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
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.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and
Discover

Sale / Trade list - Updated March 06,
2010
READY FOR SALE BUT TOO NEW FOR PICTURES: (Please
email for details)
2009 Gibson F5G
GIBSON F HOLE MANDOLINS:
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)
- 1995 Gibson F5L, Near mint condition, Bozeman built, the best postwar era for Gibson
-
1968 Gibson F12, An excellent sounding late 60s Gibson - go figure
- 1955 Gibson F12, This one thinks its a F5, elevated fretboard, flamed woods ON HOLD
-
1960s/70s Gibson F5 Case with Cover, Pink interior, original canvas cover
-
1986 Flatiron A5, Very clean, powerful and loud sound, signed by Steve Carlson
-
1994 Gibson Bill Monroe F5, Near mint, varnish finish,
limited edition signed by Bill himself
- 1934 Gibson F7 ,
All original, used professionally, shows honest playing wear, not
converted, one owner
- 1998 Flatiron A5
Artist , Top of the line A style for
Flatiron, fitted with a pickup, nice woods
OTHER BLUEGRASS MANDOLINS:
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)
- 2009 Larrivee F33, As new condition, varnish finish, F5 style, same high build quality as the guitars
- 2005 Collings MF, Sunburst finish, radiused fingerboard, nice strong sound
- 2005 Stanley F5, Near mint, red spruce top, varnish finish - My personal mando is a Stanley
-
1984 John Schofield A5, Beautiful
good sounding mandolin from deep in the heart of bluegrass
country
-
2009 Collings MF , Sunburst finish,
very clean, high build quality like the guitars
-
1999 Dearstone A5, Excellent bluegrass mandolin by a well
known small shop builder
- 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)
- 1924 Gibson A2Z, Near mint condition, the ultimate oval hole Gibson
-
1917 Gibson A4, Inlaid Handel tuners, red sunburst, top
repair makes the price low
-
1920 Gibson A2, Clean mandolin, good sound, no issues,
missing the guard
-
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
- 1916 Gibson A3, Pumpkin top, nice
playing mandolin, paddle peghead neck
- 1940 Gibson F4, Rare elevated
fingerboard like a F5, truss rod neck, traditional dot inlays
with treble extension
- 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
- 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)
- 2004 Weber Bighorn Mandolin, Two point body shape, oval soundhole, near mint condition
- 1920s Weymann Model 20 Mandolute, Nice vintage mandolin for a low price, ready to play
-
1942 Martin Style A, Sunburst top, near mint condition
- 1921 Martin Style AK, Very good condition,
some repairs prices it right
- 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 Octave Mandolin / Bouzouki, Koa wood back
and sides, 21 inch scale, 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)
- 1983 Martin D35, Near mint condition, three piece back, strap button added
- 2000 Martin HD28LSV, Modeled after the Clarence White D28 now played by Tony Rice
- 1996 Martin D28, Uncommon sunburst finish, sounds as good as it looks
- 1967 Martin D18, Tortoise guard, black binding, small maple bridge plate, very clean
- 1952 Martin 00018, Bearclaw spruce top, neck just reset, well played with a big sound
-
2007 Martin OMC-16E Koa, Koa back and sides, cutaway, pickup,
great gigging guitar
-
1929 Martin 0-18K, All Koa, all original, Hawaiian setup with
flat board and flush frets
-
1945 Martin 00-18, Fabulous wartime guitar, ebony truss rod,
light and responsive
-
1968 Martin D18,Clean guitar, no cracks, has the small maple
bridge plate
-
1987 Martin D37K, Spectacular Koa back and sides, pearl
soundhole ring, nice
-
1938 Martin D18, 1-3/4 nut, advanced bracing, Adirondack top,
refinish prices it right
-
1948 Martin 00018, Nice clean guitar, Adirondack top
- 1949 Martin D28, Beautiful guitar, used
extensively for bluegrass here in Virginia, one owner
- 1954 Martin D28, Brazilian rosewood,
powerful guitar, plays easy
- 1970 Martin D28, Sounds good and plays
nicely, strap button added, a 38 year old bluegrass boomer
- 1928 Martin 2-17, All mahogany body with a
sound larger than you would expect, 1 3/4 inch nut, fresh neck
set
- 1957 Martin 00021, Brazilian rosewood,
nice clean guitar, pro setup, warm and balanced sound
- 1969 Martin D21 , Nice vintage Brazilian
rosewood Martin dreadnaught, all the sound for less than a
D28
GIBSON ACOUSTIC GUITARS:
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)
- 2001 Gibson Advanced Jumbo, Mint condition, fossil ivory setup, powerful sound
- 1948 Gibson Southern Jumbo, Nice clean guitar, neck just reset, plays and sounds great ON HOLD
- 1946-47 Gibson LG2, Made just after the Banner pegheads, lots of wear, lots of sound
- 1951 Gibson J50, Collector clean, all original except for tuner buttons, clean brown case ON HOLD
-
1935 Gibson L00, Small tight sunburst, low action, excellent
sound
-
1944 Gibson J45 Banner, Big neck, big sound, mahogany top
Banner
-
1935 Gibson L00, Big 30s neck profile, 1-3/4 inch nut, neck
was just set, its ready to go
OTHER FINE ACOUSTIC GUITARS:
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)
- 2001 Gallagher Doc Watson, Mint unplayed condition, beautiful woods, good sound
- 1974 Mossman Flint Hills, Just your basic excellent condition hand built US made bluegrass powerhouse guitar
- 2000 Taylor 810CE, Rosewood/spruce higher grade Taylor, cutaway, Fishman Expression pickup system
-
1993 Guild F4CE, Good gigging guitar, thinner body, cutaway,
Fishman electronics
-
1999 Collings D1A, Adirondack/mahogany, 1-3/4 inch nut, big
bluegrass powerhouse
-
1973 Guild D25, All mahogany body, excellent vintage sound at
a reasonable price ON HOLD
-
2004 Santa Cruz Custom D'03, D size, mahogany/German
spruce, very light and resonant ON HOLD
-
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
- 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
ARCHTOP AND SEMI-HOLLOW GUITARS, ELECTRIC AND ACOUSTIC:
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)
- 1976 Gibson Byrdland, Very clean guitar, all original, plays like butter, sounds fabulous
- 1962 Gibson ES-120T, Clean, 1st year for this model, thin body with a hot single coil
- 1935 Gretsch Model 35 Archtop, Who says a cool vintage guitar has to be expensive?
-
1988 Gibson ES-175, Classic 16 inch jazzbox, 2 humbuckers,
sunburst,near mint
UKULELES, BANJOS, TIPLES, AND OTHER ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENTS:
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)
STEELS, DOBROS, NATIONALS, AND RESONATOR INSTRUMENTS:
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)
- 1946 Rickenbacker Bakelite Lap Steel, Has the desirable horseshoe pickup and a Stringtone tuning system
- 1937 Rickenbacker Model 100 Silver Hawaiian Lap Steel Guitar, Very clean, all original, first year
-
1932 National Style 0 , 12 fret body, clean, neck has some wear,
all original
-
1932 National Triolian, Very clean, 12 fret body, flat
F-holes, just set up
-
1950s Oahu Tonemaster Lap Steel, Made by Valco, strings-thru
pickup, very clean
-
1932 National Duolian, 12 fret body, flat F holes, all
original, very clean
-
1936 National Duolian, Monster sound, 14 fret body with
rolled F holes
-
1931 National Triolian, 12 fret body, flat f-holes, all
original, has the Hawaiian scene on the back
ELECTRIC SOLIDBODY INSTRUMENTS AND AMPS:
(Click on the underlined name for price and details)
- 1967 Rickenbacker 330, Fireglo finish, very clean and original guitar
- 1962 Fender Precision Bass, Fantastic road warrior, all original except one pot, wide neck width
- 1970 Fender Precision Bass, Sunburst, clean and original, plays great, sounds excellent
- 1974 Fender Telecaster, Blonde with a maple neck, just enough wear to be cool
- 1971 Fender Telecaster, Classic Tele blonde, maple board, all original
- 1974 Fender Telecaster, Blonde with maple fingerboard, clean, straight and original
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
$950
-
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
1920 Gibson A2 Mandolin
(Serial No. 60348) Excellent condition, Sheraton brown finish.
Nice playing and sounding mandolin just set up by my luthier
Jerry Ray. No breaks or cracks, neck is straight, original tuners
and tailpiece, probably a replacement bridge, and missing the
pickguard. Shows a little case wear on the sides and the usual
nicks and dings of a mandolin used to make music for 89 years.
Big open woody round hole sound. Comes with a newer hardshell
case........USD $2100
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1924 Gibson A2Z Snakehead Mandolin
(Serial No. 74971 FON 11991) Snakehead! Very clean mandolin in excellent original condition. The A2Z variation is the most sought after of the Gibson A style round hole instruments, and for good reason. They sound great! The label is marked "A2Z". It has the inlaid pearl logo, bound top, back and fingerboard, the double thin soundhole rosettes like the A2, and the thin black line of inner binding on the top. This is a classic Loar era instrument with the sound that you expect from this period. Plays smoothly with excellent volume and tone. This is just a great sounding mandolin - an excellent demonstration of why many pickers believe the snakehead era mandolins are the best ever made by Gibson. Excellent condition with some very minor finish wear and checking and some pick scratches on the bass side of the top. No breaks, cracks or refinish. Blonde top finish and brown back and sides. Has the adjustable truss rod. All hardware and finish is original. Comes with the original hardshell case....USD $7250
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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. 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
1917 Gibson A4 Mandolin
(Serial No. 38937) Very clean mandolin in excellent repaired
condition. The A4 was the top of the line for the Gibson A style
mandolins. It has the overall red finish with the slight sunburst
as is correct for 1917, a pearl logo and peghead inlay, bound top
and back, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension.
