Black binding and pickguard but still has the small maple bridge plate. 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 excellent sounding D-18. Comes with a newer hardshell case...USD $3150
  
  
•    1969 Martin D-21 Guitar
  (Serial No. 253673) Excellent condition. The 21 series Martins were intended as the line between the 18 and the 28 series. They have Brazilian rosewood back and sides like the 28 series and a rosewood fingerboard and bridge and the simpler binding of the 18 series. I bought this one from the second owner who had it for over 30 years. Has nicely figured Brazilian rosewood back and sides and a Sitka top. Original black binding and guard. Standard 1-11/16 nut width. Tuners, bridge and finish look to be original. Has the usual pickguard crack common to most older Martins and one short area for a few inches where it looks like the binding was reglued but no other repairs are evident. Its not visually obvious but it must have had a neck set as it has a nice low action with good volume and plenty of saddle left. There are some nicks and dings from the last 39 years of playing. This guitar has that well-known Martin "boom" that is ideal for bluegrass. These guitars are sleepers on the market. You can get all the sound of a older Martin dreadnought, the collectability of a Brazilian rosewood guitar, and have an instrument that's just a little bit different than all the others for much less than a D-28. Comes with a newer hardshell case....USD $5500
  
  
•  1949 Martin D-28 Guitar
  (Serial No. 111435) Excellent condition. This is what a good bluegrass guitar is all about. Has a spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides. The figure in the sides is spectacular. The only crack repair I see is the usual repaired pickguard crack. Finish is original and shows the usual nicks and dings and some buckle wear on the back. Tuners are exact replacement Klusons. This guitar has all the power and tone you expect from an old Martin. The action is nice and low so I would expect it has had a neck reset. Bridge looks to be replaced and there is a repaired jack hole in the side with some finish touch up in that area. This guitar has that well-known Martin "boom" that is ideal for bluegrass. Very powerful bluegrass sound. Comes with a newer hardshell case.....USD $18,000
  
  
•  1954 Martin D-28 Guitar
  (Serial No. 141215) Excellent condition. This is an outstanding bluegrass guitar with all the punch you expect in a older Martin. Nicely aged spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides. This guitar was gone though in 2006 by Dave Musslewhite with a new exact old style replacement bridge, neck set and refret. No cracks or crack repairs - not even a guard crack. Has the standard 1 11/16 inch nut and an ebony fingerboard and bridge. Rosewood peghead overlay with gold Martin script. Strong guitar - plays easy with low action, and has a nice big open woody sound and its loud! Has the expected finish checking, pickwear, and the usual nicks and dings of a well loved and much played guitar. Finish and hardware are original. Comes with an old maybe original hardshell case....USD $10,950
  
  
•  1970 Martin D-28 Guitar
  (Serial No. 268816) Excellent minus condition. This is the classic Martin D-28 - solid Indian rosewood back and sides and a solid spruce top. Original finish shows some honest playing wear and nicks and dings, but no major repairs or issues. Neck is straight, neck set is good and the frets are fine. Original black pickguard. The saddle has been intonated to note correctly up the neck. White plastic strap button added at the neck. Looks like there was a jack near the end pin at one time as there is a small area only in the plastic bottom trim strip that has been filled. I also think the bridge may be a bit oversized, but there is no evidence that this bridge has been off and on so it could easily be factory. The previous owner must have been Hawk, as he wrote his name inside on the back brace. This guitar has that solid Martin "boom" you need in a good bluegrass guitar. The saddle is low but it plays very easy with a nice action. This is a excellent sounding well played and nicely aged D-28. Comes with an older non-original hardshell case....USD $2200
  
  
•  1973 Martin D-28 Guitar
  (Serial No. 319882) Near mint condition, collector clean. Any blemish you see in the pictures is probably a reflection. This is the classic Martin D-28 - solid Indian rosewood back and sides and a solid spruce top. Looks almost unplayed. Neck is straight, frets are good. The action is so nice and low that I'm positive the neck has been reset, buts its a very good job and is very hard to tell by looking at the neck joint. Bridge is untouched and the saddle has been compensated to improve intonation. Shows just the slightest bit of finish checking. Has that solid Martin "boom" you need in a good bluegrass guitar. This is a excellent sounding nicely aged D-28. Comes with the original blue molded Martin hardshell case just as clean as the guitar...USD $2750
  

•  1996 Martin D28 Guitar
  (Serial No. 591226) Excellent plus condition, very clean guitar. Nice and somewhat uncommon sunburst top finish. The sound is the reason the Martin D28 is the bluegrass standard and this guitar is a good example. Big open woody sound with strong volume and that big Martin boom on the bottom end. Nice striped chocolate colored Indian rosewood back and sides and a solid spruce top with nice silking and cross grain. The pickguard is a replacement by Gruven which I think looks much better than the pinkish ones Martin was using in the 90s. Action is great as the neck was just reset by luthier Dave Sheppard. Strap button added at the neck heel. There are a few small nicks and dings from playing wear, and the top seam below the bridge has been professionally reglued. Comes with nice hardshell case....USD $1850
  
  
•  1998 Martin D-28HW Hank Williams Limited Edition Guitar
  (Serial No. 658010, No. 132 of only 150 made) Near mint condition. This is a Guitar of the Month limited edition replica of one of the most famous guitars ever, Hank Williams Sr.'s 1944 D-28. It has beautiful Brazilian rosewood sides and back, Sitka spruce top with scalloped high X brace (actually a 1930's feature) and herringbone top trim, zigzag back strip, grained ivoriod binding, 1-11/16" nut width, bone nut and saddle, adjustable truss rod, fossil ivory pins with tortoise dots. Ebony bridge and fretboard with diamonds and squares inlays on the ebony fretboard, Waverly tuners with white plastic buttons, Williams' signature inlaid at 20th fret, and a custom label signed by C.F. Martin IV. Action is low and very playable and the sound is what you expect from a Martin Brazilian dreadnaught - big and powerful. No playing wear. This guitar is clean - anything you see in the pictures that looks like a blemish is a reflection. There is one small finish check in the back that keeps the guitar from being mint. Comes with the original hardshell case and some original paperwork....USD $9450
  
