MANDOLIN WORLD HEADQUARTERS

MANDOLINS, GUITARS, AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS
FOR SALE OR TRADE

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

Charles Johnson

P.O. Box 24555
Richmond, Virginia 23224
United States of America
804-741-3455
My business phone hours are:
Monday-Friday: 7:00 pm -10:00 pm East Coast time zone USA
Weekends: 12 noon - 10:00 pm East Coast time zone USA

Current time in Richmond, VA

E-mail to:charles@vintagemandolin.com





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

All instruments listed are available for sale unless marked "on hold" in the description. Click Here   for a description of the "on hold" policy.




We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover



Sale / Trade list - Updated July 3, 2009

Recent arrivals (scroll down for complete list)

READY FOR SALE BUT TOO NEW FOR PICTURES: (Please email for details)

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

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

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

  • 1908 Gibson A Project, Orville label, needs extensive repair, good if your are handy with tools
  • 1922 Gibson F2, Extremely clean mandolin, truss rod Loar era
  • 1917 Gibson A4, Nice mandolin, top of the line A style
  • 1924 Gibson F2, Loar era, truss rod, minor peghead scroll repair, nice
  • 1916 Gibson A, Pumpkin top finish, clean, all original
  • 1925 Gibson Snakehead A, Black top finish, clean, great sounding mandolin, same as an A2Z for less
  • 1916 Gibson A3, Pumpkin top, nice playing mandolin, paddle peghead neck
  • 1922 Gibson A2, Brown top, truss rod, all of the Loar improvements with the wider paddle peghead neck
  • 1940 Gibson F4, Rare elevated fingerboard like a F5, truss rod neck, traditional dot inlays with treble extension
  • 1923 Gibson A2Z, Blonde top, clean, straight, original, loud
  • 1927 Gibson A, Black top, truss rod, all original, just set up, loud mandolin
  • 1917 Gibson A, Pumpkin top, clean and straight, all original, great for sessions
  • 1920 Gibson A2, Sheraton brown, just set up, plays clean and strong, studio used
  • 1915 Gibson F2, Clean, red sunburst, very nice mandolin, good sound, just set up
  • 1922 Gibson A3,White top, truss rod, all original, originally owned and played by Ethel Ray Zorn
  • 1916 Gibson F2, Clean, very nice mandolin, good sound, just set up
  • 1922 Gibson A2, Brown top, truss rod, all of the Loar improvements with the wider paddle peghead neck
  • 1935 Gibson A4, Rare elevated fingerboard, red sunburst, top of the line for Gibson A styles, truss rod in the neck
  • 1906 Gibson A , Orville label, a little rough but original and very rare
  • 1928 Gibson A4, Fern era, red sunburst, top of the line for Gibson A styles, truss rod in the neck
  • 1918 Gibson A4, Red sunburst, top of the line for Gibson A styles
  • 1919 Gibson A2, Sheraton brown, a little beat up but priced right, plays and sounds great
  • 1919 Gibson A3, White top, nice shape, good session mando, just refretted

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

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

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

  • 2008 Martin HD28V, Mint condition, looks unplayed
  • 1960 Martin D28, Beautiful Brazilian rosewood, neck rest, good bluegrasser
  • 2007 Martin 0018v, Very clean, 1 3/4 inch nut, pickup added
  • 1940 Martin 018, Collector clean, all original, Adirondack top, nice! ON HOLD  
  • 1938 Martin D18, 1-3/4 nut, advanced bracing, Adirondack top, refinish prices it right
  • 1948 Martin 00018, Nice clean guitar, Adirondack top
  • 1949 Martin D28, Fantastic sounding guitar, used extensively in Nashville studios, lots of wear, lots of sound
  • 1949 Martin D28, Beautiful guitar, used extensively for bluegrass here in Virginia, one owner
  • 1954 Martin D28, Brazilian rosewood, powerful guitar, plays easy
  • 1970 Martin D28, Sounds good and plays nicely, strap button added, a 38 year old bluegrass boomer
  • 1928 Martin 2-17, All mahogany body with a sound larger than you would expect, 1 3/4 inch nut, fresh neck set
  • 1957 Martin 00021, Brazilian rosewood, nice clean guitar, pro setup, warm and balanced sound
  • 1969 Martin D21 , Nice vintage Brazilian rosewood Martin dreadnaught, all the sound for less than a D28

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

  • 1956 Gibson LG2, Sunburst top, X braced, a smaller version of the J45, comfortable guitar
  • 1955 Gibson J-160E, Has all the 1954 first year features - solid top, 19 fret neck, larger bridge dots
  • 1939 Gibson J35, Original blonde top finish, 3 unscalloped tone bars, lots of mojo, tone and volume
  • 1940 Gibson J35, Original blonde top finish, 2 unscalloped tone bars, lots of mojo, tone and volume.
  • 2006 Gibson SJ200, Big beautiful blonde, near mint condition, high end pickup system installed
  • 1963 Epiphone FT-79 Texan, Sunburst, same model played by Paul McCartney, nice clean guitar, all original
  • 1959 Gibson J160E, Same features as the Lennon guitar, nice early model, clean

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

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

  • 1971 Gibson ES-335, Cherry red, all original except for a pro refret, has the drive ON HOLD

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

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

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

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!