The hardware is all original including the inlaid Handel tuners
but it is missing the pickguard. A top crack has been repaired as
shown. Its been stable under tension for several months. With
modern glues this will never be a problem in the future. Nice big
woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! Neck is straight,
neck angle is good and the frets are in great shape. Just set up
so plays nicely. Soft case....USD $1950
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 plus condition showing minor playing wear. The F2 is the same mandolin as the top of the line scroll F4, but with less fancy cosmetics. It has the overall red finish with a slight sunburst, two piece back, pearl logo, bound top and bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension. Finish and hardware appear original. Nice big woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! Nek is straight, neck angle is good and the frets are fine. The big scroll on the peghead was apparently broken off and replaced as the grain does not match exactly and you can see a line on the upper top edge, but it is an excellent repair as you cannot see the repair on either the face or the back of the peghead. Please click on the pics of the peghead and tuners to see really high resolution pics. There was a minor finish check on the top right under the scroll that threatened to become a crack, so it was cleated inside to prevent any future issues. F2s are getting harder to find in decent playable condition, and prices are continuing to rise every year. Did I mention that it has really strong tone and volume and plays like butter? Comes with a newer hardshell case......USD $3950
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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
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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
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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
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1955 Gibson F12 Mandolin
(Serial No. 21254) Excellent plus condition, sunburst finish. The F12 was intended to be the plainer version of the F5, but this one is still the classic Gibson scroll mandolin. It has all the good stuff - long neck, f-holes, elevated fingerboard, heavily flamed maple back and sides, solid spruce top, bound ebony fingerboard, gold hardware, and the pearl Gibson logo. You seldom see wood this nice on a F12 - it was usually reserved for the F5s. The only difference from the F5 of the period is the unbound peghead, single ply body binding, a simpler peghead logo and the shape of the tailpiece cover. That's it - and the price, of course. Action is great - easy and low. Shows some expected finish checking and the usual small nicks and dings of mandolin used to make music for over 50 years. Looks like there might be a very old center seam repair on the lower back, but if so it was done decades ago. This mandolin has opened up nicely, with a great chop and bark. Original black shaped hardshell case with the pink interior...USD $4950 ON HOLD for Dan in TN
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1968 Gibson F12 Mandolin
(Serial No. 896437) Excellent plus condition, sunburst finish. Here's something you don't see often - a late 60s Gibson mandolin that sounds great! The late 1960s were the beginning of Gibsons "dark period" and quality control was very erratic. Occasionally a really good instrument was made - this is one of those. The F5 of this period had a bright cherry sunburst with big block fingerboard inlays, gold hardware, and multiple body binding - a very flashy instrument. This mandolin has a more traditional appearance. The F12 was intended to be the plainer version of the F5, but this one is still the classic Gibson scroll mandolin. It has all the good stuff - long neck, f-holes, elevated fingerboard, slightly flamed maple back and sides, solid spruce top, bound ebony fingerboard with no treble extension as built, gold hardware, and the pearl Gibson logo. Action is great - easy and low. Shows some expected finish checking and the usual small nicks and dings of mandolin used to make music for over 40 years. This mandolin has opened up nicely, with a great chop and bark. Original black rectangular hardshell case with the gold interior...USD $3750
1986 Flatiron A5 Mandolin
(Serial No. 86100636) Excellent condition, sunburst finish. Pre-Gibson production. When Gibson went to the NAMM show in late 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 A5 mandolin with flamed maple back, sides and neck, carved spruce top with X bracing, pearl logo, elevated flat ebony fingerboard, and nickel hardware. Strap button added at the heel and an end pin jack is fitted, but there is no pickup in the mandolin. Finish is original lacquer with a hand applied sunburst stain. All hardware is original. Great playing mandolin that shows just a little playing wear, mostly wear on the tailpiece cover. No repairs. The sound is why you want this mandolin. Good chop and bark - excellent bluegrass mandolin. Signed by Steve Carlson, the shop foreman and considered one of the great builders. 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 what I think is the original hardshell case...USD $2500
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
1994
Gibson Bill Monroe F5 Mandolin
(#166 of 200) Near mint condition with the original paperwork in
the case. No nicks, dings, or wear whatsoever. In 1992 Gibson
released a limited run of F5 mandolins built to the same spec as
Bill's Loar F5. This is number 166 of 200 and was a varnish
finish mandolin. It features the torch peghead inlay, silver
plated hardware, a Loar style neck, and a Bill Monroe signature
pearl truss rod cover. It has a custom made and fitted Loar style
case that is numbered the same as the mandolin. It plays and
sounds excellent with a good woody chop, although its still a
little "green" as its an nearly unplayed instrument.
Binding has yellowed nicely over the years. Shows a very slight
haze at a few places in the finish as is typical of varnish
mandolins of that era. The mandolin is hand signed on the label
on 9/19/94 by both Bruce Weber, the shop foreman and the Big Mon
himself, Bill Monroe. Its an excellent investment in both Gibson
and bluegrass history....USD $12,000
1995 Gibson F5L Mandolin
(Serial No. 5831089) Near mint condition, sunburst finish. This is the classic Gibson scroll mandolin - long neck, f-holes, elevated fingerboard, heavily flamed maple back and sides, solid spruce top, bound ebony fingerboard, gold hardware, and the classic Fern peghead inlay in pearl. No repairs or other issues noted. The pickguard is warped a little but still fits well. In 1995 this model was the top of the line for Gibson. Its now called the F5 Fern. Its set up perfectly. Action is great - easy and low. This mandolin has opened up nicely, with a great chop and bark. The sound is why you want this mandolin. Signed by Larry Barnwell. Bozeman built Gibsons are always heavily in demand. Most pickers won't part with theirs - once you play this one you'll know why. Comes with the clean original hardshell case.
1995 Gibson F5L Mandolin
(Serial No. 5831089) Near mint condition, sunburst finish. This is the classic Gibson scroll mandolin - long neck, f-holes, elevated fingerboard, heavily flamed maple back and sides, solid spruce top, bound ebony fingerboard, gold hardware, and the classic Fern peghead inlay in pearl. No repairs or other issues noted. The pickguard is warped a little but still fits well. In 1995 this model was the top of the line for Gibson. Its now called the F5 Fern. Its set up perfectly. Action is great - easy and low. This mandolin has opened up nicely, with a great chop and bark. The sound is why you want this mandolin. Signed by Larry Barnwell. Bozeman built Gibsons are always heavily in demand. Most pickers won't part with theirs - once you play this one you'll know why. Comes with the clean original hardshell case...USD $5750
- None at this time
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|
Flatiron was started by Steve Carlson as "Back Porch
Productions" in Bozeman, Montana in 1979. Bruce Weber was an
early employee and built many of the mandolins. Their first
mandolins were copies of the teens Gibson "Army-Navy"
pancake mandolins. They later branched out into carved top
instruments, and were building a superior mandolin to Gibson by
the mid to late 1980s. In late 1987 Gibson bought Flatiron and
moved all mandolin production from Nashville to Bozeman.
Mandolins were built in Bozeman until 1998, when Gibson moved all
production back to Nashville. In 2000 Gibson discontinued the
Flatiron line, and later revived the name to use for cheap
souvenir mandolins at the Opry Mills Store in Nashville.
Although
Flatiron was the "budget" line, Gibson and Flatiron
mandolins were built side by side in the plant by the same
luthiers. Both are the same high build quality. There were some
models of each that were identical and the only difference was
the color of the finish and the name on the peghead. There are
some basic differences in the upper end models. The top of the
line Gibsons were always tone bar braced, used traditional size
fret wire and had the classic fingerboard extension. The Flatiron
top of the line Master and Artist mandolins were X braced, which
many pickers think gives a more percussive chop. They also had
abbreviated fingerboard extensions, had a radiused fretboard and
used larger fret wire. The pre-Gibson carved top Flatirons are
considered some of the best post war mandolins made. The Bozeman
era Gibson and Flatiron mandolins are excellent bluegrass
instruments.
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1986 Flatiron A5 Mandolin
(Serial No. 86100636) Excellent condition, sunburst finish. Pre-Gibson production. When Gibson went to the NAMM show in late 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 A5 mandolin with flamed maple back, sides and neck, carved spruce top with X bracing, pearl logo, elevated flat ebony fingerboard, and nickel hardware. Strap button added at the heel. Finish is original lacquer with a hand applied sunburst stain. All hardware is original. Great playing mandolin that shows just a little playing wear, mostly wear on the tailpiece cover. No repairs. The sound is why you want this mandolin. Good chop and bark - excellent bluegrass mandolin. Signed by Steve Carlson, the shop foreman and considered one of the great builders. 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 what I think is the original hardshell case...USD $2500
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 is the exclusive
dealer for Richard Beard mandolins and 'zooks. These
excellent instruments are hand-built in North Carolina. Richard
teaches woodworking and is known in the area for both his Celtic
music radio show and his excellent picking at the local Irish
session. As a session player he knows the difference in an
instrument suited for Celtic and Irish music instead of the usual
bluegrass mandolin. Richard only builds a handful of instruments
a year and the build quality is top notch - right up there with
the best. If you play Celtic and are ready to step up to a
professional grade instrument at an affordable price you need to
check out one of these.
|
2009
Richard Beard Octave Mandolin / Bouzouki
(Serial #32) New with warranty. This is the seventeen 'zook I
have received from Richard and I think he just gets better and
better with each one he builds. These are professional grade
instruments. Tremendous resonance and response in this one. It
has a strong and powerful percussive sound with a deep rich bass.