  
•  2000 Martin HD-28LSV Guitar
  (Serial No. 737264) Near mint / excellent plus condition. This is the large soundhole vintage model inspired by Tony Rice's 1935 D-28 which was first made famous when owned by the late Clarence White. Has an Adirondack red spruce top with herringbone top trim, advanced high X scalloped braces, Indian rosewood back and sides, 4 3/8" diameter soundhole, grained ivoriod bound ebony fretboard with no position markers. The neck is a modified V shape with a 1-3/4" nut width, 25.4" scale, and Kluson-style tuners with small oval nickel buttons. Has a tortoise pattern pickguard and a bone nut & saddle. Strap button added at the heel. Big sound as you would expect from a premier bluegrass guitar. Nice low action, neck is straight and the frets are fine. The guitar is really clean. Anything you see in the pictures that looks like a blemish is a reflection. Comes with the original Geib style Martin hardshell case...USD $3250
  
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•  1987 Martin D37K Guitar
  (Serial Number: 473741) Nice condition with a few repairs. Beautiful Koa wood back and sides of a quality you cannot get now. Look at the flame in that wood! Has a Sitka spruce top with aging toner, mahogany neck, ebony fretboard with Foden inlay pattern, ebony bridge, abalone soundhole rosette, Martin Schaller tuners, 28-style back stripe, white body binding, black/white purfling, 5 ply top purfling, 1-11/16" nut width. There is a repaired center seam on the top and a two short nearly invisible repaired hairlines where the bridge was reglued. Koa has a unique sound somewhere between mahogany and rosewood. Has the warmth like mahogany but just a bit of bite in the sound like maple. Nice playing guitar with easy action, but the saddle is all the way down. Fitted with a strap button at the heel and a pickup with an end pin jack. Comes with the original Martin molded hardshell case.....USD $2250
  
  
•  2007 Martin Ditson 111 Special Edition Guitar
  (Serial No. 1235373) Mint, in "as new" condition. This reissue commemorates the very first dreadnought guitar, designed by Martin for the Oliver Ditson Company of New York in 1916. Like the originals, the peghead is slotted and the neck meets the body at the 12th fret. Pickguard and rosette are the vintage design. Mahogany back and sides, Adirondack spruce top with scalloped Golden Era style braces, Brazilian rosewood binding, back strip and end piece, multi-layered black/maple soundhole rosette, ebony pyramid bridge, tortoise pickguard. Modified V-shape neck, ebony fretboard (1-7/8" nut, 25.4" scale), abalone dot position inlays, slotted headstock with Brazilian rosewood veneer (no decal, inlay, or stamp), Waverly/Sloane 3-on-plate gears with ivoriod buttons. Fossil ivory nut and saddle, gloss finish including neck, aging toner on top. Inside label signed by C.F. Martin IV. Comes with the original vintage style hardshell case....USD $3600
  
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•  1935 Gibson L00 Guitar
  (Batch No. 3391-91) Excellent condition, sunburst finish. I'm not completely certain of the year as there is no serial number, but the sunburst top, larger fire stripe guard, white script logo and the unbound back was only available from 1933 to 1937. Nice guitar with all original finish showing some playing wear and the usual nick and dings of a well loved guitar. The center seam on the top has been reglued and is cleated on the inside. The top is a three piece top - the lines you see on either side of the bridge are the top seams. A few braces were also reglued in the past, but the guitar is all solid and in good structural condition now. Has a mahogany back and sides and a x-braced spruce top, a newer bone 1-3/4 inch nut on the chunky v profile neck, small straight bridge with new bone saddle, top binding only, and a silkscreened white script Gibson logo in the peghead. The original tuners have been cleaned up and rebuttoned. They work very well. The guitar was just set up so it plays very easy. Frets are good and the neck is straight. Its sounds much larger than a small body guitar. Perfect for ragtime and fingerstyle playing. It's in excellent playing condition - all it needs is your fingers on the strings! Comes with a newer hardshell case....USD $4500
  
  
•  1935 Gibson L00 Guitar
  (Batch No. 708) Excellent condition, small tight sunburst finish. I'm not completely certain of the year as there is no serial number, but the sunburst top, larger fire stripe guard, white script logo and the unbound back was only available from 1933 to 1937. Nice guitar with all original finish showing some playing wear and the usual nick and dings of a well loved guitar. The neck was recently reset and a few braces were also reglued. The guitar is solid and in ready to play condition. Has a mahogany back and sides and a x-braced spruce top, original ebony 1-11/16 inch nut on the chunky v profile neck, small straight bridge with new bone saddle, top binding only, and a silkscreened white script Gibson logo in the peghead. The tuners are original and they work very well. The guitar was just set up so it plays very easy. Frets are good and the neck is straight. Its sounds much larger than a small body guitar. Perfect for ragtime and fingerstyle playing. It's in excellent playing condition - all it needs is your fingers on the strings! Comes with a newer hardshell case....USD $4500
  
