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
804-741-3455
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, VA |
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".
All instruments listed are available for sale unless marked "on hold" in
the description. Click Here
for a description of the "on hold" policy.


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Sale / Trade list - Updated July 3, 2009
READY FOR SALE BUT TOO NEW FOR PICTURES: (Please email for details)
- 2004 Martin D28 guitar
- 1974 Gibson J45 Deluxe guitar
- 1949 Gibson Southern Jumbo guitar
- recent GString ukelele all koa
- 1950s Kay Archtop guitar
- 1983 Stelling Bellflower banjo
- 2008 Larrivee OMV-10 Madagascar rosewood
- 1946 Rickenbacher lap steel bakelite
- 1992 Gibson Bill Monroe F5 in transit
- 1924 Gibson A snakehead mandolin near mint
- 1984 John Scofield A5 mandolin
- 2008 Martin D21 Special guitar
- recent Martin D size molded case as supplied with a 2008 HD28
- new TKL custom Martin D size case white tweed all over
- new TKL custom Martin D size case white tweed w/ black sides
- 1939 Gibson L37 guitar
- 1922 Gibson A4 mandolin
- 1960's Zorko Baby Bass
GIBSON F HOLE MANDOLINS:
(Click on the underlined name for price and
details)
- 2004 Gibson Alan Bibey
Model F5
, Mint condition, limited edition now sold out at
Gibson
- 1934 Gibson F7
, All original,
used professionally, shows honest playing wear, not converted, one owner
- 1988 Flatiron F5 Artist
F5 , Very clean, good chop, a Bozeman era Gibson built F5
mandolin
- 1998 Flatiron A5
Artist , Top of the line A style for Flatiron, fitted with
a pickup, nice woods
- 1966 Epiphone Venetian
,
Made by Gibson, same as the A50
OTHER BLUEGRASS MANDOLINS:
(Click on the underlined name for price and
details)
- 2003 Kentucky KM-25th Anniversary F5, The finest Kentucky ever built, limited edition, varnish, Sumi built
- 2009 Chris Stanley A5V ,
Varnish finish, outstanding mandolin. My personal mandolin is a Stanley
- 1982 Gordon Mills F5, Excellent US made hand built mandolin under $1000
- 1999
Dearstone A5, Excellent bluegrass mandolin by a well known small shop
builder
- 2009 Ratliff R5
, F5 style, Excellent bluegrass mandolin by a established small shop
builder, new w/warranty ON HOLD for Davon in TN
- 1986
Randy Wood F5, Powerful mandolin used for years in the studio, one of the
best by a legendary builder
- 2000
Apitius F5, Powerful professional mandolin as heard on the early Adam
Steffy recordings
- 1999 Rigel
S-100, Innovative design, excellent sound
- 2006 Weber Yellowstone F5,
Cedar top, very clean, good sounding and playing mandolin, radiused
fingerboard
- 2003 Mark Taylor Prodigal A5,
Excellent custom built mandolin, very strong sound, radiused fingerboard
- 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)
- 1908 Gibson A Project, Orville label, needs extensive repair, good if your are handy with tools
- 1922 Gibson F2, Extremely clean mandolin, truss rod Loar era
- 1917
Gibson A4, Nice mandolin, top of the line A style
- 1924
Gibson F2, Loar era, truss rod, minor peghead scroll repair, nice
- 1916
Gibson A, Pumpkin top finish, clean, all original
- 1925
Gibson Snakehead A, Black top finish, clean, great sounding mandolin, same
as an A2Z for less
- 1916
Gibson A3, Pumpkin top, nice playing mandolin, paddle peghead neck
- 1922 Gibson
A2, Brown top, truss rod, all of the Loar improvements with the wider
paddle peghead neck
- 1940
Gibson F4, Rare elevated fingerboard like a F5, truss rod neck,
traditional dot inlays with treble extension
- 1923
Gibson A2Z, Blonde top, clean, straight, original, loud
- 1927 Gibson
A, Black top, truss rod, all original, just set up, loud mandolin
- 1917 Gibson
A, Pumpkin top, clean and straight, all original, great for sessions
- 1920
Gibson A2, Sheraton brown, just set up, plays clean and strong, studio
used
- 1915 Gibson
F2, Clean, red sunburst, very nice mandolin, good sound, just set up
- 1922
Gibson A3,White top, truss rod, all original, originally owned and played
by Ethel Ray Zorn
- 1916
Gibson F2, Clean, very nice mandolin, good sound, just set up
- 1922 Gibson
A2, Brown top, truss rod, all of the Loar improvements with the wider
paddle peghead neck
- 1935 Gibson
A4, Rare elevated fingerboard, red sunburst, top of the line for Gibson A
styles, truss rod in the neck
- 1906 Gibson A , Orville label, a little rough but original and very rare
- 1928
Gibson A4, Fern era, red sunburst, top of the line for Gibson A styles,
truss rod in the neck
- 1918 Gibson
A4, Red sunburst, top of the line for Gibson A styles
- 1919 Gibson
A2, Sheraton brown, a little beat up but priced right, plays and sounds
great
- 1919 Gibson
A3, White top, nice shape, good session mando, just refretted
MANDOLAS AND MANDOCELLOS:
(Click on the underlined name for price
and details)
OTHER MANDOLINS:
(Click on the underlined name for price and
details)
- 1921 Martin
Style AK, Very good condition, some repairs prices it right
- 1999 Rigel
S-100, Innovative design, excellent sound
- 1926
Martin Style A, Nice clean mandolin, mahogany body, sounds and plays fine,
same quality as the guitars
- 1928 Martin
Style AK, Near mint, all Koa wood body, from my personal collection
- 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 Bouzouki, Koa wood back and sides, powerful sound, new w/ warranty
- 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)
- 2008 Martin HD28V, Mint condition, looks unplayed
- 1960 Martin D28, Beautiful Brazilian rosewood, neck rest, good bluegrasser
- 2007 Martin 0018v, Very clean, 1 3/4 inch nut, pickup added
- 1940 Martin 018, Collector clean, all original,
Adirondack top, nice! ON HOLD
- 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, Fantastic sounding guitar, used extensively in Nashville
studios, lots of wear, lots of sound
- 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)
- 1956
Gibson LG2, Sunburst top, X braced, a smaller version of the J45,
comfortable guitar
- 1955
Gibson J-160E, Has all the 1954 first year features - solid top, 19 fret
neck, larger bridge dots
- 1939
Gibson J35, Original blonde top finish, 3 unscalloped tone bars, lots of
mojo, tone and volume
- 1940
Gibson J35, Original blonde top finish, 2 unscalloped tone bars, lots of
mojo, tone and volume.