The back and sides are Hawaiian Koa which I think is a superior
tone wood for long scale double course instruments. The
fingerboard and bridge are ebony, and the solid Sitka spruce top
is x-braced with herringbone top trim. The neck has an adjustable
truss rod and the ebony fingerboard has slotted diamond inlays.
Solid one piece tailpiece eliminates buzzing and loose covers.
Fit and finish is first class professional work - as good as
those famous guitar makers. Scale length is 21 inches so it works
well for both melody and backup rhythm playing. The x-braced top
gives it plenty of punch for driving a session. Nice low action
plays effortlessly with a great neck. Its currently tuned GDAE as
an octave mandolin but any zook tuning like ADAD or GDAD would
work as well. Handmade in North Carolina and comes with a custom
fitted TKL hardshell case. Call me for your internet price...USD
$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. 1015) 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. Comes
with a new rectangular TKL hardshell case...$SOLD....Another on order
Please click on the name of the instrument or the camera
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World Headquarters...and Guitars!
2009 Larrivee F33 Scroll Mandolin
(SN: 107795) Mint as-new condition, traded to me by a Larrivee Dealer. F5 style body. Jean Larrivee has been building fine guitars for some time. He has now started building mandolins and this is the same high build quality as his guitars. Fit and finish is excellent. Has a traditional thin hand rubbed varnish finish in sunburst, flamed maple back and sides, Sitka spruce top, ebony bridge and radiused fretboard, pearl logo, and gold hardware including a one piece Allen tailpiece. Fully bound body, neck and headstock. Has a good balanced sweet sound all its own. Its not a Gibson sound - it sounds more like a X-braced Flatiron or Weber. It probably still thinks its a tree as it sounds a bit green but you can hear it will have a nice bluegrass voice in it with a little age and picking. If you are looking for a neck with a little more room this will work for you. It has a 1-1/8 nut with a very playable slightly larger neck profile than a Gibson F5 - it reminds me of a F4 neck. Just set up professionally and ready to play. Comes with a TKL rectangular hardshell case....USD $2500
2003 Bill Davis F5 Mandolin
(Serial No. 11603) Excellent plus condition, sunburst finish with
a satin gloss. Nice looking and sounding mandolin custom built by
Bill Davis, noted Kansas builder. Sounds very strong with good
depth and projection. Has nicely flamed maple back and sides,
solid spruce top with tone bar bracing, radiused ebony
fingerboard and bridge, gold hardware including an Allen one
piece tailpiece, and a pearl logo and peghead inlay. The
fingerboard has a scooped extension to eliminate pick click.
Workmanship is first class. The mandolin plays like silk with
good volume and a strong woody chop. If you are looking for good
sound and playability at a reasonable price, this is your
mandolin. Comes with a shaped hardshell case...USD $3250
2005 Collings MF Mandolin
(Serial No. 568) Excellent plus condition, dark sunburst lacquer with the satin finish. Collings mandolins are made to the same high standards as their guitars. This is the less fancy version of the Collings F5, but believe me, the only thing lacking is some of the pretty cosmetics. Soundwise its a banjo killer - this one is loud. It really cuts through a jam. Excellent tone with a good woody chop. It has a fully carved top and back and is crafted with a seasoned select solid Adirondack spruce top and flamed maple back, neck and sides. Has a radiused ebony fingerboard and ebony bridge. Tortoise top binding only and an unbound back, fingerboard and peghead, but it does have the nice pearl Collings logo and inlay. Chrome hardware. Action is low and easy - it plays like silk. Original shaped Collings hardshell case included...USD $3500
2009 Collings MF Mandolin
(Serial Number: 1003) Near mint condition, satin sunburst finish.
Collings mandolins are made to the same high standards as their
guitars. This is the less fancy version of the Collings F5, but
believe me, the only thing lacking is some of the pretty
cosmetics. Soundwise its a banjo killer - this one is loud. It
really cuts through a jam. Excellent tone with a good woody chop.
It has a fully carved top and back and is crafted with a seasoned
select solid Adirondack spruce top and flamed maple back, neck
and sides. Has an 1-1/8 inch nut on the radiused ebony
fingerboard. Ebony bridge. Grained ivoriod top binding only and
an unbound back, fingerboard and peghead, but it does have the
nice pearl Collings logo and inlay. Chrome hardware. Action is
low and easy - it plays like silk. the mandolin is really clean -
looks unplayed. Anything you see in the pictures that looks like
a blemish is probably a reflection. Come with the original shaped
Collings hardshell case....USD $3500
1984 John Schofield A5 Mandolin
(Serial Number: 94) Excellent condition. One of my personal
mandolins is a Schofield. John has been building mandolins in the
Shenandoah Valley of Virginia for years. As he is right in the
heart of bluegrass country he knows the sound of a good mandolin.
This one has nicely flamed maple back, sides and neck, Sitka top,
fully bound body, neck and peghead, 1-1/8 inch nut, flat ebony
fingerboard and bridge, a gold Monteleone style one-piece
tailpiece, and gold Gotah tuners. Nice chop and good woody deep
tone. Has a cross inlaid on the peghead instead of Johns usual
logo. Label inside indicates it was a custom build for Victor
Seal. Comes with a newer hardshell case....USD $2250
2005 Stanley F5 Mandolin
(SN 14) Near mint condition with a structural warranty. I'll tell you how much I like Chris's mandolins - I bought one for myself. Chris Stanley is a great picker and has owned several Loars and Ferns, so he knows tone. He's also an accomplished woodworker and luthier, so when he decided to build mandolins he had a pretty good head start. This mandolin is impressive - the fit and hand rubbed varnish finish is great, the action is easy and the tone is there. Look at that back wood - its one piece of nicely flamed maple. The top is red spruce and is deliberately mismatched like most Loars you see. All high grade parts - ebony fingerboard and bridge, pearl logo, and grained ivoriod binding. Now, there's two camps on mandolin sound. The Loar F5 was made to play in ensembles, so it has a good midrange as well as bass and treble. Many modern mandolins are looking for a deep woody woof on the bottom, sometimes decent trebles, but usually lack in the mids. This mandolin is firmly in the Loar camp. Its a very well balanced mandolin across the strings, with strong even response. Yes you have the chop but you also have the rest of the notes as well. Chris has agreed to extend a structural warranty to the new owner. Its a pre-owned mandolin, so finish wear and nicks and dings are not covered. Comes with a hardshell case...$7250 USD
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 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
2004 Weber Bighorn Mandolin
(Serial No. 4151910) Near mint condition. Has nice flamed maple back, sides and top, solid Sitka spruce top with bearclaw figure and oval soundhole, x braced top, pearl logo in the tapered snakehead style peghead, solid one piece tailpiece, radiused ebony fingerboard with treble extension, ebony Weber Traditional bridge, and of course the very cool two point body shape. The bearclaw figure you see in the top comes from the compressed wood at the bottom of a tree. Not only is it pretty, but the wood is denser allowing for a thinner and more responsive top without sacrificing strength. The modified x bracing give the mandolin some serious pop and volume, and a lovely depth and warmth you wouldn't expect. The Bighorn body is the largest volume area of any of the mandolins Weber makes, even more than an F-style, and in fact Bruce Weber's own personal instrument is a Bighorn he built a few years back. Plays great and has a very warm woody tone. Bruce Weber built a lot of Gibsons and Flatirons there in Montana. Now he has his own shop and is turning out high quality instruments. This instrument is ready to go. It needs nothing but your fingers on the strings! Comes with the original Weber hardshell case....USD $2650
1980s Stefan Sobell 5 Course Octave
Mandolin
(Serial # none) Stefan Sobell builds the finest instruments for
Celtic music in the world. This is the sound you hear on all the
Irish and Celtic recordings. It has an Indian rosewood back and
sides and a spruce top, which is the combination of tone woods
Stefan used most often. The long scale at 24 inches and 5 courses
give numerous possibilities for tuning. I have it in DADAD
tuning, but you could use GCGCD, GDADA or other long scale
tunings as well. The cool thing about the longer scale is the
ability to capo, even up to the octave. It also has a mahogany
neck, herringbone top trim, fully bound body, gold tuners, brass
Sobell one piece tailpiece, and an ebony fingerboard. The
fingerboard is slightly wider than a Gibson to allow quick rolls
and triplets. Has amazing volume and sustain. Neck is straight,
neck angle is good, frets are fine. The bridge appears to be
original and is fit well to the top. A high quality Fishman
soundhole pickup is included and the body has already been
drilled for the jack. Action is low and comfortable. Very loud
instrument that will cut through sessions with ease. Deep woody
round tone and very clear notes. Comes with a custom made Calton
hardshell case....USD $6500
1926 Martin Style A Mandolin
(Serial #12907) Excellent condition. All solid woods with a
mahogany back and sides and spruce top. Good neck and frets,
plays nice with a low action but still has plenty of volume.