GIBSON MANDOLINS AND RELATED

  1906 Gibson A Mandolin
(Serial #4090) This is an early Gibson A style mandolin with the Orville portrait label inside. It has a natural spruce top now aged to orange and a dark finished birch back and sides. Has an inlaid celluloid pick guard outlined in mother of pearl. Finish and hardware are original including the rare pineapple shape tailpiece cover. The mandolin is playable but the action is somewhat higher than I would like, and there is a ding in the side of the mandolin on the top edge as shown. Still, its all original and very rare. Comes with a newer soft case...USD

   1925 Gibson A Snakehead Mandolin
(Serial No. 82651) Snakehead! These are the most sought after of the Gibson A style round hole instruments, and for good reason. They sound great! This is the same style as my personal mandolin and sounds about the same - this is a session monster. Stamped A on the label. It has a hand painted logo, top bound only, square end tuners, and the wide center soundhole ring like the A2Z. This is a classic Loar era instrument with the sound that you expect from this period. Plays smoothly with superior volume and tone. This is just a great sounding mandolin - an excellent demonstration of why many pickers believe the snakeheads are the best oval hole mandolins ever made by Gibson. Excellent condition with some minor finish wear at the usual places and the nicks and dings of a well-loved instrument. No breaks, cracks or refinish. Has the adjustable truss rod and bridge. All hardware and finish is original but missing the pickguard. Comes with the original hardshell case and all the volume you need to deal with those pesky tenor banjos. ...USD $2950

  1919 Gibson A2 Mandolin
(Serial No. 50209) Excellent minus condition, Sheraton Brown top finish with dark back and sides. Peghead has "The Gibson" logo inlaid in pearl. The fretboard as well as both the top and back of the body are bound in grained celluloid. All hardware and finish is original showing some playing wear, but nothing major. Neck is straight and the frets are in good shape. There is a well repaired tuners crack on the treble side. The mandolin plays and sounds great. Action is low and playable and it has a good ringing sound. Excellent for Celtic or old-time music. Original hardshell case included.......USD $1750

  1922 Gibson A2 Mandolin
(Serial No. 69562 Neck Stamp 11626) Excellent condition, Sheraton brown finish. Has a truss rod in the neck. This is the last year before the snakeheads and you get the best of both styles - the wider fingerboard of the paddle peghead neck but also has the adjustable bridge and truss rod and, most importantly, they have the sound of the snakeheads. You get all of the Loar era improvements with a wider neck for more comfortable playing. Plays very easy and has strong volume with a very balanced sound - excellent session instrument. Excellent for Celtic, jazz, classical, or old-time music. Shows some minor nicks and dings as expected in a mandolin that's been played. Neck is straight, frets have been dressed down but still play fine. All hardware and finish is original including the nickel silver truss rod cover. Comes with the original hardshell case....USD $2750

  1922 Gibson A2 Mandolin
(Serial No. 69684) Excellent condition, Sheraton brown finish. Has a truss rod in the neck. This is the last year before the snakeheads and you get the best of both styles - the wider fingerboard of the paddle peghead neck but also has the adjustable bridge and truss rod and, most importantly, they have the sound of the snakeheads. You get all of the Loar era improvements with a wider neck for more comfortable playing. Plays very easy and has strong volume with a very balanced sound - excellent session instrument. Excellent for Celtic, jazz, classical, or old-time music. Shows some minor nicks and dings as expected in a mandolin that's been played. Neck is straight, frets have been dressed down but still play fine. All hardware and finish is original including the nickel silver truss rod cover. Comes with the original hardshell case....USD $2750

  1923 Gibson A2Z Snakehead Mandolin
(Serial No. 74756 FON 11971) Snakehead! Very clean mandolin in excellent original condition. The A2Z variation is the most sought after of the Gibson A style round hole instruments, and for good reason. They sound great! The label is marked "A2Z". It has the inlaid pearl logo, bound top, back and fingerboard, the double thin sound hole rosettes like the A2, and the thin black line of inner binding on the top. This is a classic Loar era instrument with the sound that you expect from this period. Plays smoothly with excellent volume and tone. This is just a great sounding mandolin - an excellent demonstration of why many pickers believe the snakehead era mandolins are the best ever made by Gibson. Excellent condition with some very minor finish wear and checking. No breaks, cracks or refinish. Blonde top finish and brown back and sides. Has the adjustable truss rod. All hardware and finish is original. Comes with the original hardshell case...USD $6500

  1916 Gibson A3 Mandolin
(Serial No. 31240 FON 3153) Excellent minus condition, natural top finish. A3s are not rare, exactly, but certainly not nearly as common as the other models. The natural top finish was offered until 1918. Shows some typical wear on the top edge where your arm comes over, some case wear on the upper sides, and some pick wear under the pickguard. It must have been played without the guard in place. There are a few minor nicks and dings but nothing serious as seen in the pics. Otherwise, its a clean mandolin. Original finish and hardware. Neck is straight, just refretted with original size and type frets, no repairs noted, and it sounds and plays great! Just set up by my luthier. Plays very easy and has strong volume with a very balanced sound. Excellent for Celtic, jazz, classical, or old-time music. Comes with the original hardshell case. ...USD $2650