- 2006
Gibson SJ200, Big beautiful blonde, near mint condition, high end pickup
system installed
- 1963
Epiphone FT-79 Texan, Sunburst, same model played by Paul McCartney, nice
clean guitar, all original
- 1959
Gibson J160E, Same features as the Lennon guitar, nice early model, clean
OTHER FINE ACOUSTIC GUITARS:
(Click on the underlined name for
price and details)
- 2004 Santa Cruz Custom D'03 guitar, D size, mahogany/German spruce, very light and resonate
- 2007
Bourgeois Slope D, Slope shoulder dreadnaught, medium sunburst top, unplayed condition
- 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, a joy to play
- 1993
Guild DV-52, Rosewood back and sides, nice playing and sounding US made
guitar, nice price, has pickup
- 1998 Huss
and Dalton TD-R, Rosewood bluegrasser flatpicker, Sitka top, 1 3/4 inch
nut, has pickup
- 1940s
Vega Profundo, Killer pre-war Brazilian rosewood dreadnought
ELECTRIC AND ACOUSTIC ARCHTOP AND SEMI-HOLLOW GUITARS:
(Click on the
underlined name for price and details)
- 1971
Gibson ES-335, Cherry red, all original except
for a pro refret, has the drive ON HOLD
UKULELES, BANJOS, TIPLES, AND OTHER ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENTS:
(Click on the
underlined name for price and details)
- 1924
Martin T-18 Tiple, Refinished, no cracks or repairs, original koa bridge,
nice player
- 1940s Martin Style 3 Soprano
Ukulele, Very clean high end uke, all mahogany, nice example, plays great
- 1924 Washburn Style A
Tenor Banjo, Nice clean banjo, unusual tone ring, the 17 fret neck is
preferred for Irish and Celtic
STEELS, DOBROS, NATIONALS, AND RESONATOR INSTRUMENTS:
(Click on the
underlined name for price and details)
- 1932 National Triolian, 12
fret body, yellow/brown sunburst, flat f holes, just set up by National
- 1941
Epiphone Coronet Electar Lap Steel Guitar, All original, hot blade pickup,
good raspy sound
- 1954 Fender Champion Lap Steel
Guitar, Yellow pearloid, all original, has the good Tele style pickup
- 1932 National Triolian
, 12 fret body, flat f holes, all original, has the Hawaiian scene
on the back
- 1938
Gibson EH-100 Steel Guitar, Original 7 string, excellent all original
condition, tweed case, nice steel
- 1935
Dobro Model 32, Steel body, original cone, body and neck refinished
copper, great blues sound
ELECTRIC SOLIDBODY INSTRUMENTS AND AMPS:
(Click on the underlined name
for price and details)
- 1978
Rickenbacker 4001 Bass, Fireglow finish, nice condition, has the
Rick-O-Sound option
- 1956 Fender Precision Bass,
Near mint condition, this is the cleanest and most original 56 P bass you will
ever find
- 1965
Fender Jaguar Guitar, Sunburst, dots with binding, played but not abused,
strong sounding guitar
- 1967 Mosrite Doubleneck 6/12,
All original with a 6 and a 12 string neck, very, very cool
CASES, PARTS AND MISCELLANEOUS:
(Click on the underlined name for price
and details)
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
Please click on the name of the instrument or the camera icon
beside it to see more details and larger pictures. If you would like additional
images of a specific instrument please email your request.
Click here for how to order and return
policy information
Click here for information on selling your instrument to me
Click here
for condition and case
abbreviations
Click here to
return to the home page for Mandolin World Headquarters...and Guitars!
1906
Gibson A Mandolin
(Serial #4090) This is an early
Gibson A style mandolin with the Orville portrait label inside. It has a natural
spruce top now aged to orange and a dark finished birch back and sides. Has an
inlaid celluloid pick guard outlined in mother of pearl. Finish and hardware are
original including the rare pineapple shape tailpiece cover. The mandolin is
playable but the action is somewhat higher than I would like, and there is a
ding in the side of the mandolin on the top edge as shown. Still, its all
original and very rare. Comes with a newer soft case...USD
1925 Gibson A
Snakehead Mandolin
(Serial No. 82651) Snakehead! These are the most sought
after of the Gibson A style round hole instruments, and for good reason. They
sound great! This is the same style as my personal mandolin and sounds about the
same - this is a session monster. Stamped A on the label. It has a hand painted
logo, top bound only, square end tuners, and the wide center soundhole ring like
the A2Z. This is a classic Loar era instrument with the sound that you expect
from this period. Plays smoothly with superior volume and tone. This is just a
great sounding mandolin - an excellent demonstration of why many pickers believe
the snakeheads are the best oval hole mandolins ever made by Gibson. Excellent
condition with some minor finish wear at the usual places and the nicks and
dings of a well-loved instrument. No breaks, cracks or refinish. Has the
adjustable truss rod and bridge. All hardware and finish is original but missing
the pickguard. Comes with the original hardshell case and all the volume you
need to deal with those pesky tenor banjos. ...USD $2950
1919 Gibson
A2 Mandolin
(Serial No. 50209) Excellent minus condition, Sheraton Brown
top finish with dark back and sides. Peghead has "The Gibson" logo inlaid in
pearl. The fretboard as well as both the top and back of the body are bound in
grained celluloid. All hardware and finish is original showing some playing
wear, but nothing major. Neck is straight and the frets are in good shape. There
is a well repaired tuners crack on the treble side. The mandolin plays and
sounds great. Action is low and playable and it has a good ringing sound.
Excellent for Celtic or old-time music. Original hardshell case
included.......USD $1750
1922 Gibson
A2 Mandolin
(Serial No. 69562 Neck Stamp 11626) Excellent condition,
Sheraton brown 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 - excellent session instrument.
Excellent for Celtic, jazz, classical, or old-time music. Shows some minor nicks
and dings as expected in a mandolin that's been played. Neck is straight, frets
have been dressed down but still play fine. All hardware and finish is original
including the nickel silver truss rod cover. Comes with the original hardshell
case....USD $2750
1922 Gibson
A2 Mandolin
(Serial No. 69684) Excellent condition, Sheraton brown
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 - excellent session instrument.
Excellent for Celtic, jazz, classical, or old-time music. Shows some minor nicks
and dings as expected in a mandolin that's been played. Neck is straight, frets
have been dressed down but still play fine. All hardware and finish is original
including the nickel silver truss rod cover. Comes with the original hardshell
case....USD $2750
1923
Gibson A2Z Snakehead Mandolin
(Serial No. 74756 FON
11971) 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 sound hole
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. 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
$6500
1916
Gibson A3 Mandolin
(Serial No. 31240 FON 3153) Excellent
minus condition, natural top finish. A3s are not rare, exactly, but certainly
not nearly as common as the other models. The natural top finish was offered
until 1918. Shows some typical wear on the top edge where your arm comes over,
some case wear on the upper sides, and some pick wear under the pickguard. It
must have been played without the guard in place. There are a few minor nicks
and dings but nothing serious as seen in the pics. Otherwise, its a clean
mandolin. Original finish and hardware. Neck is straight, just refretted with
original size and type frets, no repairs noted, and it sounds and plays great!