  
•  1946-7 Gibson LG2 Guitar
  (Serial No. illegible) Excellent clean condition. Early post war example of Gibson's premier small body flat-top guitar model, made just after the Banner peg heads. This is a most comfortable guitar for just sitting around and playing. Has the original tortoise pattern small pickguard, small rectangle bridge, X braced solid Adirondack spruce top with single binding on the top and back, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays, gold script Gibson logo. Original finish in nice condition. The X bracing gives it power and a full sound like the larger dreadnaughts. Great sounding guitar with a nice low action. The guitar has original Kluson tuners with new reproduction buttons. The tuners look identical to those on my 1946 J45. Neck has been reset, frets were dressed and a few braces reglued. No cracks. Strap button added at the heel. Has some finish checking and normal pickwear, which would be expected on a good sounding guitar that's over 60 years old. Classic big round neck but not a baseball bat, powerful punch with great sustain. Just a great sounding guitar with a nice low action. Newer hardshell case....USD $3250
•  1958 Gibson LG2 Guitar
  (Serial No. t643826) Excellent condition. Not mint but just about as clean a guitar as you will find that's actually been played. Everything looks to be completely original. Great sounding guitar that has more volume that you would expect for the size. Sunburst finish, X braced Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, Brazilian bound rosewood fretboard with pearl inlays and Brazilian bridge, 5 layers of top binding and single bound back. The Kluson tuners are original. The frets are in good shape and the neck is straight. No repairs. It does have typical checking and a few places showing playing wear. There are some fingerboard divots in the first few frets showing the guitar was played. Has a nice low action as the guitar was set up by luthier Jerry Ray here in Richmond. Comes with the original brown hardshell case - the only one I've ever seen for a small body Gibson....USD $3000
  
  
•  1944 Gibson J45 Banner Guitar
  (FON 2698) Excellent minus condition, original sunburst finish showing playing wear. I'm guessing a bit on the year, but its probably either a 1943 or a 1944. Original Banner peghead wartime Gibson. This is a tremendous guitar - the sound just rolls out of it. The more you dig in, the more the guitar gives back. The sound is very full, rich and well balanced. A lot of players like the big beefy neck in these Banners, and yes, its got the BIG neck. Has mahogany back and sides, mahogany top, tapered headstock, single ply binding, and the small pickguard. I think its been refretted at some time in the past, but the frets are fine right now. The bridge is probably a replacement as most of these I have seen are rectangular bridges, but its definitely an old Brazilian rosewood Gibson bridge. There are documented belly bridges used by Gibson on Banners, so its possible this is original to the guitar. The pickguard is even notched a bit to clear the bridge. It was wartime and Gibson used whatever they had in stock to get guitars out the door. Action from the fingerboard is 5/32 on the bass side and 4/32 on the treble. There is one minor repaired side crack and some overspray on the back of the neck. Tuners are original with the riveted wartime gears. Comes with a beat up 60s black tolex case. Its over 60 years old - who knows what stories it could tell. Time to tell a few of your own?...USD $5750
  
  
•  1958 Gibson Southern Jumbo Guitar
  (Serial No. T7433 3) Excellent structural condition showing significant playing wear. Its not a collector piece but is an excellent sounding road warrior. Everything looks to be completely original. Fabulous sounding guitar that really nails the late 40s Gibson midrangy dreadnaught sound. Sunburst finish, Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, Brazilian bound rosewood fretboard with double parallelogram inlays and Brazilian bridge, seven layers of binding. The Kluson tuners are original with new aged buttons. The frets are in good shape and the neck is straight. No body cracks but it does have heavy playing wear and checking. There are some fingerboard divots, the bridge has been reglued and there is a small crack in the bridge at the mounting screw. There is a filled jack hole near the end pin and some heavy gouges on the side. All this sounds bad but its just cosmetics. Where it counts - the sound and playability - the guitar is 100 percent. Plays great with a nice low action as the guitar was set up by luthier Jerry Ray here in Richmond. Has a nice big open woody sound with strong volume. Comes with a hardshell case. Priced well under market value at...USD $3750  ON HOLD for Robert in OK
  
•  1963 Gibson J45 Guitar
  (Serial No. 139926) Bought locally from the family of the original owner. Excellent minus condition showing some typical playing wear. I think the slope shoulder Gibsons are about the best around for backing up fiddle tunes. I guess others think so too, as they are hard to find and hard to keep in stock. Desirable slope shouldered body style, spruce top with a classic muted cherry sunburst top finish that has faded out like a Les Paul burst, natural finish mahogany back and sides, original Kluson tuners, thin tortoise guard and probably a replacement bridge. Many Gibson acoustics in 1963 came with a plastic bridge and adjustable saddle - not one of Gibsons better ideas - and the plastic bridge would soon warp or crack from the string tension. An exact replacement Brazilian rosewood bridge with a fixed saddle is considered to be an upgrade to the original, and certainly improves it tonally. Note that even the pearl dots on the bridge which hid bolts in the original design were duplicated. Looks like it had a soundhole pickup with a long cord at one time as there are two small filled screw holes on either side of the soundhole but no jack hole in the side. No other repairs noted and none are needed. Classic wide/flat neck with a Brazilian rosewood fretboard and standard 1-11/16 inch nut, frets are fine with a few minor fingerboard divots in the first three frets, neck is straight and has the steeper pre-65 headstock pitch which seems to give better tone. Plays nicely as it was just set up by my luthier. It sounds more like a 50s guitar than a 60s. Comes with a newer hardshell case...USD $2750
  
•  1966 Gibson J50 Guitar
  (Serial No. 857024) Excellent condition showing some very minor picking wear. I think the slope shoulder Gibsons are about the best around for backing up fiddle tunes. I guess others think so too, as they are hard to find and hard to keep in stock. Desirable slope shouldered body style, spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Bridge is the early style adjustable with the ceramic saddle. Has the narrower 9/16" nut. Good sounding guitar with a nice bass response and big full tone. Plays great with a nice low action as it was just set up by my luthier. Neck is straight, set is good and the frets are in good shape. Has the original tuners, original Brazilian rosewood bridge and fretboard, and the original pickguard. Excellent overall cosmetic condition showing some fingerboard divots in the first few frets and the usual nicks and dings of a well played instrument. No repairs noted. Comes with a hardshell case....USD $2750
  