Great for old-time, Celtic, or jazz. Tortoise binding and
pickguard. Original tailpiece and tuners. The Martin stamp is
both inside and on the back of the peghead. Comes with a
non-original case....USD $1200
1942
Martin Style A Mandolin
(Serial Number #A17306) Excellent plus condition showing only the
slightest pick wear on the front. Nice prewar Martin sunburst on
the Adirondack top, mahogany back and sides, rosewood fingerboard
and bridge, tortoiseshell binding and pickguard. Good neck and
frets, plays nice with a low action but still has plenty of
volume. Great for old-time, Celtic, or jazz. Nice tortoiseshell
binding and pickguard. Original tuners and a Style A unengraved
tailpiece. Comes with a soft case.....USD $1600
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
1920s Weymann Model 20 Mandolute
(Serial No. 24281) Excellent condition. Nice unusual mandolute body style. Has a flamed maple back and sides and a solid spruce top. Nice playing and sounding mandolin, just set up by my luthier. There is a repaired top crack on the upper bass side and what is either a short top crack or maybe just a finish check on the top treble side near the tailpiece, but it does not go to the bridge. All hardware and finish is original. Comes with the original hardshell case......USD $500
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1987 Hartz Buskirk Mandola
(Serial No. 003) Excellent condition. This instrument was custom made for the late great Paul Buskirk by Steve Hartz of Nacagdoches, Texas, and was used to record the 1993 CD "Nacagdoches Waltz". Paul Buskirk was well known as a mandolin and tenor banjo player, and is credited with teaching Willie Nelson how to play guitar. Willie in fact plays backup guitar on the CD. The label indicates this is a mandola, but the scale length is 21.5 inches. I have it strung up and tuned as an octave mandolin and it works fine. Top is spruce and the back, sides and neck are flamed maple. The flat ebony fingerboard has a 1 3/8 inch nut. Pearl logo and fingerboard inlay. The pickguard is missing, and the instrument has several nicks and dings as it was a working instrument for Buskirk. No repairs noted. Has a huge rich sound and a nice low action. Excellent for studio or live work as a mandocello, octave mandolin or possibly mandola. Would be perfect for Celtic or classical music. Comes with a large custom made hardshell case and a copy of the CD....USD $4950
1980s Stefan Sobell 5 Course Octave
Mandolin
(Serial # none) Stefan Sobell builds the finest instruments for
Celtic music in the world. This is the sound you hear on all the
Irish and Celtic recordings. It has an Indian rosewood back and
sides and a spruce top, which is the combination of tone woods
Stefan used most often. The long scale at 24 inches and 5 courses
give numerous possibilities for tuning. I have it in DADAD
tuning, but you could use GCGCD, GDADA or other long scale
tunings as well. The cool thing about the longer scale is the
ability to capo, even up to the octave. It also has a mahogany
neck, herringbone top trim, fully bound body, gold tuners, brass
Sobell one piece tailpiece, and an ebony fingerboard. The
fingerboard is slightly wider than a Gibson to allow quick rolls
and triplets. Has amazing volume and sustain. Neck is straight,
neck angle is good, frets are fine. The bridge appears to be
original and is fit well to the top. A high quality Fishman
soundhole pickup is included and the body has already been
drilled for the jack. Action is low and comfortable. Very loud
instrument that will cut through sessions with ease. Deep woody
round tone and very clear notes. Comes with a custom made Calton
hardshell case....USD $6500
2009
Richard Beard Octave Mandolin / Bouzouki
(Serial #32) New with warranty. This is the seventeen 'zook I
have received from Richard and I think he just gets better and
better with each one he builds. These are professional grade
instruments. Tremendous resonance and response in this one. It
has a strong and powerful percussive sound with a deep rich bass.
The back and sides are Hawaiian Koa which I think is a superior
tone wood for long scale double course instruments. The
fingerboard and bridge are ebony, and the solid Sitka spruce top
is x-braced with herringbone top trim. The neck has an adjustable
truss rod and the ebony fingerboard has slotted diamond inlays.
Solid one piece tailpiece eliminates buzzing and loose covers.
Fit and finish is first class professional work - as good as
those famous guitar makers. Scale length is 21 inches so it works
well for both melody and backup rhythm playing. The x-braced top
gives it plenty of punch for driving a session. Nice low action
plays effortlessly with a great neck. Its currently tuned GDAE as
an octave mandolin but any zook tuning like ADAD or GDAD would
work as well. Handmade in North Carolina and comes with a custom
fitted TKL hardshell case. Call me for your internet price...USD
$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 $2550
1929
Martin 0-18K Guitar
(Serial No. 35042) Excellent condition with one noticeable
repair. This guitar was purchased from the family of the original
owner and then traded to me. All Hawaiian Koa wood body. Peghead
overlay, fingerboard and bridge are Brazilian rosewood with gold
Martin script logo. Original unconverted Hawaiian setup with a
flat fingerboard with flush frets, original tall ebony nut and a
straight across saddle. Very well balanced guitar with a big open
woody sound and strong volume. It would be a fabulous recording
guitar. Very minor player wear. Neck is straight, frets are good,
neck set is good. There is one noticeable repair on the side near
the neck on the upper bass bout. It was repaired a long time ago
but you can see it. Comes with the original case.....USD
$3550
1945
Martin 0018 Guitar
(Serial No. 92795) Excellent condition. Great sounding and
playing small body guitar. Adirondack spruce top with scalloped
braces, mahogany back and sides, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard
and bridge - whats not to like? All the good stuff coming to you
in a small couch friendly package. Very well balanced guitar with
a big open woody sound and strong volume. It would be a fabulous
recording guitar. Has the standard 1-11/16 nut. Peghead overlay
and fingerboard are Brazilian rosewood with gold Martin script
logo. The neck was just reset by luthier Ward Elliott so the action is low with plenty of saddle. There is a repaired area on the lower side that is probably a jack hole repair. Tuners have
been changed for nickel open back Grovers as used on Martin small
bodies from the 60's. Has an ebony truss rod so its light and
responsive. Wartime peghead has no tuner bushings as built. Shows
player wear with the usual nicks, dings and pickwear. The top has
turned a nice orange and the lighting shows the runout in the
book matched top. That is not a modified top, its one piece of
wood that was sawed and book matched end to end. The grain shows
differently in direct light which gives the appearance of two
different pieces of wood. Neck is straight, frets were just
dressed and crowned. Strap button added at the heel. Comes with a newer hardshell
case....USD $5900
1948 Martin 000-18 Guitar
(Serial No. 108119) Excellent minus condition. Nicely aged spruce
top and mahogany back and sides. Martin is supposed to have used
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 $5900
1952 Martin 000-18 Guitar
(Serial No. 123477) Excellent minus/very good plus condition. Nicely aged spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Martin is supposed to have used 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. This is a beautiful piece of bearclaw spruce. Bearclaw is a natural figure in the wood that is caused by compression on the lower part of th tree trunk. The wood is denser so the top can be lighter, thinner and more responsive without giving up strength. Weighs almost nothing - this guitar is light as a feather. The open back Kluson tuners are original. Rosewood peghead overlay with gold Martin script. Has a Martin C shaped neck profile with a standard 1 11/16 nut width. The bridge was reglued and the neck was recently reset by luthier Dave Sheppard and the action is low and comfortable with plenty of saddle left. Dave also repaired the typical Martin pickguard crack under the high e string and a couple of short dryness side cracks. No other repairs noted. The frets are in good shape and the neck is straight. There are some minor scratches, nicks and dings and honest pickwear from 57 years of playing. Has a nice big open woody sound with strong volume. Comes with a newer non-original hardshell case....USD $4850
1957 Martin 000-21 Guitar
(Serial No. 157606) Excellent minus condition. Nicely aged spruce
top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides. Has the standard 1
11/16 inch nut and a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge.