Just set up by my luthier. Plays very easy and has strong volume with a very
balanced sound. Excellent for Celtic, jazz, classical, or old-time music. Comes
with the original hardshell case. ...USD $2650
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
1917 Gibson A4 Mandolin
(Serial No. 33104) Very clean mandolin in excellent repaired
condition. The A4 was the top of the line for the Gibson A style mandolins. It
has the red sunburst finish, 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. A minor heel crack was reglued and
the base of the heel refinished. Its almost invisible but I mention it for
accuracy. 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 like silk. Original
hardshell 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
Please click on the name of the instrument or the camera icon beside it
to see more details and larger pictures. If you would like additional images of
a specific instrument please email your request.
Click here
for how to order and return
policy information
Click here for information on selling your instrument to me
Click here
for condition and case
abbreviations
Click here to return to the home page for
Mandolin World Headquarters...and Guitars!
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 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. 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 easy? Comes with a newer hardshell case.....USD
$3950
1922 Gibson
F2 Mandolin
(Serial No. 69516) Excellent condition in extremely clean condition. This is one of the best oval hole mandolins ever made by Gibson - a Loar era truss rod F2. The F2 was the next to the top of the line mandolin for Gibson. Its the same mandolin as the F4 with less trim. It has a true red sunburst, spectacular flamy woods on the sides and back, pearl logo, bound top, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension, truss rod in the neck, and the original adjustable bridge. The action is good and the sound is excellent. BIG tone and volume! Nice woody sound from this mandolin with good bass. Neck is straight, neck angle is good and the frets show very little wear. There is some very minor picking wear evident. Finish and hardware are original. Loar era scroll mandolins are hot right now and getting very hard to find, and prices are continuing to rise every year. Comes with the original hardshell case....USD $5500
1924 Gibson
F2 Mandolin
(SN: 80337) Excellent minus condition. This is one of the
best oval hole mandolins ever made by Gibson - a Loar era truss rod F2. The F2
was the next to the top of the line mandolin for Gibson. It has a true red
sunburst, spectacular flamy woods on the sides and back, pearl logo, bound top,
and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension, truss rod in the neck, and
the original adjustable bridge. The differences in an F2 and an F4 are cosmetic
- the F2 has an unbound back, fingerboard and peghead, and simpler peghead
inlay. The build is the same and it has the same sound - just less cosmetic
trim. The action is good and the sound is excellent. BIG tone and volume! Nice
woody sound from this mandolin with good bass. Neck is straight, neck angle is
good and the frets show very little wear. There is some picking wear evident on
the mandolin and the only repair I can find is it looks like the big scroll on
the peghead has been broken off and reglued. Finish and hardware are original.
Loar era scroll mandolins are hot right now and getting very hard to find, and
prices are continuing to rise every year. Comes with the original hardshell
case.....USD $5500
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
1966
Epiphone Venetian Mandolin
(#501614) very good plus
condition, sunburst finish. This one has played a lot of bluegrass - I got it
from a local picker who traded up to a F5 style. Made after Gibson bought
Epiphone, so its the same as an A-50 from the same era. A style body with
f-holes and a dark finished maple back and sides. All original finish and
hardware except missing the pickguard. Plays good and has a good bluegrass chop.
This model has a good bluegrass pedigree - many groups used these and the Gibson
A-50 mandolins in bluegrass as they were much more affordable than the f-5's.
Comes with a non-original soft case....USD $1250
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
1988 Flatiron
F5 Artist Mandolin
(Serial No. 88070332)
Excellent plus condition, sunburst finish. First year of Gibson production for
Flatiron. Top of the line F style mandolin for Flatiron. When Gibson went to the
NAMM show in 1987, these were the high quality mandolins they were competing
with. They couldn't beat them, so they bought the company. Excellent sounding
and playing F5 mandolin with flamed maple back, sides and neck, carved spruce
top with X bracing, Fern peghead inlay and logo in pearl, bound peghead and
bound radiused ebony fingerboard, larger fret wire as built, and gold hardware.
Great playing mandolin that shows some minor playing wear. Good chop and bark -
excellent bluegrass mandolin. Signed by Dennis Balian. Bozeman built Flatirons
are always heavily in demand. Most pickers won't part with theirs - once you
play this one you'll know why. Comes with the original hardshell case...USD
$4750
2004 Gibson Alan
Bibey Model F5 Mandolin
(Serial No. 40602020)
Near mint condition. #22 of 50 of the limited edition honoring the award-winning
mandolinist who has played with New Quicksilver, IIIrd Tyme Out, and now
Blueridge. The mando is copied after his 1923 Loar with a few changes. He wanted
the flowerpot headstock inlay that's characteristic of the F-5 model, but he
added his own unique "look" with features like tortoise shell binding with white
inserts and hand-engraved, gold plated hardware. The neck extension is scooped
to eliminate "pick click". The color is a dark sunburst lacquer finish, with
flamed maple back, sides and neck, a carved spruce top with tone bar bracing, a
bound flat ebony fingerboard and bridge, and traditional small mandolin frets.
Even though it has had very little playing time it has a good chop and volume
right now. There are a few slight evidences that this mandolin has been played
since 2004, but overall it is exceptionally clean. Comes with the original TKL
shaped hardshell case.....USD $5750
None at this time
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Mandolin World Headquarters...and Guitars!
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.
1988 Flatiron
F5 Artist Mandolin
(Serial No. 88070332)
Excellent plus condition, sunburst finish. First year of Gibson production for
Flatiron. Top of the line F style mandolin for Flatiron. When Gibson went to the
NAMM show in 1987, these were the high quality mandolins they were competing
with. They couldn't beat them, so they bought the company. Excellent sounding
and playing F5 mandolin with flamed maple back, sides and neck, carved spruce
top with X bracing, Fern peghead inlay and logo in pearl, bound peghead and
bound radiused ebony fingerboard, larger fret wire as built, and gold hardware.
Great playing mandolin that shows some minor playing wear. Good chop and bark -
excellent bluegrass mandolin. Signed by Dennis Balian. Bozeman built Flatirons
are always heavily in demand. Most pickers won't part with theirs - once you
play this one you'll know why. Comes with the original hardshell case...USD
$4750 USD
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
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Mandolin World Headquarters...and Guitars!
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.
New Richard Beard Bouzouki/Octave Mandolin
(Serial #30) New with warranty. This is the sixteenth '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 African Bubinga wood 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 24 inches. The x-braced top gives it
plenty of punch on rhythm. 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 hardshell case. Call me for your internet price...USD $2500 list
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.
New Ratliff R5 Scroll Mandolin
(Serial No. 1006) 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 underpriced - 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. However, there is a very small finish check at the lower point
below the treble F hole. Its very hard to see and even harder to photograph. Its
not a crack - just a place where the finish checked just the smallest bit due to
some cold weather when it was curing. Because of this Audey made a special price
to me and I can offer this mandolin at a really good deal. Comes with a new
rectangular TKL hardshell case...$3000 ON HOLD for Davon in TN
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Mandolin World Headquarters...and Guitars!