•  1976 Gibson MK53 Guitar
  (Serial No. 0021412) Excellent condition, blond finish. The Gibson Mark series was the result of a collaboration between Dr. Michael Kasha, a physics professor at Florida State University since 1951, and luthier Richard Schneider. Click here for a good article on the Mark Series. They were trying to improve the sound of a guitar from a scientific basis. This was the middle of the line. Very well built guitar unlike most Gibsons from the mid 70s. Slope shoulder body style, narrower waist that a dreadnaught, spruce top with modified fan bracing, moderately flamed maple back and sides, rosewood "Kasha" bridge, bound body, black pickguard, raised plastic soundhole ring, black snakehead style peghead with script "Gibson" logo, and chrome tuners with bell-shaped buttons. It looks very different from your standard dreadnaught, but its a good sounding and good playing guitar. It has the big, tight, booming sound you expect out of a jumbo coupled with a crispness from the maple back and sides. Has a decent bass as well. Just been set up by my luthier so it plays great. Comes with a hardshell case...USD $800
  
•  1977 Gibson MK53 Guitar
  (Serial No. 06178058) Excellent condition, sunburst finish. The Gibson Mark series was the result of a collaboration between Dr. Michael Kasha, a physics professor at Florida State University since 1951, and luthier Richard Schneider. Click here for a good article on the Mark Series. They were trying to improve the sound of a guitar from a scientific basis. This was the middle of the line. Very well built guitar unlike most Gibsons from the mid 70s. Slope shoulder body style, narrower waist that a dreadnaught, spruce top with modified fan bracing, maple back and sides, rosewood "Kasha" bridge, bound body, black pickguard, raised plastic soundhole ring, black snakehead style peghead with script "Gibson" logo, and chrome tuners with bell-shaped buttons. It looks very different from your standard dreadnaught, but its a good sounding and good playing guitar. It has the big, tight, booming sound you expect out of a jumbo coupled with a crispness from the maple back and sides. Has a decent bass as well. Just been set up by my luthier so it plays great. Comes with a hardshell case....USD $800
  

•  1998 Bourgeois Slope D Guitar
  (Serial No. 001466) Excellent condition, pre-Pantheon production. This is the model made famous by Bryan Sutton as the "banjo killer". Slope shoulder body style like the old Gibsons, Sitka spruce top, advanced high X scalloped braces and mahogany back and sides with a black line back strip. The neck is a modified V shape with a traditional diamond shaped volute on the back of peghead underneath the nut, 1-23/32" nut width, snakehead peghead, 25.5" scale ebony fretboard with small dot pearl inlays, pearl logo, and nickel Waverly tuners. Has a dynamic, full warm, deep, played-in tone with excellent projection. I think its more open and even sounding than the usual dreadnaught but this will bluegrass with the best of them and will also work for country, blues or fingerstyle. Superb craftsmanship. Nice low action, neck is straight and the frets are fine. Just set up by my luthier. Has an end pin jack and a Fishman undersaddle pickup. The guitar shows some typical playing wear, a few nicks and dings, but no repairs. Comes with a nice hardshell case.....USD $2600
•  2003 Bourgeois JMOC "Georgia Cotton Picker" Guitar
  (Serial No. 002622, label hand signed by Dana Bourgeois) Near mint condition. Has a premium Adirondack top with a pearl rosette, stunning coco bola back and sides, snakehead headstock with a pearl logo, ebony peghead veneer, ebony fingerboard with 1 23/32" nut width and very fancy pearl inlays, bone nut and saddle, fully bound body, neck and headstock in curly maple, maple back strip, Greven tortoise pickguard, ebony bridge, and gold Waverly tuners. Dynamic, full, spectacular tone, balance, projection, clarity and sustain. This would be a outstanding fingerstyle guitar but would work equally well for bluegrass flatpicking. Superb craftsmanship. Nice low action, neck is straight and the frets are fine. The guitar is really clean and looks unplayed. Anything you see in the pictures that looks like a blemish is a reflection. Comes with a nice original hardshell case. These list for close to $8000 new and sell for over $5000. This guitar cannot be told from new for only...USD $3600
•  2001 Collings D2H Guitar
  (Serial No. 6644) Near mint condition. Dreadnaught body size with dark chocolate Indian rosewood back and sides, Sitka spruce top, ebony fingerboard and bridge, and a v profile neck with a 1-3/4" nut width. Collings makes some of the finest acoustic guitars produced today. This is workhorse of the Collings line. Just set up so it has a nice low action with lots of saddle to lower the action if desired. Has a big powerful bluegrass sound with a solid meaty bottom end to anchor the band. the fit, finish, sound and playability is superior. The guitar is exceptionally clean - anything that looks like a blemish is a reflection. Comes with the original Collings hardshell case with the green velour lining....USD $2500 ON HOLD for Bob in CT
  