  1922 Gibson A3 Mandolin
(Serial No. xx640 FON 11578) Excellent minus condition, white top finish. Has a truss rod in the neck. This is the last year before the snakeheads and you get the best of both styles - the wider fingerboard of the paddle peghead neck but also has the adjustable bridge and truss rod and, most importantly, they have the sound of the snakeheads. You get all of the Loar era improvements with a wider neck for more comfortable playing. Plays very easy and has strong volume with a very balanced sound - this would be a good session instrument. Excellent for Celtic, jazz, classical, or old-time music. Shows some minor nicks and dings and a little wear on the edge of the top that's expected on an A3 that was played. The wear on the upper back edge of the peghead is caused by leaning the instrument against the wall for years. Neck is straight, frets are fine. The original metal truss rod cover is engraved "Ethel Ray Zorn". I'm not certain of the exact year as the first two digits of the serial number are illegible, but white top A3s with truss rods were only made in 1922 and a few in 1923. The body finish is original but shows some apparent water damage on the bottom near the end pin and it looks like the back edge seam near the tailpiece was reglued. Other than the addition of a reproduction Loar era adjustable bridge all hardware is original and it comes with the original hardshell case....USD $2800

  1917 Gibson A4 Mandolin
(Serial No. 33104) Very clean mandolin in excellent repaired condition. The A4 was the top of the line for the Gibson A style mandolins. It has the red sunburst finish, a pearl logo and peghead inlay, bound top and back, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension. The hardware is all original including the inlaid Handel tuners. A minor heel crack was reglued and the base of the heel refinished. Its almost invisible but I mention it for accuracy. With modern glues this will never be a problem in the future. Nice big woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! Neck is straight, neck angle is good and the frets are in great shape. Just set up so plays like silk. Original hardshell case...USD $2250

  1918 Gibson A4 Mandolin
(Serial # 46309) Excellent condition. The A-4 was the top of the line A style mandolin for Gibson in 1918. It has the red sunburst top finish and reddish back and sides, pearl peghead inlay and logo, bound top and back, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension. The hardware and finish are original but the pickguard is missing. Nice big woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! Neck is straight, neck angle is good and the frets show very little wear. No repairs or refinish noted. There is some top sinkage as shown, but its been like this for several years and appears stable. Action is low and playable and it has a good ringing sound. Excellent for Celtic or old-time music. Original hardshell case included...USD $2500

  1928 Gibson A4 Mandolin
(Serial No. 86106) Excellent condition. The A4 was the top of the line A style mandolin for Gibson. It has a true red sunburst, spectacular flamy woods on the back and sides, two piece back, pearl logo and fleur di lise in the peghead, bound top and back, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension. Has the adjustable truss rod in the neck. The hardware is original including the original adjustable bridge. The upper D tuner shaft is very slightly bent as seen in the photos. The finish is original with a small area of wear seen at the base of the back of the peghead. This is where your thumb would rest when playing first position chords. Nice big woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! Neck is straight, neck angle and frets are good. No structural repairs and has a few minor nicks or dings, the usual playing wear, as seen in the pics. Just gone over and set up by luthier Dave Sheppard. Overall its a clean mandolin. Excellent for Celtic or old time, and this mandolin would be superior for classical. Comes with the original hardshell case...USD $3250

  1935 Gibson A4 Mandolin
(Factory Order No. 785) Excellent condition. Very late for a round hole A4 mandolin, and this one has the rare elevated fingerboard, only made for a few years in the 1930's. This was undoubtedly a special order. The A4 was the top of the line A style mandolin for Gibson. It has a true red sunburst, flamed maple back and sides, straight pearl logo in the peghead, bound top and back, and unbound peghead and fingerboard as was usual on 30s era Style 4 instruments. Has the adjustable truss rod in the neck. The finish and hardware are original including the original adjustable bridge. Nice big woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! Neck is straight, neck angle and frets are good. No structural repairs and has a few minor nicks and dings, the usual playing wear, as seen in the pics. Missing the interior label as is common on 30s Gibsons but has the factory order number is stamped on the neck block. Just gone over and set up professionally. Excellent for Celtic or old time, and this mandolin would be superior for classical. Comes with the original hardshell case....USD $3450

  1927 Gibson Style A0 Mandolin
(Serial No. 84768) Excellent original condition. These are sleepers on the market. This a Fern era Gibson A style body with oval sound hole, adjustable truss rod, and the straight painted script Gibson logo. All hardware and finish is original. Very clean mandolin bought from the family of the original owner. Great sounding mandolin with a very woody tone and yet still has the sweet round sound of the oval hole mandolins. Very loud mandolin - excellent volume. Plays very nicely too with good frets and a straight neck. Has some finish checking on the back and the typical nicks and dings from playing a well loved instrument. No repairs. Comes with a very beat original case.....USD $2750

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

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

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

  1922 Gibson F2 Mandolin
(Serial No. 69516) Excellent condition in extremely clean condition. This is one of the best oval hole mandolins ever made by Gibson - a Loar era truss rod F2. The F2 was the next to the top of the line mandolin for Gibson. Its the same mandolin as the F4 with less trim. It has a true red sunburst, spectacular flamy woods on the sides and back, pearl logo, bound top, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension, truss rod in the neck, and the original adjustable bridge. The action is good and the sound is excellent. BIG tone and volume! Nice woody sound from this mandolin with good bass. Neck is straight, neck angle is good and the frets show very little wear. There is some very minor picking wear evident. Finish and hardware are original. Loar era scroll mandolins are hot right now and getting very hard to find, and prices are continuing to rise every year. Comes with the original hardshell case....USD $5500