2000 Apitius Classic F5 Mandolin
(Serial Number: 7600) Near mint condition. An Apitius
mandolin is the tone you hear in the early Adam Steffy and most of the Dan
Tyminski with Allison Krause recordings, and Pete Frostic of Old School Freight
Train is currently playing an Apitius mandolin. This is one of the serious
mandolins in bluegrass. If you are wanting a pro grade mandolin but the $20,000
cost of a Gilchrist or Nugget is out of your range this is the mandolin for you.
Oliver builds his mandolins mostly by hand, and the quality and care in detail
shows in both the beautiful cosmetics and the wonderful even tone. Heavily
flamed European maple back and sides and a close grained Sitka spruce top.
According to Oliver, it came from a 700 year old tree that was harvested in
northern British Columbia and seasoned in his shop for fourteen years. The
radiused ebony fretboard and low action make this a joy to play. Recently
partially refretted and set up professionally. Comes with a hardshell case...USD
$5500
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 $3500
2009 Chris Stanley A5-V Mandolin
(Serial No. 46)New with warranty, mint unplayed condition.
Any pickers that think you have to have a F5 style to get the tone and volume of
a good mandolin - think again. Remember that Loar also built one A5 - which is
as powerful of a mandolin as any of his F styles. I'll tell you how much I like
Chris's mandolins - I play one for myself. This one equals my personal Stanley
F5 in volume and tone - and it has not even begun to open up yet. Chris has
outdone himself here. Chris Stanley is a great picker and has owned several
Loars and Ferns, so he knows tone. He's also and accomplished woodworker and
luthier, so when he decided to build mandolins he already 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 already there. Look at that back wood
- its one piece flamed maple. The top is red spruce like the original Loar F5.
All high grade parts - flat ebony fingerboard and bridge, 1 1/8 inch nut, pearl
logo, silver plated hardware, and grained ivoriod binding. Finish color is a
lighter traditional sunburst similar to a 1923 Loar. Sidebound body like Bills.
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
extends a lifetime warranty to the new owner. Comes with a shaped hardshell
case. Even as an almost new mandolin you can easily hear the sound in this
one...USD $3500
1999 Dearstone A5E
Mandolin
(Serial No. 78RM) Excellent plus
condition, traditional sunburst lacquer finish. Its a very clean mandolin - the
washed out areas in the pictures are reflections. Ray Dearstone is a respected
small shop builder of handcarved mandolins from Blountsville, TN. Many pros use
his mandolins such as Shawn Lane of Blue Highway. Ray takes a different approach
to building, as his mandolins use a solid carved redwood top with tone bar
bracing. This still gives the cut and chop of a spruce top mandolin with a bit
more warmth in the tone. The neck, back and sides are solid flamed maple. Also
has a bound flat ebony fingerboard which is abbreviated to eliminate pick click,
a 1-18" nut, ebony bridge and open back Grover tuners. Nickel hardware. One of
those little details that Ray pays attention to is when the mandolin is in the
usual playing position, the pearl logo is level so it can read easily. Neck
profile is slim like a Loar. Fully bound. Nice low action. Shows some very minor
playing wear as would be expected on a good bluegrass mandolin. Frets are fine,
neck is straight. This mandolin projects well and will drive your music. Comes
with a shaped hardshell case...USD $1750
2003 Kentucky KM-25th Anniversary F5 Mandolin
(Serial No. 004) Mint
unplayed condition. Kentucky stated building mandolins in 1978. For their 25th
anniversary they commissioned Sumi, the builder of the legendary KM-1000,
KM-1500 and KDawg mandolins, to build the finest Kentucky mandolins ever made.
These were only offered in 2003 at the NAMM show, and of the planned original 12
only 9 were built due to the time involved in the construction. Has beautiful
highly flamed maple back, side and neck, carved spruce top, ebony fingerboard,
inlaid pearl logo in the peghead, silver plated tuners with pearl buttons,
silver plated tailpiece, and a hand-applied varnish sunburst finish. Side bound
with multiple binding just like the one Bill played.
Not only is the the finest Kentucky ever built, I think it is one the best sounding also. Big volume with good cutting trebles and a nice deep chop. It sounds like what it is - a high end limited edition presentation model made by a master luthier to showcase the ability of one of the largest manufacturers in the world. They pulled out all the stops on this one. Comes with the original shaped hardshell case, the hand-signed certificate of authenticity, and a copy of the original dealer invoice....USD $NFS
2003 Mark Taylor
Prodigal 5 Mandolin
(Serial No. 004) Excellent
/ near mint condition. Mark Taylor is the son of Tut Taylor and has been
building mandolins since the 1970s. Tut used to own the only known Loar A5 and
this custom built mandolin was inspired by that one. Mark has only built about
20 of these over the years. This one has absolute top grade flamed maple back,
sides and neck, red spruce top, triple binding, lacquer finish, pearl peghead
inlay and radiused ebony fingerboard with larger size frets. 1-1/8 inch pearl
nut. Very strong sounding mandolin with deep chop and excellent cut for jams. It
was used on several Bluegrass Underground recordings. It was gone through by
Randy Wood who set it up with new frets and a new bridge. It plays real sweet
with a nice low action. Original brown alligator print square case. These list
for $12,899, which I think is way too much. It is, however, a really strong
mandolin built to the highest standards. This professionally recorded and near
mint one can be yours for...USD $4450
1982 Gordon Mills F5 Mandolin
(Serial No. 1) Every once in while I come across an
instrument that is much better than you expect. This is one of those. This is
marked serial number 1. I've never heard of Gordon Mills, but he did a fine job
on his first mandolin. Its built from quality materials - nicely flamed maple
back, sides and neck and a spruce top. Has a Brekke bridge fitted. Tuners are
80s Gotahs, which are considered good tuners. The finish is fairly beat as this
mandolin was played a lot. That's the main question - how does it sound and
play? Its just been set up by my luthier so it plays fine with a nice low
action. Has excellent volume and good woody chop. No, its not a Gibson but its
very good mandolin, much better than any of the PacRim imports or anything else
in this price range. This will bluegrass very well for you. Comes with a unusual
hardshell case....USD $850
1986 Randy Wood F5 Mandolin
(Serial No. 2186) Excellent minus condition showing playing
wear and some finish flaking on the peghead. Randy Wood is considered one of the
top mandolin builders in the world today, and instruments like this one is why
that reputation is well deserved. Here's one of his early ones thats just a
great mandolin. F5 style mandolin with a lacquer finish, flat ebony fretboard
with 1 1/8 inch nut and scooped extension, red spruce top, heavily flamed maple
back, sides and neck, pearl logo and gold hardware. I got this from a NYC pro
who used it for years in the studio. Set up professionally for low easy action.