•  2005 Collings 0002H Cutaway Guitar
  (Serial No. 10898) Near mint condition. It has Indian rosewood back and sides, Sitka spruce top, ebony fingerboard and pyramid bridge, 12 fret body with a cutaway, slotted peghead, and Waverly tuners. 1-13/16" nut width. Collings makes some of the finest acoustic guitars produced today. If you are a fan of the Martin OM size guitars this is what you are looking for. Its perfect for blues and ragtime, as well as for singing. The fit, finish, sound and playability is superior. Strap button added at the heel. Fitted with a Fishman internal pickup and end pin jack. The guitar is exceptionally clean - anything that looks like a blemish is a reflection. Comes with the original Collings hardshell case with the green velour lining...USD $3750
•  2001 Gallagher Doc Watson Guitar
  (Serial No. 2732) I got this from a collector that never played it. Mint unplayed condition, made in the heart of bluegrass country in Wartrace, TN. Looking for an outstanding flatpicking guitar? Well, Doc Watson and Steve Kaufman are two of the worlds best, and they play Gallaghers. Gallaghers are made in very limited numbers so you have to search 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 is the same guitar as the one played by Doc, with all solid woods with a Sitka spruce top, stunning ribbon grade mahogany back and sides, an ebony fingerboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle, grained ivoriod binding, pearl logo, and nickel hardware. Nut width is 1-3/4" with a "C" shaped neck profile. Even though this is essentially a new guitar, the sound is excellent - good volume and beautiful tone. Action is low with plenty of saddle left. Comes with the original hardshell case, also mint...USD $1900 
  
•  2001 Gallagher Doc Watson Modified Guitar
  (Serial No. 2795) 12 fret body. Nearly mint condition - any blemish you see in the pictures is a reflection. Gallaghers are made in the heart of bluegrass country in Wartrace, TN. Looking for an outstanding flatpicking guitar? Well, Doc Watson and Steve Kaufman are two of the worlds best, and they play Gallaghers. Gallaghers are made in very limited numbers so you have to search 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 is the same guitar as the one played by Doc except made with the larger body and the 12 fret neck. The large body gives it more depth and power than a 14 fret guitar. Made with all solid woods with a Sitka spruce top, stunning ribbon grade mahogany back and sides, an ebony fingerboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle, grained ivoriod binding, pearl "G" logo, and nickel hardware. Nut width is 1-13/16" with a slight " V" shaped neck profile. Neck block is stamped "Doc Watson Modified" which is what they call the 12 fret body. The sound is excellent - good volume and beautiful tone. Action is low with plenty of saddle left. Comes with the original hardshell case, also very clean....USD $1900
  
•  2009 Larrivee L-09BZ Guitar
  (Serial No. 107308) As-new, mint unplayed condition with tags. I got this in trade from a dealer. Larrivee is now building guitars in the US and this is one of their most popular models. Body shape is a European slope shoulder dreadnaught. Striking Brazilian rosewood back and sides, abalone pearl soundhole rosette, Sitka spruce top, ebony fingerboard with a 1 3/4 inch nut, ebony peghead overlay with a pearl logo and silver wire edge trim, ebony bridge, 25 1/2 inch scale, nickel hardware, and a nice visual touch, the grained ivoriod heel cap matches the body binding. No electronics. The action is factory set low and plays effortlessly. As nice as she looks she sounds even better, great fingerpicked and can take fairly aggressive strumming well. Comes with the original Larrivee hardshell case. Larrivee list price is $8000, dealers are asking $5200. I got a deal on it...you can too! Priced attractively at...USD $3500
  
•  2002 Santa Cruz Vintage Jumbo (VJ) Guitar
  (Serial No. 3598) Near mint condition - anything that looks like a spot or a scrape is a reflection. This is an outstanding interpretation of the pre-war Gibson slope shouldered dreadnought. Correct 30s style sunburst on the top and natural finish back and sides. Has old style grained ivoriod/black/ivoriod top binding, unbound head stock and Waverly tuners. Also has straight grain ribbon mahogany back and sides, Sitka spruce top, ebony fingerboard with a 1 3/4" nut width, ebony bridge, Brazilian rosewood peghead facing with a pearl logo, and pre-war style hand scalloped bracing. Set up recently with a low comfortable action. Best of all it has a very big sound with a thick sweet tone that just doesn't break up no matter how hard you play. Comes with the original hardshell case....USD $2550
  
  
•   1976 Mossman Great Plains Guitar
  (Serial No. 76-2367) 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 with no repairs noted. 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. This is an excellent 34 year old hand built US made bluegrass guitar with lots of volume and tone. Why play the same thing everyone else has? Comes with the original blue interior hardshell case...USD $1850
•   1977 Mossman Flint Hills Guitar
  (Serial No. 77-4542) My first "real" guitar was a Mossman. Back during the "dark days" of Gibson and Martin in the mid-70s, Mossman was consistently making high quality hand built guitars. The pride of craftsmanship shows, as each employee who worked on the guitar signed their initials on the label. They have stood the test of time and are still considered outstanding guitars. Excellent condition with straight grain two piece Indian rosewood back and sides, solid Sitka spruce top, ebony fingerboard with pearl dots, nickel hardware and an ebony bridge. Strap button added at the heel. Built in the original Winfield, KS shop. Finish and hardware is all original with no repairs noted. Shows the typical finish checking for Mossmans of this era. Good action and playability. This is an excellent 33 year old hand built US made bluegrass guitar with lots of volume and tone. Why play the same thing everyone else has? Comes with the original blue interior hardshell case...USD $1850
•  2004 Randall Kramer Prairie Grass Guitar
  (Serial No. 015) Near mint condition, looks unplayed. Originally designed as an alternative for the small player for whom a standard dreadnought shape is an uncomfortably large guitar, the Prairie Grass model is a slope shouldered small dreadnought measuring 15 1/4" across the lower bout with a 4 3/8" body depth. Nut is 1 3/4 inch and the scale length is 25 1/2 inch. All in all, it feels and plays like a Martin OM size guitar but is more comfortable to hold due to the rounded small jumbo body shape. This size and shape provide a naturally strong bass with rich trebles and a vibrant mid-range. Has Indian rosewood back and sides, bearclaw Sitka spruce top, Kramer design rosewood bridge and fingerboard, 1-3/4 bone nut, pearl logo, and a custom handmade wooden soundhole rosette and rosewood binding. The clear pickguard allows the beauty of this guitar to be seen. Everywhere you look the attention to detail is amazing - graphite bar neck reinforcement and an adjustable truss rod, brace arched top and back for more volume and tone, thin nitro lacquer finish, gold tuners. Looks at the care used for the peghead laminate, both front and back. It has the sound, too. Works well for flatpickers or fingerpickers with a broad dynamic range that responds well to a light touch or a hard attack. Very versatile and comfortable guitar. Comes with a nice hardshell case. This model by Randall now lists for $4800 with no discount available and a long wait. This near mint guitar looks new and can be yours for...USD $3450
  