  1924 Gibson F2 Mandolin
(SN: 80337) Excellent minus condition. This is one of the best oval hole mandolins ever made by Gibson - a Loar era truss rod F2. The F2 was the next to the top of the line mandolin for Gibson. It has a true red sunburst, spectacular flamy woods on the sides and back, pearl logo, bound top, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension, truss rod in the neck, and the original adjustable bridge. The differences in an F2 and an F4 are cosmetic - the F2 has an unbound back, fingerboard and peghead, and simpler peghead inlay. The build is the same and it has the same sound - just less cosmetic trim. The action is good and the sound is excellent. BIG tone and volume! Nice woody sound from this mandolin with good bass. Neck is straight, neck angle is good and the frets show very little wear. There is some picking wear evident on the mandolin and the only repair I can find is it looks like the big scroll on the peghead has been broken off and reglued. Finish and hardware are original. Loar era scroll mandolins are hot right now and getting very hard to find, and prices are continuing to rise every year. Comes with the original hardshell case.....USD $5500

  1940 Gibson F4 Mandolin
(Serial No. 96388 FON 565F) This is one of most scarce versions of a Gibson F-4. Gibson F style mandolins from the 1930's and 40's are extremely rare. By then, the mando craze from the teens and early 20's had faded away. This particular mandolin features a simple pearl Gibson logo in the unbound peghead and traditional dot inlays in the fingerboard. Has a sunburst top, chocolate brown stained maple back and sides, a checkerboard pattern soundhole rosette, and the treble extension on the fingerboard. The fingerboard is elevated off the top like the F5. The condition is overall excellent. No repairs, crack or other structural issues noted. It retains all of it's original hardware except the missing pickguard. The tuners, bridge, tailpiece and cover are all correct. The fitting between the tuners on the back of the peghead is for a strap. The best thing about this mandolin is the sound!! It is really a great sounding mandolin. It has a very deep throaty bass response. The playability is great. As a general rule, the F-4/F-2s from this era are consistently good sounding. I have had several of these and they are real sleepers on the market. Comes in the original hardshell case....USD $6,500

  1934 Gibson F-7 Mandolin
(Serial No. 92107) Excellent condition. Same model as played by Bill Monroe early in his career. This mandolin was once owned by Frank Vento, a well known entertainer in California in the mid-1960s. Shows plenty of honest playing wear but it is all original finish and hardware with no repairs. It has the original neck which has not been converted to long scale. As you can imagine the sound has been played into this one. Great woody tone and has a decent chop. Action is great. Comes with the original red line hardshell case. ....USD $14,500

 1966 Epiphone Venetian Mandolin
(#501614) very good plus condition, sunburst finish. This one has played a lot of bluegrass - I got it from a local picker who traded up to a F5 style. Made after Gibson bought Epiphone, so its the same as an A-50 from the same era. A style body with f-holes and a dark finished maple back and sides. All original finish and hardware except missing the pickguard. Plays good and has a good bluegrass chop. This model has a good bluegrass pedigree - many groups used these and the Gibson A-50 mandolins in bluegrass as they were much more affordable than the f-5's. Comes with a non-original soft case....USD $1250

 1998 Flatiron A5 Artist Mandolin
(Serial #80624049) Excellent minus condition, sunburst finish. Want the sound and playability of a Flatiron F5 Artist at a more affordable price? This is the classic Flatiron mandolin in an "A" body style. These came in two trim levels - the Artist is the higher grade version. It has the long neck, f-holes, bound top, back, fingerboard and peghead, elevated radiused ebony fingerboard with extension, pearl flowerpot and logo, solid heavily flamed maple back, sides and neck, solid spruce top, and gold hardware with pearl buttons on the tuners. This mandolin has a Nashville label but was probably built in the Bozeman, MT plant and finished in Nashville, as 1998 was the year Gibson shifted production. The Artist series mandolins have X top bracing, which many pickers think gives a more percussive chop. Must work - this one has the good bluegrass chop for sure. This mandolin has nice low action and has strong tone and good volume. Fitted with a Fishman bridge pickup and end pin jack. There's a minor center seam repair on the back at the bottom and it shows some wear on the tailpiece cover. Comes with the original shaped hardshell case.....USD $2250

 1988 Flatiron F5 Artist Mandolin
(Serial No. 88070332) Excellent plus condition, sunburst finish. First year of Gibson production for Flatiron. Top of the line F style mandolin for Flatiron. When Gibson went to the NAMM show in 1987, these were the high quality mandolins they were competing with. They couldn't beat them, so they bought the company. Excellent sounding and playing F5 mandolin with flamed maple back, sides and neck, carved spruce top with X bracing, Fern peghead inlay and logo in pearl, bound peghead and bound radiused ebony fingerboard, larger fret wire as built, and gold hardware. Great playing mandolin that shows some minor playing wear. Good chop and bark - excellent bluegrass mandolin. Signed by Dennis Balian. Bozeman built Flatirons are always heavily in demand. Most pickers won't part with theirs - once you play this one you'll know why. Comes with the original hardshell case...USD $4750