Rosewood peghead overlay with gold Martin script. Nice big open
woody sound with strong volume. This guitar must have had a pro
neck set and setup as it plays beautifully. All hardware and
finish is original. Someone screwed the bridge down in the past
but it has been repaired and this is the original bridge. Bridge
plate is replaced with a oversized maple plate which does not
seem to affect the sound, as this guitar has the warm tone,
string to string balance and volume you expect from these
rosewood 000 size guitars. There are no structural repairs but
lots of finish checking, pickwear, and the usual nicks and dings
of a well loved and much played guitar. Comes with a newer Martin
Geib hardshell case...USD $5850
2007 Martin 0MC16E Koa Guitar
(Serial No. 1233945) Excellent near mint condition with only the
slightest signs its been played. Wonderful small body guitar with
a large sound all out of proportion to the smaller size. Solid
Sitka spruce top with a abalone rosette, cutaway, and the hybrid
X scalloped top bracing. Has beautiful flamed Hawaiian koa wood
back and sides, tortoise binding, rosewood fingerboard and
bridge, chrome Schaller tuners, bone nut and saddle. Has a 1-3/4
inch nut and the neck is a rounded oval profile. It has the
sound, too. Works well for flatpickers or fingerpickers with a
broad dynamic range that responds well to a light touch or a hard
attack. Very versatile and comfortable guitar. If you need to
plug in, its fitted with a Fishman Ellipse Matrix Blend pickup
that has both an under saddle pickup as well as a microphone on a
gooseneck inside the guitar. The pickup has discreet volume and
tone controls mounted inside the soundhole. Strap button added at
the heel. Comes with the original very nice hardshell case....USD
$2150
1938 Martin D18 Guitar
(Serial #70797) Excellent restored condition. This is the guitar
that all of the modern makers are trying to copy. Last year for
the 1-3/4 nut width for this model. Dreadnaught size body with
mahogany back and sides, Adirondack spruce top with advanced
bracing, 1-3/4 inch nut with a V profile neck, ebony fingerboard
and bridge, original pickguard. Complete refinish in the 1950s
including a new decal and new 1950s tuners. Has an old neck heel
repair that was doweled by David Musslewhite when he just went
through the guitar. Fresh neck set and frets, new bridge plate
and bridge also by Musselwhite. The action is low and
comfortable. Very lightweight guitar with a beautiful open clear
sound. Its an extremely complex tone with lots of volume, clear
trebles, and a strong focused bass. It has a quick and delicate
sound that responds equally well to fingerstyle or a 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 $21,500
1967 Martin D18 Guitar
(Serial No. 219412) Excellent plus condition. Almost a 1966 - this is only a few hundred serial numbers into 1967. This is the classic Martin D-18 - solid mahogany back and sides and a solid spruce top, black pickguard and binding. Tuners are the correct Grovers marked Patent Applied For. Has a few nicks and dings and but overall a clean guitar. Neck is straight, neck set is fine and it plays great with a nice low action. No cracks or other repairs. Transition model with the black binding and tortoise pickguard and the small maple bridge plate. Has a very pretty Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. This one has that solid Martin "boom" you need in a good bluegrass guitar. Plays very easy with a nice low action. This is an excellent sounding D-18. Comes with a newer hardshell case....USD $3800
-
1968
Martin D-18 Guitar
(Serial No. 233487) Excellent plus condition. This is the classic
Martin D-18 - solid mahogany back and sides and a solid spruce
top, black pickguard and binding. Tuners are the correct Grovers
marked Patent Applied For. Has a few nicks and dings and a small
spot of thumb wear on the side of the neck but overall a clean
guitar. Neck is straight, neck set is fine and it plays great
with a nice low action. No cracks or other repairs. Black binding
and pickguard but still has the small maple bridge plate. This
one has that solid Martin "boom" you need in a good
bluegrass guitar. Plays very easy with a nice low action. This is
an excellent sounding D-18. Comes with a newer hardshell
case...USD $3150
-
1969 Martin D-21 Guitar
(Serial No. 253673) Excellent condition. The 21 series Martins
were intended as the line between the 18 and the 28 series. They
have Brazilian rosewood back and sides like the 28 series and a
rosewood fingerboard and bridge and the simpler binding of the 18
series. I bought this one from the second owner who had it for
over 30 years. Has nicely figured Brazilian rosewood back and
sides and a Sitka top. Original black binding and guard. Standard
1-11/16 nut width. Tuners, bridge and finish look to be original.
Has the usual pickguard crack common to most older Martins and
one short area for a few inches where it looks like the binding
was reglued but no other repairs are evident. Its not visually
obvious but it must have had a neck set as it has a nice low
action with good volume and plenty of saddle left. There are some
nicks and dings from the last 39 years of playing. This guitar
has that well-known Martin "boom" that is ideal for
bluegrass. These guitars are sleepers on the market. You can get
all the sound of a older Martin dreadnought, the collectability
of a Brazilian rosewood guitar, and have an instrument that's
just a little bit different than all the others for much less
than a D-28. Comes with a newer hardshell case....USD $5500
1949 Martin D-28 Guitar
(Serial No. 111435) Excellent condition. This is what a good
bluegrass guitar is all about. Has a spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides. The figure in the sides is spectacular.
The only crack repair I see is the usual repaired pickguard
crack. Finish is original and shows the usual nicks and dings and
some buckle wear on the back. Tuners are exact replacement
Klusons. This guitar has all the power and tone you expect from
an old Martin. The action is nice and low so I would expect it
has had a neck reset. Bridge looks to be replaced and there is a
repaired jack hole in the side with some finish touch up in that
area. This guitar has that well-known Martin "boom"
that is ideal for bluegrass. Very powerful bluegrass sound. Comes
with a newer hardshell case.....USD $18,000
1954 Martin D-28 Guitar
(Serial No. 141215) Excellent condition. This is an outstanding
bluegrass guitar with all the punch you expect in a older Martin.
Nicely aged spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides.
This guitar was gone though in 2006 by Dave Musslewhite with a
new exact old style replacement bridge, neck set and refret. No
cracks or crack repairs - not even a guard crack. Has the
standard 1 11/16 inch nut and an ebony fingerboard and bridge.
Rosewood peghead overlay with gold Martin script. Strong guitar -
plays easy with low action, and has a nice big open woody sound
and its loud! Has the expected finish checking, pickwear, and the
usual nicks and dings of a well loved and much played guitar.
Finish and hardware are original. Comes with an old maybe
original hardshell case....USD $10,950
1970 Martin D-28 Guitar
(Serial No. 268816) Excellent minus condition. This is the
classic Martin D-28 - solid Indian rosewood back and sides and a
solid spruce top. Original finish shows some honest playing wear
and nicks and dings, but no major repairs or issues. Neck is
straight, neck set is good and the frets are fine. Original black
pickguard. The saddle has been intonated to note correctly up the
neck. White plastic strap button added at the neck. Looks like
there was a jack near the end pin at one time as there is a small
area only in the plastic bottom trim strip that has been filled.
I also think the bridge may be a bit oversized, but there is no
evidence that this bridge has been off and on so it could easily
be factory. The previous owner must have been Hawk, as he wrote
his name inside on the back brace. This guitar has that solid
Martin "boom" you need in a good bluegrass guitar. The
saddle is low but it plays very easy with a nice action. This is
a excellent sounding well played and nicely aged D-28. Comes with
an older non-original hardshell case....USD $2200
1996 Martin D28 Guitar
(Serial No. 591226) Excellent plus condition, very clean guitar. Nice and somewhat uncommon sunburst top finish. The sound is the reason the Martin D28 is the bluegrass standard and this guitar is a good example. Big open woody sound with strong volume and that big Martin boom on the bottom end. Nice striped chocolate colored Indian rosewood back and sides and a solid spruce top with nice silking and crossgrain. The pickguard is a replacement by Gruven which I think looks much better than the pinkish ones Martin was using in the 90s. Action is great. Fitted with an undersaddle pickup and and endpin. Strap button added at the neck heel. There are a few small nicks and dings from playing wear, and the top seam below the bridge has been professionally reglued. Comes with nice hardshell case....USD $1850
2000
Martin HD-28LSV Guitar
(Serial No. 737264) Near mint / excellent plus condition. This is the large soundhole vintage model inspired by Tony Rice's 1935 D-28 which was first made famous when owned by the late Clarence White. Has an Adirondack red spruce top with herringbone top trim, advanced high X scalloped braces, Indian rosewood back and sides, 4 3/8" diameter soundhole, grained ivoroid bound ebony fretboard with no position markers. The neck is a modified V shape with a 1-3/4" nut width, 25.4" scale, and Kluson-style tuners with small oval nickel buttons. Has a tortoise pattern pickguard and a bone nut & saddle. Strap button added at the heel. Big sound as you would expect from a premier bluegrass guitar. Nice low action, neck is straight and the frets are fine. The guitar is really clean. Anything you see in the pictures that looks like a blemish is a reflection. Comes with the original Geib style Martin hardshell case...USD $3250
- 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
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1983
Martin D35 Guitar
(Serial No. 445511) Near mint condition with the exception of a strap button added. Exceptionally clean guitar showing almost no sign of playing wear. Anything you see in the pictures that looks like a blemish is a reflection. Three piece Indian rosewood back, Sitka spruce top, multi-ply binding, ebony fretboard and bridge. A strap button was added at the right place in the heel. Big Martin sound, neck is straight, frets look unplayed. The action is fine and the guitar plays nicely but the saddle is all the way down. Comes with the original black molded Martin hardshell case with the brown interior....USD $1750
1987
Martin D37K Guitar
(Serial Number: 473741) Nice condition with a few repairs.
Beautiful Koa wood back and sides of a quality you cannot get
now. Look at the flame in that wood! Has a Sitka spruce top with
aging toner, mahogany neck, ebony fretboard with Foden inlay
pattern, ebony bridge, abalone soundhole rosette, Martin Schaller
tuners, 28-style back stripe, white body binding, black/white
purfling, 5 ply top purfling, 1-11/16" nut width. There is a
repaired center seam on the top and a two short nearly invisible
repaired hairlines where the bridge was reglued. Koa has a unique
sound somewhere between mahogany and rosewood. Has the warmth
like mahogany but just a bit of bite in the sound like maple.
Nice playing guitar with easy action, but the saddle is all the
way down. Fitted with a strap button at the heel and a pickup
with an end pin jack. Comes with the original Martin molded
hardshell case.....USD $2250
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larger pictures. If you would like additional images of a
specific instrument please email your request.
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World Headquarters...and Guitars!