  
•  2000 Taylor 810CE Guitar
  (Serial No. 20001111132) Excellent minus condition showing some minor pick wear and a few dings. Excellent guitar for those pickers looking for the power of the classic rosewood/spruce dreadnaught. Higher grade Taylor with a premium Sitka spruce top, quartersawn Indian rosewood back and sides, soft Venetian cutaway, ebony fingerboard and bridge, abalone rosette, pearl progressive diamond inlay on fingerboard, and gold hardware. Neck is the wide flat profile with a 1 3/4 inch nut with low action for comfortable playing. Has the Fishman Expression pickup system which has the slider controls in the side and an end pin jack. This has been a working guitar playing hundreds of gigs so it shows some honest wear. There's a ding in the lower bass side of the top, some finish checking as it was used in Montana, and some odd scratches on the top near the pickguard. Neck is straight, frets are fine, and the sound is exceptional either plugged in or strictly acoustic. Good sustain and overtones, great projection, well balanced, and a lot of punch - this guitar has some power. The tone and volume have been played into this one. Comes with the original Taylor hardshell case....USD $2250
  
  
•  1940's Vega Profundo Guitar
  (Serial No. 39629) Excellent condition. You know, there were other guitar makers with quality instruments besides Martin and Gibson. Vega was a well respected Boston maker of mostly banjos, but they built mandolins and guitars as well. This was the top of the line flattop for Vega in the 40's. Brazilian rosewood back and sides, solid Adirondack red spruce top. Very modern feeling neck profile. Recent neck set so it plays like silk. There is a minor repaired top crack near the center seam and the pickguard and tuners are replaced. Sounds huge with a good cut for lead work. Comes with a hardshell case.......USD $3250
  
  
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• 1962 Gibson ES-120T Archtop Guitar
  (Serial No. 58641) Excellent condition, sunburst finish. 1962 was the first year of issue for this model. Has the 16 inch arch top thin line body, one f hole and a hot Melody Maker single coil pickup at the neck position. The volume and tone controls and the jack are all mounted on the elevated pickguard. Single bound top and back, dot inlay and a decal logo. All hardware and finish is original. Shows some finish checking as expected and it has the nicks and dings of a guitar that was played but not abused. Neck is straight, frets are good and it plays nicely as it was just set up by my luthier. The guitar has that hot single coil sound. Comes with what I think is the original somewhat battered brown gator cardboard case...USD $1200
  
  
• 1935 Gretsch Model 35 Guitar
  (Serial No. 712) Very good condition with some repairs. Who says a cool vintage guitar has to be expensive? Here is a wonderful 30s era Gretsch archtop. Its a really cool guitar that has that archtop F-hole swing sound and plays very well. Has a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, big 1930s profile 3 piece maple neck, ebony fingerboard and bridge, and a rosewood peghead overlay with an inlaid pearl logo. The hardware and the finish except the area around the heel repair looks original. I bought it with a heel crack that had been poorly repaired and touched up previously. I had the crack reglued and doweled so it will never again be an issue. I did not have the finish reshot so the area around the heel is a bit darker than the original finish. Neck is straight, frets are fine, and it plays very nicely as it was just set up when it was in the shop. Excellent for swing, jazz, blues or just working on those 9th and 13th chords. Comes with the still working fine original soft case, which in itself is pretty cool...USD $675
  
  

•   1937 Martin T-17 Tiple
  (Serial No. 68437) Think of a tiple as an ukelele with 10 steel strings. If you have never heard swing jazz on a tiple you are missing a treat! Natural lacquer finish, mahogany top, body and neck, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, original ebony nut. 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 or refinish. Neck is straight, frets are fine. Action is very playable, not quite 2/16" from the top of the 12th fret to the string. Looks like the neck was professionally reset at some time in the past. Plays well and has a good sound. Comes with a cardboard tenor uke case from the 40s that sort of fits....USD $1100
•   1927 Martin T-18 Tiple
  (Serial No. 27149) Think of a tiple as an ukelele with 10 steel strings. If you have never heard swing jazz on a tiple you are missing a treat! Natural lacquer finish, Adirondack spruce top, mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, original ebony nut. No peghead decal as Martin did not use decals until the 30s but it does have the Martin stamp on the back of the peghead. 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. There is a repaired crack on the back on the outer treble bout, and the bridge has been reglued. Neck is straight, frets are fine. Plays well with a the action a little high at 3/16" - could probably use a neck set, hence the price - and has a good sound. No case...USD $750
•   1966 Martin T-28 Tiple
  (Serial #211699) Excellent plus condition. Think of a tiple as an ukelele with 10 steel strings. If you have never heard swing jazz on a tiple you are missing a treat! This is an all original instrument built the same as a D28 guitar, with a Sitka spruce top, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, and ebony bridge and fretboard. The action is low and playable and there are no cracks, bridge lifting, or any other issues. 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 a few nicks and dings but overall a very clean instrument. The action is low and playable and there are no cracks, bridge lifting, or any other issues. Neck is straight, frets are fine. Comes with the original hardshell case, also very clean....USD $2750
•   1930s Slingerland May Bell Tenor Banjo
  (Serial No. none)Very good plus condition. Walnut pot and resonator, original Presto tailpiece, tuners replaced with gold Grover geared tuners with grained ivoriod buttons. Engraved brass strecher band and internal flange. Neck is straight, frets are fine but the action is high as it probably needs a neck set. Original hardshell case with replaced handle...USD $550