 2004 Gibson Alan Bibey Model F5 Mandolin
(Serial No. 40602020) Near mint condition. #22 of 50 of the limited edition honoring the award-winning mandolinist who has played with New Quicksilver, IIIrd Tyme Out, and now Blueridge. The mando is copied after his 1923 Loar with a few changes. He wanted the flowerpot headstock inlay that's characteristic of the F-5 model, but he added his own unique "look" with features like tortoise shell binding with white inserts and hand-engraved, gold plated hardware. The neck extension is scooped to eliminate "pick click". The color is a dark sunburst lacquer finish, with flamed maple back, sides and neck, a carved spruce top with tone bar bracing, a bound flat ebony fingerboard and bridge, and traditional small mandolin frets. Even though it has had very little playing time it has a good chop and volume right now. There are a few slight evidences that this mandolin has been played since 2004, but overall it is exceptionally clean. Comes with the original TKL shaped hardshell case.....USD $5750

GIBSON MANDOLAS AND MANDOCELLOS

  • None at this time

    Please click on the name of the instrument or the camera icon beside it to see more details and larger pictures. If you would like additional images of a specific instrument please email your request.
     
    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!

    FLATIRON MANDOLINS AND RELATED

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

     1988 Flatiron F5 Artist Mandolin
    (Serial No. 88070332) Excellent plus condition, sunburst finish. First year of Gibson production for Flatiron. Top of the line F style mandolin for Flatiron. When Gibson went to the NAMM show in 1987, these were the high quality mandolins they were competing with. They couldn't beat them, so they bought the company. Excellent sounding and playing F5 mandolin with flamed maple back, sides and neck, carved spruce top with X bracing, Fern peghead inlay and logo in pearl, bound peghead and bound radiused ebony fingerboard, larger fret wire as built, and gold hardware. Great playing mandolin that shows some minor playing wear. Good chop and bark - excellent bluegrass mandolin. Signed by Dennis Balian. Bozeman built Flatirons are always heavily in demand. Most pickers won't part with theirs - once you play this one you'll know why. Comes with the original hardshell case...USD $4750 USD

     1998 Flatiron A5 Artist Mandolin
    (Serial #80624049) Excellent minus condition, sunburst finish. Want the sound and playability of a Flatiron F5 Artist at a more affordable price? This is the classic Flatiron mandolin in an "A" body style. These came in two trim levels - the Artist is the higher grade version. It has the long neck, f-holes, bound top, back, fingerboard and peghead, elevated ebony fingerboard with extension, pearl flowerpot and logo, solid heavily flamed maple back, sides and neck, solid spruce top, and gold hardware with pearl buttons on the tuners. This mandolin has a Nashville label but was probably built in the Bozeman, MT plant and finished in Nashville, as 1998 was the year Gibson shifted production. The Artist series mandolins have X top bracing, which many pickers think gives a more percussive chop. Must work - this one has the good bluegrass chop for sure. This mandolin has nice low action and has strong tone and good volume. Fitted with a Fishman bridge pickup and end pin jack. There's a minor center seam repair on the back at the bottom and it shows some wear on the tailpiece cover. Comes with the original shaped hardshell case.....USD $2250

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    RICHARD BEARD MANDOLINS AND BOUZOUKIS

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

     New Richard Beard Bouzouki/Octave Mandolin
    (Serial #30) New with warranty. This is the sixteenth 'zook I have received from Richard and I think he just gets better and better with each one he builds. These are professional grade instruments. Tremendous resonance and response in this one. It has a strong and powerful percussive sound with a deep rich bass. The back and sides are African Bubinga wood which I think is a superior tone wood for long scale double course instruments. The fingerboard and bridge are ebony, and the solid Sitka spruce top is x-braced with herringbone top trim. The neck has an adjustable truss rod and the ebony fingerboard has slotted diamond inlays. Solid one piece tailpiece eliminates buzzing and loose covers. Fit and finish is first class professional work - as good as those famous guitar makers. Scale length is 24 inches. The x-braced top gives it plenty of punch on rhythm. Nice low action plays effortlessly with a great neck. Its currently tuned GDAE as an octave mandolin but any zook tuning like ADAD or GDAD would work as well. Handmade in North Carolina and comes with a custom fitted hardshell case. Call me for your internet price...USD $2500 list

    RATLIFF MANDOLINS

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

     New Ratliff R5 Scroll Mandolin
    (Serial No. 1006) New with warranty, dark red brown sunburst finish. Audey only build about 18 mandolins a year. Getting a new one to sell it tough - every dealer out there wants one, as they are excellent mandolins. Ratliff builds a fine looking and fine sounding mandolin. This is the classic F-5 style scroll mandolin with the long neck, f holes, and the elevated bound ebony fretboard with dot inlays. Nut width is 1 1/8 inch. It features a beautiful flamed maple back and neck and quilted maple sides. This is a great sounding mandolin. It also features a hand-carved spruce top and is bound top, back, fingerboard and peghead. Custom ordered with a very slight radius to the ebony fretboard and a slightly shortened unfretted treble extension to eliminate pick click in the sweet spot. Pearl headstock inlay and logo. Even though its a new mandolin, it has that woody bluegrass bark and the excellent volume and tone that these mandolins are known for. Frankly, these are underpriced - many pickers believe these to be the best mandolins made today under $5000. These mandolins list for $3500 and Audey does not usually allow significant discounting. However, there is a very small finish check at the lower point below the treble F hole. Its very hard to see and even harder to photograph. Its not a crack - just a place where the finish checked just the smallest bit due to some cold weather when it was curing. Because of this Audey made a special price to me and I can offer this mandolin at a really good deal. Comes with a new rectangular TKL hardshell case...$3000  ON HOLD for Davon in TN