Strong volume with an excellent chop and cutting trebles. This is what you are
looking for in a bluegrass workhorse mandolin. Comes with a shaped hardshell
case...USD $5750
1999 Rigel S-100 Mandolin
(Serial No. 1989) Pete Langdell at Rigel builds some of the
most innovative mandolins around. Gibson F5s and copies are everywhere - Rigel
breaks this mold. Rigel mandolins are distinct in their shape and appearance. If
one is not familiar with traditional mandolin shapes, the first reactions are
that a Rigel mandolin looks like a mini electric guitar. This was by no means an
accident. Langdell views the mandolin as somewhere between the guitar and the
violin in its evolution. While guitars are still evolving and the violin has
been unchanged for three hundred years, he states, "with the mandolin, there is
a window for some subtle design changes." Rigel mandolins are built with a
simple, yet innovative construction concept - the rim is carved from one piece
of wood instead of the traditional bent side construction. The top is loaded
into the rim allowing the instrument to be tuned to pitch without the use of
glue. This procedure allows Rigel to voice and tune the soundboard a number of
times before gluing, giving Rigel instruments a tonal consistency that is
unequaled. Excellent plus condition, sunburst lacquer finish, Adirondack spruce
top, clear maple back, sides and neck, gold hardware, one piece tailpiece,
built-in pickup, decal logo, radiused fingerboard which is scooped to eliminate
pick click, slim neck profile. The smooth lines of the body allow for speed and
effortless playing. Gorgeous tobacco sunburst. Very clean, with no significant
player wear. Less fancy version of the top of the line G110 with Rigel's
signature tone and playability. Very smooth sound - nice round tone. It will
play bluegrass fine but it excels at jazz, classical, folk and Celtic. Comes
with the original tweed hardshell case....USD $3250
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
2006 Weber
Yellowstone Mandolin
(Serial No. 6294211)
Excellent plus condition. This is the main workhorse mandolin for Weber, and it
carries the load well. This mandolin will give you that good bluegrass sound.
Has the Vintage Desert Dawn sunburst lacquer gloss finish, a solid carved cedar
top which gives it a bit more warmth in the tone without losing the cut and
chop, traditional tone bar bracing, heavily flamed maple back, sides and deep V
profile neck, fully bound, nickel Grover tuners and Weber one piece cast
tailpiece, pearl "The Weber" logo, and an ebony Weber Traditional bridge. Bound
radiused fretboard with 1 1/8 inch nut, jumbo frets, and no treble extension
which eliminates pick click. Its a loud mandolin with good chop and 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 grey Weber hardshell case. These sell for $4800 new.
This one looks almost new but has a couple of years of playing on it to bring
out the sound...USD $3500
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
1921 Martin Style AK Mandolin
(Serial No. 09388) Very Good condition with a few repairs.
This is the early style peghead with the Martin stamp embossed on the back and
no decal on the front. Nice Hawaiian Koa wood top, back and sides, and an ebony
fingerboard with small dot inlays. Good neck and frets, plays nice with a low
action but still has plenty of volume. Koa is a wood that is subject to dryness
cracks, and this instrument has several well- repaired cracks. There is one on
the face right above the tail piece and one on the side. All cracks have been
professionally glued and cleated. Great for old-time, Celtic, or jazz. Nice
tortoiseshell binding and pickguard. Original tuners and plain tailpiece cover.
Comes with the original soft shell case.....USD $950
1928 Martin Style AK Mandolin
(Serial No. 13945) From my personal collection. Near mint
condition with almost no playing wear. This is the early style peghead with the
Martin stamp embossed on the back and no decal on the front. Beautifully grained
Hawaiian Koa wood top, back and sides, and an ebony fingerboard with small dot
inlays. Good neck and frets, plays nice with a low action but still has plenty
of volume. No cracks or repairs. Great for old-time, Celtic, or jazz. Nice
tortoiseshell binding and pickguard. Original tuners and plain tailpiece cover.
Comes with a newer hardshell 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. Comes with a newer
hardshell 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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New Richard Beard Bouzouki/Octave
Mandolin
(Serial #30) New with warranty. This
is the sixteenth '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 African
Bubinga wood 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 24 inches. The
x-braced top gives it plenty of punch on rhythm. 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 hardshell case. Call me for your
internet price...USD $2500 list
For a brief discussion
of Tiny Moore, Johnny Gimble and the Gibson EM-150 mandolin click here!
None at this time
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 $2750
1940 Martin 0-18 Guitar
(Serial No. 74423) Excellent plus condition, a closet
classic that has not been played in over 30 years, and not much before that.
Very clean guitar showing almost no playing wear and just a few minor handling
marks. Mahogany back and sides, Adirondack spruce top with scalloped bracing.
Nut is 1-10/16 inch, just a little shy of the usual 1-11/16 inch. Has the early
ebony fingerboard and bridge instead of the rosewood as used later. Completely
original with no repairs or refinish of any kind. Still has the original
unslotted ebony bridge pins. There is one tuner that is bent just a little but
the tuners are tight and obviously not much used. Frets look nearly unplayed,
neck is straight. Action is good, which is surprising as its never had a neck
set and does not need one. Big sound all out of proportion to the small body
size. Comes with a somewhat beat but still functional original soft case...USD
$5450 ON HOLD for Steve in CA
2007 Martin 0M18V Guitar
(Serial No. 1246016) Excellent plus with only the slightest sign its been played. I got this one from a picker who used it to record his latest CD, but realized he really preferred the traditional nut width. Wonderful small body guitar with a large sound all out of proportion to the smaller size. Solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, ebony fingerboard and bridge, Waverly style traditional open back tuners, bone nut and saddle. Has a 1-3/4 inch nut on and the neck is a soft V profile. Has the traditional dovetail neck joint. 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 Baggs undersaddle pickup and an endpin jack. The pickup has a discreet volume control mounted inside the soundhole. Strap button added at the heel. Comes with the original very nice hardshell case...USD $2150
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 Andirondack 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 $5500
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 $5950
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 flatpick. Comes with the original hardshell
case. In original condition these are nearing $50,000. This one will smoke all
the newer guitars at the the jam, and its yours for....USD $22,500
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 $6,100
1949 Martin D-28
Guitar
(Serial No. 111438) Excellent minus
condition. I bought this guitar from Glenn Keener, a well known Nashville studio
picker. This guitar has been on numerous country hits, and was the guitar used
for the intro on "The Teddy Bear Song" by Barbara Fairchild. This is what a good
bluegrass guitar is all about. Has a spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and
sides. The only crack repair I see is the usual repaired pickguard crack. Finish
is original but well worn as is typical of a working studio guitar. Tuners were
changed to Grovers in the 1970s but 5 of the original tuners are in the case.
This guitar sounds real good so it was played a lot. It shows a lot of wear
everywhere and the finish is played off the back of the neck. The action is nice
and low so I would expect it has had a neck set and refret. Bridge looks to be
replaced. This guitar has that well-known Martin "boom" that is ideal for
bluegrass. Very powerful bluegrass sound. Comes with the original Martin
hardshell case.....USD $14,950
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 $11,950
1960 Martin D28
Guitar
(Serial No. 146168) Excellent
condition. This is what a good bluegrass guitar is all about. Has a spruce top
and Brazilian rosewood back and sides. The only crack repair I see is the usual
repaired pickguard crack. Finish and hardware is original, including the
original Kluson waffleback tuners. This guitar sounds real good so it was played
a lot. It shows a little pickwear near the guard and armwear on the edge of the
top. Otherwise its just the usual nicks and dings of a 49 year old bluegrass
warhorse. The neck was just reset and the frets dressed by luthier Jerry Ray.