1935 Gibson L00 Guitar
(Batch No. 3391-91) Excellent condition, sunburst finish. I'm
not completely certain of the year as there is no serial number,
but the sunburst top, larger fire stripe guard, white script logo
and the unbound back was only available from 1933 to 1937. Nice
guitar with all original finish showing some playing wear and the
usual nick and dings of a well loved guitar. The center seam on
the top has been reglued and is cleated on the inside. The top is
a three piece top - the lines you see on either side of the
bridge are the top seams. A few braces were also reglued in the
past, but the guitar is all solid and in good structural
condition now. Has a mahogany back and sides and a x-braced
spruce top, a newer bone 1-3/4 inch nut on the chunky v profile
neck, small straight bridge with new bone saddle, top binding
only, and a silkscreened white script Gibson logo in the peghead.
The original tuners have been cleaned up and rebuttoned. They
work very well. The guitar was just set up so it plays very easy.
Frets are good and the neck is straight. Its sounds much larger
than a small body guitar. Perfect for ragtime and fingerstyle
playing. It's in excellent playing condition - all it needs
is your fingers on the strings! Comes with a newer hardshell
case....USD $4500
1935
Gibson L00 Guitar
(Batch No. 708) Excellent condition, small tight sunburst finish.
I'm not completely certain of the year as there is no serial
number, but the sunburst top, larger fire stripe guard, white
script logo and the unbound back was only available from 1933 to
1937. Nice guitar with all original finish showing some playing
wear and the usual nick and dings of a well loved guitar. The
neck was recently reset and a few braces were also reglued. The
guitar is solid and in ready to play condition. Has a mahogany
back and sides and a x-braced spruce top, original ebony 1-11/16
inch nut on the chunky v profile neck, small straight bridge with
new bone saddle, top binding only, and a silkscreened white
script Gibson logo in the peghead. The tuners are original and
they work very well. The guitar was just set up so it plays very
easy. Frets are good and the neck is straight. Its sounds much
larger than a small body guitar. Perfect for ragtime and
fingerstyle playing. It's in excellent playing condition -
all it needs is your fingers on the strings! Comes with a newer
hardshell case....USD $4500
1946-7 Gibson LG2 Guitar
(Serial No. illegible) Excellent clean condition. Early post war example of Gibson's premier small body flat-top guitar model, made just after the Banner pegheads. This is a most comfortable guitar for just sitting around and playing. Has the original tortoise pattern small pickguard, small rectangle bridge, X braced solid Adirondack spruce top with single binding on the top and back, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays, gold script Gibson logo. Original finish in nice condition. The X bracing gives it power and a full sound like the larger dreadnaughts. Great sounding guitar with a nice low action. The guitar has original Kluson tuners with new reproduction buttons. The tuners look identical to those on my 1946 J45. Neck has been reset, frets were dressed and a few braces reglued. No cracks. Strap button added at the heel. Has some finish checking and normal pickwear, which would be expected on a good sounding guitar thats over 60 years old. Classic big round neck but not a baseball bat, powerful punch with great sustain. Just a great sounding guitar with a nice low action. Newer hardshell case....USD $3250
1944
Gibson J45 Banner Guitar
(FON 2698) Excellent minus condition, original sunburst finish
showing playing wear. I'm guessing a bit on the year, but its
probably either a 1943 or a 1944. Original Banner peghead wartime
Gibson. This is a tremendous guitar - the sound just rolls out of
it. The more you dig in, the more the guitar gives back. The
sound is very full, rich and well balanced. A lot of players like
the big beefy neck in these Banners, and yes, its got the BIG
neck. Has mahogany back and sides, mahogany top, tapered
headstock, single ply binding, and the small pickguard. I think
its been refretted at some time in the past, but the frets are
fine right now. The bridge is probably a replacement as most of
these I have seen are rectangular bridges, but its definately an
old Brazilian rosewood Gibson bridge. There are documented belly
bridges used by Gibson on Banners, so its possible this is
original to the guitar. The pickguard is even notched a bit to
clear the bridge. It was wartime and Gibson used whatever they
had in stock to get guitars out the door. Action from the
fingerboard is 5/32 on the bass side and 4/32 on the treble.
There is one minor repaired side crack and some overspray on the
back of the neck. Tuners are original with the riveted wartime
gears. Comes with a beat up 60s black tolex case. Its over 60
years old - who knows what stories it could tell. Time to tell a
few of your own?...USD $5750
1948 Gibson Southern Jumbo Guitar
(Serial No. 5478 11) Excellent condition. Nice guitar showing some typical light playing wear and one small repair on the bottom near the endpin. Everything looks to be completely original. Fabulous sounding guitar that really nails the late 40s Gibson midrangy dreadnaught sound. Sunburst finish, Adirondack spruce top, mahogany back and sides, Brazilian bound rosewood fretboard with double parallelogram inlays and Brazilian bridge, seven layers of binding. The Kluson tuners are 60s era replacements, but they fit the original footprint exact. Has one small hard ding repair near the end pin. The frets are in good shape and the neck is straight. Plays great with a nice low action as the neck was just reset and the guitar was set up by luthier Ward Elliott here in Virginia. Has a nice big open woody sound with strong volume. Comes with a nice hardshell case....USD $5800 ON HOLD for Davide in Italy
1951 Gibson J-50 Guitar
(Serial No. 9739 6) Collector clean, excellent plus condition example of Gibson's most popular natural top dreadnaught guitar. Has the original natural top finish and dark back and sides. Mahogany back and sides and a x-braced spruce top, small teardrop pickguard, upper belly fixed saddle bridge, bound top and back, decal Gibson logo in the peghead. Finish and tuners are original with new exact repro buttons on the tuners. No crack repairs or other structural repairs. Almost no playing wear. There is a finish check along the top center seam but it is not into the wood. Completely solid and a great playing and sounding guitar. Comes with a very, very clean original brown hardshell case...USD $5100 ON HOLD for Andy in GA
2001 Gibson Historic Collection Advanced Jumbo Guitar
Serial No. 01641016) In my opinion, this is the best model of new guitars Gibson makes, and this particular guitar is exceptional. New Gibsons don't get any better than this. Although only 300 Advanced Jumbos were made in the late '30s, this acoustic guitar has been sought after for the last 60 years by performers who have been fortunate enough to hear the powerful sound of this rare dreadnought. The notable tone and projection of this original Gibson model are credited to its special top bracing, as well as its long scale, sloped-shoulder body with Indian Rosewood back and sides. True to its 1936 design, this Historic Collection Advanced Jumbo features a hand selected Sitka spruce top, Indian rosewood back and sides, small 1930s-style rosewood bridge, bound fingerboard with pearl arrowhead inlays, 1930's headstock with vintage pearl Gibson logo, fire stripe pickguard, open back vintage style tuners machines and a sunburst lacquer finish. Its also set up with a fossil ivory pins, saddle and nut. Neck is straight, action is set up nice, and is easy to play with no buzzing. Frets are perfect, and show no signs of wear. Excellent powerful sound - has the typical sweet Gibson midrange but also has a good low end as well. Its not a new guitar but condition is mint - you would be hard pressed to tell this one from new. Anything that looks like a blemish is a reflection. Comes with the original hardshell case....USD $1900
1999
Collings D1A Guitar
(Serial No. 4959) Near mint condition. Collings makes one of the
finest dreadnaught guitars on the planet. Amazing sound and
playability. Has an Adirondack spruce top with mahogany back and
sides, old style Dalmatian pickguard, scalloped bracing, ebony
bridge and fingerboard, a squared headstock with Brazilian
overlay and pearl "Collings" logo, and vintage Waverly
open back style tuners. Regular profile neck with a nut width of
1 3/4" and string spacing of 2 3/16" at the saddle.
Strap button added at the heel. Great bluegrass guitar with the
punch needed to cut through the banjos and fiddles. Nice medium
action perfect for flatpicking, with saddle left to lower the
action if desired. Comes with the original hardshell case...USD
$2950
2001 Gallagher Doc Watson Guitar
(Serial No. 2732) I got this from a collector that never played it. Mint unplayed condition, made in the heart of bluegrass country in Wartrace, TN. Looking for an outstanding flatpicking guitar? Well, Doc Watson and Steve Kaufman are two of the worlds best, and they play Gallaghers. Gallaghers are made in very limited numbers so you have to search them out. Its uncommon to find a used one. Pickers that play a Gallagher have owned the other makes and models and have chosen a Gallagher for the sound. This is the same guitar as the one played by Doc, with all solid woods with a Sitka spruce top, stunning ribbon grade mahogany back and sides, an ebony fingerboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle, grained ivoriod binding, pearl logo, and nickel hardware. Nut width is 1-3/4" with a "C" shaped neck profile. Even though this is essentially a new guitar, the sound is excellent - good volume and beautiful tone. Action is low with plenty of saddle left. Comes with the original hardshell case, also mint...USD $2100
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 resonant 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 $2950 ON HOLD for Howie in CA
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
1973
Guild D25 Guitar
(Serial No. 79871) Excellent condition. 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 mahogany top,
back and sides which gives a warmth not found in a spruce top
guitar. Also has a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, chrome open
back Grover tuners and a decal logo. All finish and hardware is
original. This is the last year for the flat back with
traditional back bracing. The bridge has a screw in it, and the
story from the original owner was that the bridge came loose and
was repaired in Nepal by a furniture maker while he was traveling
in the late 1970's. Just a cool enough story to be true and
the bridge is fine so I just left it alone. Just set up so it
plays great. Strap button added at the heel. Good sounding guitar
for not much $$. Comes with a softshell case....USD $650
1993
Guild F4CE-AMB Guitar
(Serial No. CJ002525) Excellent condition. Here is a great guitar
for the singer songwriter. Guilds are an excellent value in a US
made all solid wood guitar. Has an all mahogany body and top,
cutaway, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, gold Grover tuners and
a decal logo. Has the Fishman electronics built in with an
undersaddle pickup and an endpin jack. Strap button added at the
heel. Just set up so it plays great. Its a little boxy and stiff
sounding when played acoustically. Bass is a bit dead and treble
a bit thin. Plugged in this is a completely different instrument.