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    OTHER MANDOLINS AND RELATED

    2000 Apitius Classic F5 Mandolin
    (Serial Number: 7600) Near mint condition. An Apitius mandolin is the tone you hear in the early Adam Steffy and most of the Dan Tyminski with Allison Krause recordings, and Pete Frostic of Old School Freight Train is currently playing an Apitius mandolin. This is one of the serious mandolins in bluegrass. If you are wanting a pro grade mandolin but the $20,000 cost of a Gilchrist or Nugget is out of your range this is the mandolin for you. Oliver builds his mandolins mostly by hand, and the quality and care in detail shows in both the beautiful cosmetics and the wonderful even tone. Heavily flamed European maple back and sides and a close grained Sitka spruce top. According to Oliver, it came from a 700 year old tree that was harvested in northern British Columbia and seasoned in his shop for fourteen years. The radiused ebony fretboard and low action make this a joy to play. Recently partially refretted and set up professionally. Comes with a hardshell case...USD $5500

    2003 Bill Davis F5 Mandolin
    (Serial No. 11603) Excellent plus condition, sunburst finish with a satin gloss. Nice looking and sounding mandolin custom built by Bill Davis, noted Kansas builder. Sounds very strong with good depth and projection. Has nicely flamed maple back and sides, solid spruce top with tone bar bracing, radiused ebony fingerboard and bridge, gold hardware including an Allen one piece tailpiece, and a pearl logo and peghead inlay. The fingerboard has a scooped extension to eliminate pick click. Workmanship is first class. The mandolin plays like silk with good volume and a strong woody chop. If you are looking for good sound and playability at a reasonable price, this is your mandolin. Comes with a shaped hardshell case...USD $3500

      2009 Chris Stanley A5-V Mandolin
    (Serial No. 46)New with warranty, mint unplayed condition. Any pickers that think you have to have a F5 style to get the tone and volume of a good mandolin - think again. Remember that Loar also built one A5 - which is as powerful of a mandolin as any of his F styles. I'll tell you how much I like Chris's mandolins - I play one for myself. This one equals my personal Stanley F5 in volume and tone - and it has not even begun to open up yet. Chris has outdone himself here. Chris Stanley is a great picker and has owned several Loars and Ferns, so he knows tone. He's also and accomplished woodworker and luthier, so when he decided to build mandolins he already had a pretty good head start. This mandolin is impressive - the fit and hand rubbed varnish finish is great, the action is easy and the tone is already there. Look at that back wood - its one piece flamed maple. The top is red spruce like the original Loar F5. All high grade parts - flat ebony fingerboard and bridge, 1 1/8 inch nut, pearl logo, silver plated hardware, and grained ivoriod binding. Finish color is a lighter traditional sunburst similar to a 1923 Loar. Sidebound body like Bills. Now, there's two camps on mandolin sound. The Loar F5 was made to play in ensembles, so it has a good midrange as well as bass and treble. Many modern mandolins are looking for a deep woody woof on the bottom, sometimes decent trebles, but usually lack in the mids. This mandolin is firmly in the Loar camp. Its a very well balanced mandolin across the strings, with strong even response. Yes you have the chop but you also have the rest of the notes as well. Chris extends a lifetime warranty to the new owner. Comes with a shaped hardshell case. Even as an almost new mandolin you can easily hear the sound in this one...USD $3500

     1999 Dearstone A5E Mandolin
    (Serial No. 78RM) Excellent plus condition, traditional sunburst lacquer finish. Its a very clean mandolin - the washed out areas in the pictures are reflections. Ray Dearstone is a respected small shop builder of handcarved mandolins from Blountsville, TN. Many pros use his mandolins such as Shawn Lane of Blue Highway. Ray takes a different approach to building, as his mandolins use a solid carved redwood top with tone bar bracing. This still gives the cut and chop of a spruce top mandolin with a bit more warmth in the tone. The neck, back and sides are solid flamed maple. Also has a bound flat ebony fingerboard which is abbreviated to eliminate pick click, a 1-18" nut, ebony bridge and open back Grover tuners. Nickel hardware. One of those little details that Ray pays attention to is when the mandolin is in the usual playing position, the pearl logo is level so it can read easily. Neck profile is slim like a Loar. Fully bound. Nice low action. Shows some very minor playing wear as would be expected on a good bluegrass mandolin. Frets are fine, neck is straight. This mandolin projects well and will drive your music. Comes with a shaped hardshell case...USD $1750

     2003 Kentucky KM-25th Anniversary F5 Mandolin
    (Serial No. 004) Mint unplayed condition. Kentucky stated building mandolins in 1978. For their 25th anniversary they commissioned Sumi, the builder of the legendary KM-1000, KM-1500 and KDawg mandolins, to build the finest Kentucky mandolins ever made. These were only offered in 2003 at the NAMM show, and of the planned original 12 only 9 were built due to the time involved in the construction. Has beautiful highly flamed maple back, side and neck, carved spruce top, ebony fingerboard, inlaid pearl logo in the peghead, silver plated tuners with pearl buttons, silver plated tailpiece, and a hand-applied varnish sunburst finish. Side bound with multiple binding just like the one Bill played.