Bridge looks like it was reglued at some point in the past. The action is low
and comfortable and the frets are fine. This guitar has that well-known Martin
"boom" that is ideal for bluegrass. Very powerful bluegrass sound. Comes with
the original Martin hardshell case.....USD $8500
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 $2600
2008 Martin
HD28V Guitar
(Serial No. 1280237) Mint
condition, looks unplayed. If you are looking for a newer clean Martin that is
already starting to open up, this is your guitar. The sound is the reason D28s
and HD28s are the bluegrass standard and this guitar is a good example. Its got
a nice big open woody sound with strong volume and that big Martin boom on the
bottom end. It does have a strap button added at the heel. It has a Sitka spruce
top with herringbone trim, advanced bracing, slotted diamond fingerboard inlays,
1 11/16 inch bone nut, old style logo, long saddle ebony bridge with a bone
saddle, ebony fingerboard, modified V neck profile, and nice striped chocolate
colored Indian rosewood back and sides. Action is great. Almost no playing wear
evident, not even the usual minor nicks and dings. Anything you see in the
pictures that looks like a blemish or a white spot is a reflection. Comes with
the original Martin hardshell case....USD $2350
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instrument to me
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Mandolin World Headquarters...and Guitars!
1956 Gibson LG-2
Guitar
(Serial No. V8677-31) Excellent minus
condition. Nice example of Gibson's premier small body flat-top guitar model
from the '40's and '50's. This is a most comfortable guitar for just sitting
around and playing. Has the second generation tortoise pattern pickguard, small
rectangle bridge, X braced solid spruce top with triple binding on the top and
single binding on the back, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays,
block Gibson logo. Original finish in nice condition. The X bracing gives it
power and full sound like the larger dreadnaughts. Great sounding guitar with a
nice low action. Original tuners with buttons that have shrunk a bit but are
still usable. There is one repaired back crack but no other structural repairs
are evident. The long scratch on the side is just that, a scratch. Has some
finish checking and normal pickwear, which would be expected on a good sounding
guitar that is over 50 years old. Classic big round neck but not a baseball bat,
neck is straight, frets are good. Powerful punch with great sustain. Just a
great sounding guitar with a nice low action. Newer hardshell case...USD
$2650
1939 Gibson J35
Guitar
(Serial No. EG-7435) Excellent
condition, blonde top finish. The J-35 was Gibson's answer to the Martin D-18
during the years 1937-1941. Has a dreadnought body with mahogany back and sides,
Adirondack spruce top, maple bridge plate, rosewood bridge and fingerboard, and
that cool original fire stripe guard. Has the rare unscalloped three tone bar
bracing. Looks like it had some Grover tuners on it in the past but I had a set
of original amber button tuners in the parts box and these were reinstalled. Has
a big neck with a rounded profile but not as big as a Banner. Nut is 1-11/16
inch. There is a finish check that looks like a crack at the top of the back but
it is not in the wood. No cracks or repairs noted. The top has aged nicely and
collected a few light scratches and moderate checking. No capo marks on the neck
and just the slightest sign of divots in the board. Action is fine, the neck set
is good and the frets are in excellent condition. The tone is warm, woody, and
open. Comes with the original tan chipboard case...USD $13,500
1940 Gibson J35
Guitar
(FON No. 9941-26) Excellent condition,
blonde top finish. The J-35 was Gibson's answer to the Martin D-18 during the
years 1937-1941. This one is later model, either late 1940 or early 1941. Has a
dreadnought body with mahogany back and sides, Adirondack spruce top, maple
bridge plate, rosewood bridge and fingerboard, original ebony 1-11/16 inch nut
and that cool original fire stripe guard. Has the unscalloped two tone bar
bracing. Has a rounded neck profile. There is a edge wing crack repaired on the
peghead face that looks worse in the pics than it does when you have the guitar
in your hand. The bridge looks right but it is not lacquered, so it might be a
very good replacement. No other cracks or repairs noted. The top has aged nicely
and collected a few light scratches and moderate checking and a few capo marks
on the neck. Action is fine, the neck set is good and the frets are in excellent
condition. The tone is warm, woody, and open. Comes with a newer hardshell
case.......USD $13,500
1955 Gibson J-160E
Guitar
(Serial No. w97632) Excellent
condition. The day after John Lennon received his J-160E in 1962, he played the
guitar on the Beatles first single "Love Me Do." The J-160E remained Lennon's
guitar of choice and was used extensively in the studio, on tour and on
television appearances. This is the second year for this model but its very
early in 1955 so it shows the 1954 features of a solid spruce top, the earlier
large bridge dots and saddle adjustment screws and the 19 fret fingerboard. All
hardware, electronics and finish is original. There is a repaired pickguard
crack on the top but there is major brace for the pickup right under this area
so it is stable. Pickup is original and strong. The neck is very playable with a
nice low action. Neck is straight, set is good and the frets are in good shape.
Excellent cosmetic condition showing some pick wear on the top and the usual
nicks and dings of a well played instrument. Comes with a nice original
softshell case....USD $5500
1959 Gibson J-160E
Guitar
(Serial No. S191917) Excellent
condition. The day after John Lennon received his J-160E in 1962, he played the
guitar on the Beatles first single "Love Me Do." The J-160E remained Lennon's
guitar of choice and was used extensively in the studio, on tour and on
television appearances. This guitar is a little earlier but has the same
features as the Beatles guitar, including the single soundhole ring and the
correct knobs. The tuners on this one are aged replacement Klusons that fit the
original holes exactly. The original tuners and bushings are in the case pocket,
along with a copy of the original bill of sale. The serial number dates it 1959,
but the bill of sale is dated 1961. There is a strap button hole in the side of
the heel. Pickup is original and strong. The neck is very playable with a nice
low action. Neck is straight, set is good and the frets are in good shape, with
a few having been replaced. Excellent plus cosmetic condition showing some very
minor pick wear on the top and the usual nicks and dings of a well played
instrument. Comes with a nice original brown Lifton hardshell case....USD
$5500
1963 Epiphone FT-79
Texan Guitar
(Serial No. 149233) Excellent
condition, sunburst finish. One year older but it is the same exact model as
played by Paul McCartney. Paul first used the Epiphone while recording Help! and
later notably used it on the song Yesterday. Finish and hardware are original
including the original adjustable bridge. Neck set is good, frets are fine and
the guitar plays nicely. Shows some pickwear at the soundhole. No repairs. Comes
with an old possibly original hardshell case. Yea, Yea, Yea!...USD $3650
2006 Gibson SJ-200
Natural Guitar
(Serial #02066063) Near mint
condition, antique blond finish. "The King of the Flat Tops". The SJ-200 is
Gibson's top of the line jumbo model, with a solid spruce top with aging toner,
solid flamed maple back, sides and neck, rosewood fretboard with mother-of-pearl
crown inlays, hand engraved pickguard, open mustache bridge and gold hardware.