It's thinner body, cut-away and electronics make it more of a
gigging guitar instead of a porch and festival picker. Through an
amp, the sound is full, balanced string to string and the
electronics provide for good tone control. Good sounding guitar
for not much $$. Comes with the original hardshell case with some
spray paint on the top....USD $650
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
-
1974 Mossman Flint Hills Guitar
My first "real" guitar was a Mossman. I still think they are outstanding guitars. Excellent condition with straight grain Indian rosewood back and sides, solid spruce top, ebony fingerboard with pearl dots, nickel hardware and an ebony bridge. Built pre-fire in the Winfield, KS shop and signed on the label by all the craftsmen, about 15 signatures, that worked on it. Mossman was a direct competitor to Martin and Gibson in the 70's and built very high quality guitars. Good action and playability. Standard 1-11/16 nut. Looks like there was a Hot Dot pickup in the bridge at one time but it has been professionally removed. Finish and hardware is all original with no repairs noted. Saddle is all the way down but it plays fine. This is an excellent 35 year old hand built US made bluegrass guitar with lots of volume and tone. Why play the same thing everyone else has? Comes with the original blue interior hardshell case....USD $1800
2004 Randall Kramer Prairie Grass
Guitar
(Serial No. 015) Near mint condition, looks unplayed. Originally
designed as an alternative for the small player for whom a
standard dreadnought shape is an uncomfortably large guitar, the
Prairie Grass model is a slope shouldered small dreadnought
measuring 15 1/4" across the lower bout with a 4 3/8"
body depth. Nut is 1 3/4 inch and the scale length is 25 1/2
inch. All in all, it feels and plays like a Martin OM size guitar
but is more comfortable to hold due to the rounded small jumbo
body shape. This size and shape provide a naturally strong bass
with rich trebles and a vibrant mid-range. Has Indian rosewood
back and sides, bearclaw Sitka spruce top, Kramer design rosewood
bridge and fingerboard, 1-3/4 bone nut, pearl logo, and a custom
handmade wooden soundhole rosette and rosewood binding. The clear
pickguard allows the beauty of this guitar to be seen. Everywhere
you look the attention to detail is amazing - graphite bar neck
reinforcement and an adjustable truss rod, brace arched top and
back for more volume and tone, thin nitro lacquer finish, gold
tuners. Looks at the care used for the peghead laminate, both
front and back. It has the sound, too. Works well for flatpickers
or fingerpickers with a broad dynamic range that responds well to
a light touch or a hard attack. Very versatile and comfortable
guitar. Comes with a nice hardshell case. This model by Randall
now lists for $4800 with no discount available and a long wait.
This near mint guitar looks new and can be yours for...USD
$3450
-
2000 Taylor 810CE Guitar
(Serial No. 20001111132) Excellent minus condition showing some minor pick wear and a few dings. Excellent guitar for those pickers looking for the power of the classic rosewood/spruce dreadnaught. Higher grade Taylor with a premium Sitka spruce top, quartersawn Indian rosewood back and sides, soft Venetian cutaway, ebony fingerboard and bridge, abalone rosette, pearl progressive diamond inlay on fingerboard, and gold hardware. Neck is the wide flat profile with a 1 3/4 inch nut with low action for comfortable playing. Has the Fishman Expression pickup system which has the slider controls in the side and an endpin jack. This has been a working guitar playing hundreds of gigs so it shows some honest wear. There's a ding in the lower bass side of the top, some finish checking as it was used in Montana, and some odd scratches on the top near the pickguard. Neck is straight, frets are fine, and the sound is exceptional either plugged in or strictly acoustic. Good sustain and overtones, great projection, well balanced, and a lot of punch - this guitar has some power. The tone and volume have been played into this one. Comes with the original Taylor hardshell case....USD $2250
1940's Vega Profundo Guitar
(Serial No. 39629) Excellent condition. You know, there were
other guitar makers with quality instruments besides Martin and
Gibson. Vega was a well respected Boston maker of mostly banjos,
but they built mandolins and guitars as well. This was the top of
the line flattop for Vega in the 40's. Brazilian rosewood
back and sides, solid Adirondack red spruce top. Very modern
feeling neck profile. Recent neck set so it plays like silk.
There is a minor repaired top crack near the center seam and the
pickguard and tuners are replaced. Sounds huge with a good cut
for lead work. Comes with a hardshell case.......USD $3250
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specific instrument please email your request.
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World Headquarters...and Guitars!
1962 Gibson ES-120T Archtop Guitar
(Serial No. 58641) Excellent condition, sunburst finish. 1962 was the first year of issue for this model. Has the 16 inch arch top thin line body, one f hole and a hot Melody Maker single coil pickup at the neck position. The volume and tone controls and the jack are all mounted on the elevated pickguard. Single bound top and back, dot inlay and a decal logo. All hardware and finish is original. Shows some finish checking as expected and it has the nicks and dings of a guitar that was played but not abused. Neck is straight, frets are good and it plays nicely as it was just set up by my luthier. The guitar has that hot single coil sound. Comes with what I think is the original somewhat battered brown gator cardboard case...USD $1200
1935 Gretsch Model 35 Guitar
(Serial No. 712) Very good condition with some repairs. Who says a cool vintage guitar has to be expensive? Here is a wonderful 30s era Gretsch archtop. Its a really cool guitar that has that archtop F-hole swing sound and plays very well. Has a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, big 1930s profile 3 piece maple neck, ebony fingerboard and bridge, and a rosewood peghead overlay with an inlaid pearl logo. The hardware and the finish except the area around the heel repair looks original. I bought it with a heel crack that had been poorly repaired and touched up previously. I had the crack reglued and doweled so it will never again be an issue. I did not have the finish reshot so the area around the heel is a bit darker than the original finish. Neck is straight, frets are fine, and it plays very nicely as it was just set up when it was in the shop. Excellent for swing, jazz, blues or just working on those 9th and 13th chords. Comes with the still working fine original soft case, which in itself is pretty cool...USD $675
1976 Gibson Byrdland Guitar
(Serial No. 00101213) Excellent plus condition, sunburst finish. Its name derives from the names of guitarists Billy Byrd and Hank Garland for whom the guitar was originally custom built by Gibson. The Byrdland has the same appointments as the L5CES, but has a thinner body at 2 1/4 inches than the L5. It also has a short scale neck at 23 1/2" which allows you to play intricate single-note patterns and unusual stretched chord voicings that would be difficult on the L5. This guitar has all the good stuff - flamed maple back, sides and neck, solid spruce top, gold plated hardware, multi-ply binding on the top and back, bound f holes, gold hardware including the Kluson Sealfast tuners, pearl logo and peghead inlay, and an ebony fretboard. The two humbuckers are fat and sweet sounding. Just set up by my luthier so it plays like butter. There is some wear on the gold plating as expected, especially some strap wear at the endpin. Otherwise the finish is especially clean and the wood has no marks or dings. No repairs or issues of any kind. Comes with the original brown Gibson hardshell case....USD $4250
1988
Gibson ES-175 Guitar
(Serial No. 82148627) Near mint condition, sunburst finish. Since
its introduction in 1949, the Gibson ES-175 has been the most
popular jazz guitar in the world, a 16 inch arch top jazz box
with a cutaway. This one has the laminated maple top and a
mahogany neck like the classic models of the 50's and
60's, which makes the guitar lighter than the usual maple
neck and better tonally balanced. Also has a rosewood fingerboard
with a 24 3/4 inch scale, pearl dual-parallelogram fingerboard
and peghead inlays, a triple bound top and a bound back. The two
Classic 57 PAF style humbuckers are fat and sweet sounding. Just
set up by my luthier so it plays like butter. Its a really clean
guitar - anything that looks like a blemish is a reflection.
Comes with the original Gibson hardshell case....USD $2950
2003 G String Semi-Custom C1 Concert Koa Ukulele
(Serial No. MK07823) Mint unplayed condition with original receipt in the case. Building since 1993 in the Halawa Valley on the island of Oahu, GString Ukuleles continues to hand build instruments to a high degree of excellence at a competitive price. Built with all solid woods, this semi-custom uke has flamed Hawaiian koa wood top, back and sides, mahogany neck, and an Indian rosewood fretboard and bridge. GString has their necks and fretboards CNC'd by Grover Jackson in California to ensure consistency of fit and fret. I'm not sure of the exotic wood used for the soundhole rosette - maybe lacewood? Traditional unbound body with upgraded gold tuners and an abalone pearl logo in the peghead. The concert is 24 inches long overall with a 15 inch scale length, joined at the 14th fret rather than the traditional 12th. This places the bridge in a "sweeter" spot for better interaction with the soundboard and gives the player more access to the higher registers, as well as giving a traditional uke tone with a bit easier playability. Intonation is perfect. Excellent sounding and playing uke in as-new condition. Comes with a hardshell case....USD $600 ON HOLD for Howie in CA
1930s Slingerland May Bell Tenor Banjo
(Serial No. none)Very good plus condition. Walnut pot and resonator, original Presto tailpiece, tuners replaced with gold Grover geared tuners with grained ivoriod buttons. Engraved brass strecher band and internal flange. Neck is straight, frets are fine but the action is high as it probably needs a neck set. Original hardshell case with replaced handle...USD $550
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!