    Not only is the the finest Kentucky ever built, I think it is one the best sounding also. Big volume with good cutting trebles and a nice deep chop. It sounds like what it is - a high end limited edition presentation model made by a master luthier to showcase the ability of one of the largest manufacturers in the world. They pulled out all the stops on this one. Comes with the original shaped hardshell case, the hand-signed certificate of authenticity, and a copy of the original dealer invoice....USD $NFS

     2003 Mark Taylor Prodigal 5 Mandolin
    (Serial No. 004) Excellent / near mint condition. Mark Taylor is the son of Tut Taylor and has been building mandolins since the 1970s. Tut used to own the only known Loar A5 and this custom built mandolin was inspired by that one. Mark has only built about 20 of these over the years. This one has absolute top grade flamed maple back, sides and neck, red spruce top, triple binding, lacquer finish, pearl peghead inlay and radiused ebony fingerboard with larger size frets. 1-1/8 inch pearl nut. Very strong sounding mandolin with deep chop and excellent cut for jams. It was used on several Bluegrass Underground recordings. It was gone through by Randy Wood who set it up with new frets and a new bridge. It plays real sweet with a nice low action. Original brown alligator print square case. These list for $12,899, which I think is way too much. It is, however, a really strong mandolin built to the highest standards. This professionally recorded and near mint one can be yours for...USD $4450

     1982 Gordon Mills F5 Mandolin
    (Serial No. 1) Every once in while I come across an instrument that is much better than you expect. This is one of those. This is marked serial number 1. I've never heard of Gordon Mills, but he did a fine job on his first mandolin. Its built from quality materials - nicely flamed maple back, sides and neck and a spruce top. Has a Brekke bridge fitted. Tuners are 80s Gotahs, which are considered good tuners. The finish is fairly beat as this mandolin was played a lot. That's the main question - how does it sound and play? Its just been set up by my luthier so it plays fine with a nice low action. Has excellent volume and good woody chop. No, its not a Gibson but its very good mandolin, much better than any of the PacRim imports or anything else in this price range. This will bluegrass very well for you. Comes with a unusual hardshell case....USD $850

     1986 Randy Wood F5 Mandolin
    (Serial No. 2186) Excellent minus condition showing playing wear and some finish flaking on the peghead. Randy Wood is considered one of the top mandolin builders in the world today, and instruments like this one is why that reputation is well deserved. Here's one of his early ones thats just a great mandolin. F5 style mandolin with a lacquer finish, flat ebony fretboard with 1 1/8 inch nut and scooped extension, red spruce top, heavily flamed maple back, sides and neck, pearl logo and gold hardware. I got this from a NYC pro who used it for years in the studio. Set up professionally for low easy action. Strong volume with an excellent chop and cutting trebles. This is what you are looking for in a bluegrass workhorse mandolin. Comes with a shaped hardshell case...USD $5750

     1999 Rigel S-100 Mandolin
    (Serial No. 1989) Pete Langdell at Rigel builds some of the most innovative mandolins around. Gibson F5s and copies are everywhere - Rigel breaks this mold. Rigel mandolins are distinct in their shape and appearance. If one is not familiar with traditional mandolin shapes, the first reactions are that a Rigel mandolin looks like a mini electric guitar. This was by no means an accident. Langdell views the mandolin as somewhere between the guitar and the violin in its evolution. While guitars are still evolving and the violin has been unchanged for three hundred years, he states, "with the mandolin, there is a window for some subtle design changes." Rigel mandolins are built with a simple, yet innovative construction concept - the rim is carved from one piece of wood instead of the traditional bent side construction. The top is loaded into the rim allowing the instrument to be tuned to pitch without the use of glue. This procedure allows Rigel to voice and tune the soundboard a number of times before gluing, giving Rigel instruments a tonal consistency that is unequaled. Excellent plus condition, sunburst lacquer finish, Adirondack spruce top, clear maple back, sides and neck, gold hardware, one piece tailpiece, built-in pickup, decal logo, radiused fingerboard which is scooped to eliminate pick click, slim neck profile. The smooth lines of the body allow for speed and effortless playing. Gorgeous tobacco sunburst. Very clean, with no significant player wear. Less fancy version of the top of the line G110 with Rigel's signature tone and playability. Very smooth sound - nice round tone. It will play bluegrass fine but it excels at jazz, classical, folk and Celtic. Comes with the original tweed hardshell case....USD $3250