Action is low and comfortable with plenty of saddle left. Great sound! This is a
great rhythm guitar - ask Steve Earle or EmmyLou Harris. Or if you have a
crystal ball, John Lennon or Buddy Holly, all of whom owned J-200s. The jumbo
size provides excellent volume and the maple brightens the tone to keep it from
being too "brassy". There is a Baggs Dual source pickup fitted along with an end
pin jack. The Dual Source System is a high end very accurate miniature onboard
microphone/pickup mixing system. No repairs or issues of any sort. Just back
from my luthier with a fresh set up. Comes with the original Gibson hardshell
case...USD $2500
2007 Bourgeois Slope D
Guitar
(Serial No. 004427, label hand signed
by Dana Bourgeois) Near mint condition. Has a premium Adirondack top with
mahogany back and sides, snakehead headstock with a pearl logo, ebony peghead
veneer, 1 23/32" nut width, bone nut and saddle, ivoroid body, neck, &
headstock binding, ivoroid rosette, black line backstrip, firestripe tortoise
pickguard, tiny dot inlays on the 25.5" scale length ebony fretboard, ebony
bridge, and nickel Waverly tuners with ivoroid buttons. Nice medium sunburst
hand shot by Dana. Strap button added at the heel. Dynamic, full, spectacular
tone, balance, projection, clarity and sustain. 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 craftmanship.
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. New these
list at $4195. This guitar is just a few months old and looks new....USD
$2550
2004 Santa Cruz Custom
D'03 Guitar
(Serial No. 4438) Near mint condition, looks unplayed. Its has a mahogany body with a German spruce top with double tapered bracing and scalloped tone bars, grained ivoroid rosette, ivoriod and tortoise body binding, no backstripe, Waverly tuners, unbound peghead with a Brazilian rosewood overlay, ebony fingerboard with no inlays and ebony bridge, 1 11/16 inch bone nut and bone saddle. 25.375 inch scale length. Very lightly constructed guitar - very resonate and responsive. Its plays very easily with a nice low action. Works well for flatpicking but will also respond to a delicate touch for fingerstyle. Comes with a nice maybe original hardshell case....USD $2550
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 invoriod/black/ivoroid 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
1993 Guild DV-52
Guitar
(Serial No. EK100639) Excellent
condition except for some finish checking. My first decent guitar was a Guild.
These are an excellent value in a solid wood made in USA guitar. Built in the
Westerly, RI plant. Has a Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides,
ebony fingerboard and bridge, gold Grover tuners and a pearl logo. This was
owned by a guitar tech in Montana so its set up perfectly. That also explains
the finish checking, which is caused by going from cold to a warm room. Strap
button added at the back of the heel. Fitted with a Baggs I-Beam pickup system
and end pin jack. Excellent sounding and playing guitar for not much $$. Comes
with the original hardshell case....USD $1200
1998 Huss and Dalton
TD-R Guitar
(Serial No. 091) Excellent
condition. Huss and Dalton are right here in Staunton, Virginia smack dab in the
middle of the Shenandoah Valley so they understand what a good bluegrass guitar
is all about. This one has a Sitka spruce top with hand-scalloped braces, built
to vintage pre-war Martin D-28 specs with the high X brace, Indian rosewood back
and sides, with an 1-3/4 inch bone nut on the ebony fingerboard, 30's modified
"V" profile neck, ebony belly bridge with 2-9/32 inch saddle spacing and an
intonated bone saddle, herringbone top trim and rosette, vintage style grained
ivoriod binding and open back nickel Waverly tuners. The attention to detail is
incredible. A Baggs pickup has been added inside along with an end pin jack.
Very powerful and resonant voice on this one, and the action is perfect for
flatpicking. Its a used guitar but is in excellent condition with a short well
repaired side crack. Comes with a nice TKL hard case. This is a true bluegrass
powerhouse by one of the best small shop builders in the business...USD $2350
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
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
Please click on the name of the
instrument or the camera icon beside it to see more details and larger pictures.
If you would like additional images of a specific instrument please email your
request.
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Mandolin World Headquarters...and Guitars!
1924 Martin T-18
Tiple
(Serial #21516) Excellent restored
condition. This is a players instrument. Its been refinished which make the
price much more affordable. Its plays nicely with decent action, has the
original tuners and bridge, and has no cracks or structural repairs. Mahogany
back and sides, solid Adirondack red spruce top, and rosewood fingerboard. Has
the koa wood bridge that was only used in the first 18 months of production. Has
the cool jangly sound you are looking for. Comes with the original hardshell
case...USD $950
1950s Martin
Style 3 Soprano Ukulele
(SN: None) Excellent
condition. Martin makes what are considered to be some of the best ukes ever
made and this is an excellent example. All mahogany body with nice seven ply top
binding and triple back binding with the fingerboard extending to the soundhole.
The tuners date it to the 1950's. Has two small hairline finish checks not to
the wood on either side of the fingerboard and extending to the soundhole. All
original finish and hardware. Nice sounding and playing uke. Comes with a newer
soft case...USD $2950
1924
Washburn Style A Tenor Banjo
(Serial No. 4003)
Excellent condition. Very cool little banjo in excellent playing condition. Nice
maple neck and pot. New head. All of the hardware and finish appears to be
original. Check out the unusual tone ring inside the pot. The 17 fret neck makes
this a good banjo for Irish and Celtic tunes. Comes with an old but probably not
original cardboard case...USD $1100
For a good article on Weissenborn, Kona and similar
Hawaiian slide guitars click here!
1938 Gibson EH-100 7
String Lap Steel Guitar
(Serial #481-12)
Excellent condition. All original 7 string lap steel with the famous Charlie
Christian blade pickup. White script logo on the peghead. All finish,
electronics and hardware is original, including the tuners. The steel plays and
sounds great. Comes with the original case which is covered in the dark tweed
with the yellow stripes....USD $1200
1954 Fender
Champion Lap Steel Guitar
(Serial No. 7407)
Nice early first generation Champion lap steel with the raw raspy sound. Shows
some wear especially on the bottom as this guitar was gigged and played. Looks
to be all original including the slotted shaft Kluson tuners, the chrome barrel
knobs and the pickup, capacitor and pots. Pickup looks similar to a Telecaster
bridge pickup. Serial number dates to 1955 but it has a piece of masking tape
inside the control cavity marked "Virginia 5-24-54". Original very beat tweed
hard case that still functions well...USD $750
1941 Epiphone
Coronet Electar Steel Guitar
(Serial No. 5105)
Excellent condition. Maple body with the metal fingerboard and metal peghead
logo. All finish, hardware and electronics are original including the tuners,
blade pickup and pots. Two original Bakelite knobs are on the guitar. The steel
plays and sounds great. Comes with the original case. ..USD $750
1935 Dobro Model
32 Guitar
(Serial No. M1501) Here's a cool old
resonator that's seen some action. Steel fiddle edge body with the Dobro style
cone and biscuit. This was originally finished sunburst, but as you can see its
been painted with copper colored paint. Looks like the cone and tuners are
original - I do not know about the tailpiece. The neck is straight and the
action is perfect for slide but a little high for fingerstyle. Good raspy blues
tone. Has just enough wear on the finish to be cool. Priced right and it comes
with a cardboard case...USD $1500
1932 National
Triolian Guitar
(Serial No. 2814W) Blues
approved! Excellent condition cosmetically, excellent condition soundwise. Has
most of the original cool yellow brown sunburst finish. Early 12 fret body,
original maple neck with slot peghead and flat f-holes. Just back from National
who went through the guitar, reset the neck, got rid of the buzzes and fitted a
new cone. The original cone will come with the guitar. The front of the peghead
has the National Triolian decal and the serial number stamp is on the end. No
major repairs evident. Neck is straight, neck and fingerboard as well as the
front of the body 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
$4350
1932 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 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 $in the shop
Click on
the name of the instrument or the small thumbnail picture beside it to see the
full size picture. If you would like additional images of a specific instrument
please email your request.