•   1946 Rickenbacker Model B Lap Steel
  (Serial No. B8-14) Excellent minus condition 6 string Bakelite body with a Stringtone unit added. This is the "Panda" version with the white plastic trim plates on the top. All original electronics and hardware including the flying saucer knobs and the strings through horseshoe pickup for the great tone. Tuners are original with replaced buttons. Works fine and this pickup is hot! This is the definitive Rick lap steel sound. A "Stringtone" mechanical tuning system has been added after market. This allows you to change to two additional tunings by moving the lever, similar to a pedal steel. If you don't use it you can just leave the steel in your preferred tuning. Comes with original hardshell case....USD $950
  
  
•   1937 Rickenbacker Model 100/Silver Hawaiian Model Lap Steel
  (Serial Number D950) Excellent condition 6 string chrome plated metal body. First year with the single control knob. All of the hardware and electronics are original including the desirable wider 1-1/2" horseshoe pickup. Even the tuner buttons, usually cracking on these, look new. Small ID number engraved on the tip of the peghead. The guitar works fine and this pickup is hot! This is the definitive Rick lap steel sound. Comes with the original shaped hardshell case.....USD $1500
  
  
•   1932 National Duolian Guitar
  (Serial No. C4957) Blues approved! Excellent condition cosmetically, excellent condition soundwise. Has most of the original cool crystal finish that looks green on the top but looks almost silver on the back. There is some playing wear on the front as shown but the rest of the finish is in amazingly good condition. Has the 12 fret body, original neck with slot peghead and flat f-holes. The fretboard is in good condition. This just came back from luthier David Sheppard in NC, where it was completely gone over. He reset and trued the neck and added an invisible carbon fiber internal truss rod, dressed the frets, and set up the guitar. The front of the peghead has the National Duolian stamp and the serial number stamp is on the end of the peghead. Neck is straight, neck and fingerboard have some wear, neck set is good for both slide and picking. Its an excellent sounding National - it has that raspy growl that the good ones have. Comes with a original soft case....USD $4250
  
  
•   1931 National Triolian Guitar
  (Serial No. 1415P Patent Applied For) Blues approved! Excellent condition cosmetically, excellent condition soundwise. Has most of the original cool yellow brown finish with the Hawaiian scene silkscreened on the back. Early 12 fret body, original neck with slot peghead and flat f-holes. The fretboard is in good condition and the back of the neck still retains some of the original paint. Original cone and hardware. The front of the peghead has the National Triolian decal and the serial number stamp is on the end. No repairs evident. Neck is straight, neck and fingerboard have some wear, neck set is good. The guitar has the sound you are looking for in a metal body. Comes with a newer hardshell case...USD $4250
  
  
•   1932 National Triolian Guitar
  (Serial No. 2128P) Blues approved! Excellent condition cosmetically, excellent condition soundwise. Has most of the original pea green finish with the Hawaiian scene silkscreened on the back. Early 12 fret body, original maple neck with slot peghead and flat f-holes. The fretboard is in good condition and the back of the neck still retains some of the original paint. Original cone and hardware. The front of the peghead has the National Triolian decal and the serial number stamp is on the end. No repairs evident. Neck is straight, neck and fingerboard have some wear, neck set is good. The guitar has the sound you are looking for in a metal body. Comes with a newer hardshell case....USD $4250
  
  
•   1936 National Duolian Guitar
  (Serial No. 7067) Blues approved! All original finish, the top is well played and the back is fairly clean. Has most of the original cool grey/green crystal finish. Has the 14 fret body, original hardware, original neck, solid peghead and rolled f-holes. The fretboard is in excellent condition. I have not had the instrument apart but I was told by the seller that the cone is original. The front of the peghead has the National Duolian decal and the serial number stamp is on the end. Neck is straight, neck set is excellent, and the guitar has the sound you are looking for in a metal body. It plays really nice with a good low action. Comes with a hardshell case.....USD $4250
  

•   1932 National Style 0 Guitar
  (Serial No. S3119) Blues approved! Excellent condition cosmetically, excellent condition soundwise. Has the cool Hawaiian scenes etched or sandblasted into the body. Chrome-plated all-brass 12 fret body, original maple neck with slotted peghead. Has original plating, neck, tailpiece and, of at least equal importance, cone and biscuit. Condition of the plating and etched Hawaiian scenes is about 90% or so, and all of the body seams are intact and unmolested, a rarity right there. The ebony fretboard is in good condition with some wear in the upper frets. The front of the peghead has the National decal and the serial number stamp is on the end of the body. No repairs evident. Neck is straight, neck and fingerboard have some wear, neck set is good. The guitar has the sound you are looking for in a metal body. Comes with a period hardshell case.....USD $4250
  

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  1983 Gibson Les Paul Standard Pre-Historic Flametop Reissue Guitar
(Serial number 3 0114) Mint unplayed original condition with all tags, warranty book and the original receipt showing the serial number and final layaway payment dated February 1984. Has a nice flamey top with a faded cherry burst finish, the Gibson logo with open “b” and “o”, tuners with “Gibson Deluxe” on them, black back plates, thin binding in the cutaway, nickel hardware, ABR-1 bridge, and vintage-style knobs. Has the expected dark amber tint to the lacquer to give the aged appearance. Weighs 9 lbs even. Has an inked-on serial number with the first digit showing the year and the second showing the production number. Comes with the original hardshell case with a replaced handle...USD $3500