1946 Rickenbacker Model B Lap Steel
(Serial No. B8-14) Excellent minus condition 6 string Bakelite body with a Stringtone unit added. This is the "Panda" version with the white plastic trim plates on the top. All original electronics and hardware including the flying saucer knobs and the strings through horseshoe pickup for the great tone. Tuners are original with replaced buttons. Works fine and this pickup is hot! This is the definative Rick lap steel sound. A "Stringtone" mechanical tuning system has been added aftermarket. This allows you to change to two additional tunings by moving the lever, similar to a pedal steel. If you don't use it you can just leave the steel in your preferred tuning. Comes with original hardshell case....USD $950
1937 Rickenbacker Model 100/Silver Hawaiian Model Lap Steel
(Serial Number D950) Excellent condition 6 string chrome plated metal body. First year with the single control knob. All of the hardware and electronics are original including the desirable wider 1-1/2" horseshoe pickup. Even the tuner buttons, usually cracking on these, look new. Small ID number engraved on the tip of the peghead. The guitar works fine and this pickup is hot! This is the definitive Rick lap steel sound. Comes with the original shaped hardshell case.....USD $1500
1950s Oahu Tonemaster Lap Steel
(Serial No. none) Excellent/near mint condition. Here's a
nice clean late 40s/early 50's square neck lap steel made by
National Valco and branded Oahu. Mahogany body with a sunburst
finish, herringbone trim on the body and neck, screaming hot
strings-through pickup and the original Bakelite knobs.
Completely original and plays and sounds fine. Good nasty snarl
from that Valco pickup. Original brown square hardshell
case....USD $450
1932 National Duolian Guitar
(Serial No. C4957) Blues approved! Excellent condition
cosmetically, excellent condition soundwise. Has most of the
original cool crystal finish that looks green on the top but
looks almost silver on the back. There is some playing wear on
the front as shown but the rest of the finish is in amazingly
good condition. Has the 12 fret body, original neck with slot
peghead and flat f-holes. The fretboard is in good condition.
This just came back from luthier David Sheppard in NC, where it
was completely gone over. He reset and trued the neck and added
an invisible carbon fiber internal truss rod, dressed the frets,
and set up the guitar. The front of the peghead has the National
Duolian stamp and the serial number stamp is on the end of the
peghead. Neck is straight, neck and fingerboard have some wear,
neck set is good for both slide and picking. Its an excellent
sounding National - it has that raspy growl that the good ones
have. Comes with a original soft case....USD $4250
1931 National Triolian Guitar
(Serial No. 1415P Patent Applied For) Blues approved! Excellent
condition cosmetically, excellent condition soundwise. Has most
of the original cool yellow brown finish with the Hawaiian scene
silkscreened on the back. Early 12 fret body, original neck with
slot peghead and flat f-holes. The fretboard is in good condition
and the back of the neck still retains some of the original
paint. Original cone and hardware. The front of the peghead has
the National Triolian decal and the serial number stamp is on the
end. No repairs evident. Neck is straight, neck and fingerboard
have some wear, neck set is good. The guitar has the sound you
are looking for in a metal body. Comes with a newer hardshell
case...USD $4250
1932 National Triolian Guitar
(Serial No. 2128P) Blues approved! Excellent condition
cosmetically, excellent condition soundwise. Has most of the
original pea green finish with the Hawaiian scene silkscreened on
the back. Early 12 fret body, original maple neck with slot
peghead and flat f-holes. The fretboard is in good condition and
the back of the neck still retains some of the original paint.
Original cone and hardware. The front of the peghead has the
National Triolian decal and the serial number stamp is on the
end. No repairs evident. Neck is straight, neck and fingerboard
have some wear, neck set is good. The guitar has the sound you
are looking for in a metal body. Comes with a newer hardshell
case....USD $4250
1936 National Duolian Guitar
(Serial No. 7067) Blues approved! All original finish, the top is
well played and the back is fairly clean. Has most of the
original cool grey/green crystal finish. Has the 14 fret body,
original hardware, original neck, solid peghead and rolled
f-holes. The fretboard is in excellent condition. I have not had
the instrument apart but I was told by the seller that the cone
is original. The front of the peghead has the National Duolian
decal and the serial number stamp is on the end. Neck is
straight, neck set is excellent, and the guitar has the sound you
are looking for in a metal body. It plays really nice with a good
low action. Comes with a hardshell case.....USD $4250
1932 National Style 0 Guitar
(Serial No. S3119) Blues approved! Excellent condition
cosmetically, excellent condition soundwise. Has the cool
Hawaiian scenes etched or sandblasted into the body.
Chrome-plated all-brass 12 fret body, original maple neck with
slotted peghead. Has original plating, neck, tailpiece and, of at
least equal importance, cone and biscuit. Condition of the
plating and etched Hawaiian scenes is about 90% or so, and all of
the body seams are intact and unmolested, a rarity right there.
The ebony fretboard is in good condition with some wear in the
upper frets. The front of the peghead has the National decal and
the serial number stamp is on the end of the body. No repairs
evident. Neck is straight, neck and
fingerboard have some wear, neck set is good. The guitar has the
sound you are looking for in a metal body. Comes with a period
hardshell case.....USD $4250
Click on the name of the instrument or the small thumbnail
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additional images of a specific instrument please email your
request.
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information
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World Headquarters...and Guitars!
1971 Fender Telecaster Guitar
(Serial No. 310671) Excellent condition. This is the classic Telecaster blond finish with the blue grain lines showing through. Has the black logo and single string tree on the peghead. Neck is dead straight with a nice and slightly chunky "B" profile. Has the original frets that have been dressed but are still playable. Good rock and roll guitar, not real twangy. Completely original finish, hardware and electronics, with no routes and no repairs. Shows some edge wear and scuffing but nothing through the finish. Just set up so it plays like butter. Medium weight at 8.4 lbs. Good vintage single string tree Telecasters with no changes are getting harder to find and here's a chance to get a nice one - and it sounds good, too! Comes with the original case.....USD $4750
1974 Fender Telecaster Guitar
(Serial No. 649639) Excellent condition. This is the classic Telecaster blond finish with the blue grain lines showing through. Has the black logo and single string tree on the peghead. Neck is dead straight with a nice and slightly chunky "B" profile. Has the original frets that have been dressed but are still playable. Completely original finish, hardware and electronics, with no routes and no repairs. Medium weight at 8.4 lbs. Shows some edge wear and scuffing, just enough to be cool. Just set up so it plays like butter. Good 70's Telecasters with no changes are getting harder to find and here's a chance to get a nice one - and it sounds good, too! Comes with the original case. .....USD $3350
1974 Fender Telecaster Guitar
(Serial No. 627194) Excellent plus condition. This is the classic Telecaster blond finish with the blue grain lines showing through. Has the black logo and double string tree on the peghead. Neck is dead straight with a nice and slightly chunky "B" profile. Has the original frets that have been dressed but are still playable. Good rock and roll guitar, not real twangy. Very hot bridge pickup. Completely original finish, hardware and electronics, with no repairs. Shows some edge wear, some scuffing on the back but nothing through the finish, and one finish chip on the back edge of the treble horn. Medium weight at 8.1 lbs. Just set up so it plays like butter. Good vintage Telecasters with no changes are getting harder to find and here's a chance to get a nice one - and it sounds good, too! Comes with the original case, which is also clean.....USD $3600
1967 Rickenbacker 330 Guitar
(Serial No. GC 1198) Here's one you don't see everyday. Late 60s Rick in excellent condition, showing minor playing wear and a hint of buckle rash on the back. Original Fireglo finish. All hardware and electronics including the toaster top pickups are original. Frets are fine, neck is straight and it was just set up by luthier Jerry Ray. Has that signature Rick sound. There is a black streak in the top, a spot on the upper horn on the back, and spots near the output jack. These are mineral inclusions in the wood and are under the original finish. Comes with a brand new reissue Rickenbacker silver case.....USD $4250
- 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
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World Headquarters...and Guitars!
1962 Fender
Precision Bass
(Serial No. 86370) This is exactly what you are looking for in a vintage Fender bass. Seasoned road warrior with original but worn finish. Finish worn in on the neck as well. Its as comfortable as your favorite pair of jeans. All original under the guard except for a replaced volume pot which is in the case. Tuners are original with no welds or repairs. Clay dot makers on the fretboard. Frets are in excellent condition. This has the widest neck I have played on a vintage Precision - must be what is now called a "C" width. Plays great all the way up the neck. Has the original case that has been painted green and relined.....USD $5250
1970 Fender
Precision Bass
(Serial No. 294914) Not perfect but for a 40 year old bass this is in excellent condition. No fret wear, very minor playing wear, one finish chip on the outside edge of the treble side horn, no major dings or scrapes, no buckle wear, no changes of any kind. Completely straight under the guard. I had the frets dressed at the end of the board so it now plays fine all the way up the neck. Has the original black case with the red orange interior....USD $3350
1960s/70s Gibson F5 Case with Cover
Excellent condition. Pink interior late 1960s or early 1970s Gibson case with original canvas cover. Case is clean on the inside and the cover is in excellent condition.....USD $250
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!
None at this time

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!
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