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here for how to order and return policy information
Click
Here for information on selling your instrument to me
Click here
for condition and case abbreviations
Click here to return to the home page for
Mandolin World Headquarters...and Guitars!
1971 Gibson ES-335
Guitar
(Serial No. 630790) Excellent
condition, bought from the original owner. Cherry red finish which I think is
the best color for this model. I think its a 1971, but as usual for Gibson it
has a mix of parts that supposedly could only be used on a certain year - all
different years, of course! It has an orange oval label and the earlier bridge
with the nylon saddles and the wire retainer, but it has the later logo with the
dot on the "i" - go figure. Its no earlier than 1970 and no later than 1972 -
hence 1971 kinda splits the difference. All original finish, electronics and
hardware. When I got it the frets were gone, so luthier Jerry Ray just
professionally refretted the guitar with original size frets and set it up. Has
the 1-9/16 inch nut which is a very fast playing neck. Its plays almost too low,
like a Les Paul - no worry about high action here. If you have a heavy pick hand
you will want to crank the bridge up a turn or two. Has some buckle wear on the
back, lots of checking and the comfortable feel and vibe of a well played-in
guitar. Comes with the really, really beat original hardshell case...USD $3600
ON HOLD for Emil in Denmark
1965 Fender Jaguar
Guitar
(Serial No. 113900) Excellent
condition. Neck date is October 65 which makes this a transition guitar with the
bound fingerboard, dot inlays and the later tuners. All original finish showing
the usual playing wear. Hardware and electronics are correct except for two
replaced slider switches. No routes or structural repairs. It does have some
buckle wear and the usual nicks and dings of a well played guitar. Action is low
and easy - it plays like silk. Frets have been dressed down so it has the
perfect action for surf players - you can slide the neck easily. This is a
really strong sounding guitar - these pickups smoke. Original no logo hardshell
case....USD $3250
1967 Mosrite
Doubleneck Guitar
(Serial No. 2J405/2J40453)
Excellent minus condition. Very cool guitar with both 6 and 12 string necks.
Sunburst finish. The finish, hardware and electronics all look original and
stock Mosrite. It has the small low frets, small dot inlays on the fingerboard,
and a Mosrite vibrato. Pot codes date to the 4th week of 1967. Its the same
guitar as the Joe Maphis model, but Semie used the screw washers on the back
instead of the usual "kidney" back neck found on the Maphis models. Please see a
email I received on this guitar in the expanded description - just click the
link above. Plays great as it was just set up professionally. Has that signature
Mosrite sound. Comes with the original very battered hardshell case....USD
$4250
Please click on the name of the instrument or the camera
icon beside it to see more details and larger pictures. If you would like
additional images of a specific instrument please email your
request.
Click here for how
to order and return policy information
Click here for information on selling your
instrument to me
Click here
for condition and case abbreviations
Click here to return to the home page for
Mandolin World Headquarters...and Guitars!
1978 Rickenbacker 4001 Bass
(Serial No. RF3001) Excellent minus condition. Ricky basses
have a sound all their own. This one is all original with the Fireglow finish,
chrome hardware, sharkfin inlays in the fretboard, and the optional Rick-O-Sound
stereo output. Set up with RotoWounds. Plays nicely with that signature thin
Rick neck and has a warm sweet tone. Shows the usual 70s era buckle wear on the
back but not through the wood. There is some pitting on the chrome and it has a
few other nicks and dings from 31 years of playing but overall its a clean bass.
Comes with the original hardshell case....USD $2500
1956 Fender
Precision Bass
(Serial No. 10117) Not perfect
but for a 52 year old bass this is in near mint condition. This bass was bought
this from the family of the original owner. They told me it was never gigged and
was just played mostly in the living room and very occasionally in church, but
has been in the case for the last 20 years. No fret wear, no major dings or
scrapes, no buckle wear, no changes of any kind. Had flatwounds on it when I
bought it. First year for the sunburst finish on the P bass. Same year as the
Sting bass. Nice light weight. The original strap and one old maybe original
string packet is in the case. Very clean original tweed case with the brass
Fender plate on the outside and the Koylon label on the inside...USD $20,000
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
None at this time
Are you searching the flea markets and antique stores
every weekend for looking for a old or cool instruments? Are you looking for
something decent to fix up and play? On a tight budget and don't mind a little
sweat equity? Keep reading for great deals! I get a lot of instruments in. Some
need work or have significant wear or finish issues. Many are projects that I
just do not have the time to get started, let alone complete. A few I've just
had for too long and they need to go on down the road. Some are just cool wall
hangers. These instruments are sold as-is. There is no approval period. I might
look at a trade if its not another project. I'm not interested in low ball
offers on these, as most are priced at my cost. Assume that they need work to
make them right. You do get a good deal on the price!
1908 Gibson A Mandolin
(Serial No. 9501) Early Orville label mandolin. This is a
worthy project for those handy with tools. What you see it what you get. The
main issue is that the three piece neck has started delaminating and will need
to be glued back together. The fingerboard is chipped out where the mounting
pins for the pickguard were located. I see no other structural issues. No cracks
or other repairs noted. The neck looks straight the frets look usable. Note - I
have not had this mandolin strung up under tension, so this is just observation
on my part. Finish is oxidized and needs to be compounded but looks original. It
comes with a set of original tuners that work but will need cleaning up. All
other hardware is missing and not available. No case....USD $600

All prices subject to change, up or down, without
notice. All instruments are subject to prior sale. All instruments are sold
as-is, with an approval period of 48 hours after receipt. For details click on
"How to order" information above.
Appraisals Click here for
information on appraisals.
I'm
looking for O, OO, and OOO size Martins and Gibsons, also Gibson mandolins and
mandolin parts. Please let me know what you have for sale. Cash or fair trades
offered. Thanks! Keep in touch!
Looking for something special, got one to sell, or
just want to comment?
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