  2006 Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster Guitar
(Serial No. CZ504886) Mint unplayed condition. This guitar is finished in Graffiti Yellow (like the International Colors of the 80s) with a white pearl pickguard and a birds eye maple neck. Has the Custom Shop stamp on the back of the peghead and on the neck plate. Includes the original Custom Shop certificate in the original CS hardshell case....USD $1750

  1992 Fender SRV Stratocaster Guitar
(Serial No. SE915676) Excellent condition. Copy of Steve Ray Vaughns "Number One". Neck stamped 1992. Has the required cigarette burn on the peghead and tuners are changed to Sperzils. Just set up so it plays like silk with a nice low action. Very clean guitar - the lines in the pictures on the back are reflections. Comes with the original Fender tweed hardshell case...USD $1100

  1969 Fender Telecaster Guitar
(Serial No. 274804) Excellent condition. This is the classic Telecaster blond/butterscotch finish. Has the black logo and single string tree on the peghead. Neck is dead straight with a nice and slightly chunky "B" profile. Has the original frets that have been dressed but are still playable. Good rock and roll guitar, not real twangy. Completely original finish, hardware and electronics, with no routes and no repairs. Shows some edge wear and scuffing but nothing through the finish. Just set up so it plays like butter. Good vintage single string tree Telecasters with no changes are getting harder to find and here's a chance to get a nice one - and it sounds good, too! Comes with the original case...USD $6450

  1971 Fender Telecaster Guitar
(Serial No. 310671) Excellent condition. This is the classic Telecaster blond finish with the blue grain lines showing through. Has the black logo and single string tree on the peghead. Neck is dead straight with a nice and slightly chunky "B" profile. Has the original frets that have been dressed but are still playable. Good rock and roll guitar, not real twangy. Completely original finish, hardware and electronics, with no routes and no repairs. Shows some edge wear and scuffing but nothing through the finish. Just set up so it plays like butter. Medium weight at 8.4 lbs. Good vintage single string tree Telecasters with no changes are getting harder to find and here's a chance to get a nice one - and it sounds good, too! Comes with the original case.....USD $4750

  1974 Fender Telecaster Guitar
(Serial No. 649639) Excellent condition. This is the classic Telecaster blond finish with the blue grain lines showing through. Has the black logo and single string tree on the peghead. Neck is dead straight with a nice and slightly chunky "B" profile. Has the original frets that have been dressed but are still playable. Completely original finish, hardware and electronics, with no routes and no repairs. Medium weight at 8.4 lbs. Shows some edge wear and scuffing, just enough to be cool. Just set up so it plays like butter. Good 70's Telecasters with no changes are getting harder to find and here's a chance to get a nice one - and it sounds good, too! Comes with the original case. .....USD $3350

  1974 Fender Telecaster Guitar
(Serial No. 627194) Excellent plus condition. This is the classic Telecaster blond finish with the blue grain lines showing through. Has the black logo and double string tree on the peghead. Neck is dead straight with a nice and slightly chunky "B" profile. Has the original frets that have been dressed but are still playable. Good rock and roll guitar, not real twangy. Very hot bridge pickup. Completely original finish, hardware and electronics, with no repairs. Shows some edge wear, some scuffing on the back but nothing through the finish, and one finish chip on the back edge of the treble horn. Medium weight at 8.1 lbs. Just set up so it plays like butter. Good vintage Telecasters with no changes are getting harder to find and here's a chance to get a nice one - and it sounds good, too! Comes with the original case, which is also clean.....USD $3600

  1983 Fender Telecaster Guitar
(Serial No. E310700) Excellent plus condition. Two pickups, classic Tele blonde finish with the 12" radius maple fretboard. Completely original with the Elite saddles and top loaded bridge. What is nice about these bridges is they do not have an edge for the ashtray, so they do not tear your hand up when picking at the bridge. Neck is clean, frets are in excellent condition. No repairs or refinish. One small chip in the finish near the end pin. Just set up so it plays like silk with a nice low action. Comes with the original Fender molded hardshell case...USD $1250

  1967 Rickenbacker 330 Guitar
(Serial No. GC 1198) Here's one you don't see everyday. Late 60s Rick in excellent condition, showing minor playing wear and a hint of buckle rash on the back. Original Fireglo finish. All hardware and electronics including the toaster top pickups are original. Frets are fine, neck is straight and it was just set up by luthier Jerry Ray. Has that signature Rick sound. There is a black streak in the top, a spot on the upper horn on the back, and spots near the output jack. These are mineral inclusions in the wood and are under the original finish. Comes with a brand new reissue Rickenbacker silver case.....USD $4250

• None at this time

•   1970s Kustom Kombo II Organ Maintenance Manual
  Original service manual in excellent condition. Has sections for interconnect diagrams, schematics, and a parts list...USD $100

•   1960s Gretsch 17 Inch Archtop Case
  Nice clean case for White Falcons or other large archtops. Exterior is silver grey with white trim. Interior is maroon velour. No musty smells or interior stains. All latches and hinges work well...USD $600
•   1930s Gibson Redline 17 Inch Archtop Case
  I got this with a 1939 J35, and it was the case originally purchased with the guitar. Nice clean case for Gibson L5 or other large archtops. Exterior is black alligator print tolex. Interior is green felt. Shows some wear but no musty smells or interior stains. Original hardware. All latches and hinges work well...USD $750
•   1940s Gibson Brown 17 Inch Hardshell Case
  Nice clean case for 17 inch Gibsons. This might be a J-200 case. Will fit a 17 inch archtop easily. has the brown exterior and a red velvet interior. Shows some wear inside and out but no musty smells or interior stains. Original hardware, missing the bottom feet on the neck end. All latches and hinges work well....USD $750
•   1960s/70s Gibson F5 Case with Cover
  Excellent condition. Pink interior late 1960s or early 1970s Gibson case with original canvas cover. Case is clean on the inside and the cover is in excellent condition.....USD $250

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