     1980s Stefan Sobell 5 Course Octave Mandolin
    (Serial # none) Stefan Sobell builds the finest instruments for Celtic music in the world. This is the sound you hear on all the Irish and Celtic recordings. It has an Indian rosewood back and sides and a spruce top, which is the combination of tone woods Stefan used most often. The long scale at 24 inches and 5 courses give numerous possibilities for tuning. I have it in DADAD tuning, but you could use GCGCD, GDADA or other long scale tunings as well. The cool thing about the longer scale is the ability to capo, even up to the octave. It also has a mahogany neck, herringbone top trim, fully bound body, gold tuners, brass Sobell one piece tailpiece, and an ebony fingerboard. The fingerboard is slightly wider than a Gibson to allow quick rolls and triplets. Has amazing volume and sustain. Neck is straight, neck angle is good, frets are fine. The bridge appears to be original and is fit well to the top. A high quality Fishman soundhole pickup is included and the body has already been drilled for the jack. Action is low and comfortable. Very loud instrument that will cut through sessions with ease. Deep woody round tone and very clear notes. Comes with a custom made Calton hardshell case....USD $6500

     2006 Weber Yellowstone Mandolin
    (Serial No. 6294211) Excellent plus condition. This is the main workhorse mandolin for Weber, and it carries the load well. This mandolin will give you that good bluegrass sound. Has the Vintage Desert Dawn sunburst lacquer gloss finish, a solid carved cedar top which gives it a bit more warmth in the tone without losing the cut and chop, traditional tone bar bracing, heavily flamed maple back, sides and deep V profile neck, fully bound, nickel Grover tuners and Weber one piece cast tailpiece, pearl "The Weber" logo, and an ebony Weber Traditional bridge. Bound radiused fretboard with 1 1/8 inch nut, jumbo frets, and no treble extension which eliminates pick click. Its a loud mandolin with good chop and a very warm woody tone. Bruce Weber built a lot of Gibsons and Flatirons there in Montana. Now he has his own shop and is turning out high quality instruments. This instrument is ready to go. It needs nothing but your fingers on the strings! Comes with the original grey Weber hardshell case. These sell for $4800 new. This one looks almost new but has a couple of years of playing on it to bring out the sound...USD $3500

     1926 Martin Style A Mandolin
    (Serial #12907) Excellent condition. All solid woods with a mahogany back and sides and spruce top. Good neck and frets, plays nice with a low action but still has plenty of volume. Great for old-time, Celtic, or jazz. Tortoise binding and pickguard. Original tailpiece and tuners. The Martin stamp is both inside and on the back of the peghead. Comes with a non-original case....USD $1200

     1921 Martin Style AK Mandolin
    (Serial No. 09388) Very Good condition with a few repairs. This is the early style peghead with the Martin stamp embossed on the back and no decal on the front. Nice Hawaiian Koa wood top, back and sides, and an ebony fingerboard with small dot inlays. Good neck and frets, plays nice with a low action but still has plenty of volume. Koa is a wood that is subject to dryness cracks, and this instrument has several well- repaired cracks. There is one on the face right above the tail piece and one on the side. All cracks have been professionally glued and cleated. Great for old-time, Celtic, or jazz. Nice tortoiseshell binding and pickguard. Original tuners and plain tailpiece cover. Comes with the original soft shell case.....USD $950

     1928 Martin Style AK Mandolin
    (Serial No. 13945) From my personal collection. Near mint condition with almost no playing wear. This is the early style peghead with the Martin stamp embossed on the back and no decal on the front. Beautifully grained Hawaiian Koa wood top, back and sides, and an ebony fingerboard with small dot inlays. Good neck and frets, plays nice with a low action but still has plenty of volume. No cracks or repairs. Great for old-time, Celtic, or jazz. Nice tortoiseshell binding and pickguard. Original tuners and plain tailpiece cover. Comes with a newer hardshell case...USD $1600

     1925 Martin Style B Mandolin
    (Serial No. 11964) Excellent condition with very little playing wear. This is the early style cutout peghead with the Martin stamp embossed on the back and no decal on the front. Beautifully grained Brazilian rosewood back and sides, spruce top, herringbone rosette and back strip, and an ebony fingerboard with slotted diamond inlays. Good neck and frets, plays nice with a low action but still has plenty of volume. Great for old-time, Celtic, or jazz. Nice tortoiseshell binding and pickguard. Original tuners and plain tailpiece cover. Comes with a newer hardshell case....USD $2000

     1924 Martin Style B Mandolin
    (Serial No. 11167) Excellent condition with very little playing wear. This is the early style cutout peghead with the Martin stamp embossed on the back and no decal on the front. Beautifully grained Brazilian rosewood back and sides, spruce top, herringbone rosette and back strip, and an ebony fingerboard with slotted diamond inlays. Good neck and frets, plays nice with a low action but still has plenty of volume. Has a small well-repaired side crack. Great for old-time, Celtic, or jazz. Nice tortoiseshell binding and pickguard. Original tuners and plain tailpiece cover. Comes with a newer hardshell case....USD $2000

     1953 Martin 2-15 Mandolin
    (Serial No. 21268) Excellent condition. Has a carved solid spruce top and solid figured maple back and sides. This was Martins answer to the Gibson carved top mandolins. These carved top Martins are often used in mandolin orchestras or for recording, as they have a sweet delicate sound but are not particularly loud or punchy. Its not a bluegrass mandolin. Tuners are original with one bent shaft but it still works fine . Bridge and tailpiece cover are replacements and the guard is missing. Straight neck, good frets, and a nice low action. As the bridge saddle is high I suspect it had a neck set in the past. No structural repairs or top issues but is missing a couple of dot inlays in the ebony fingerboard. Comes with a newer non-original hardshell case. ....USD $950

     1920 Vega Model 202 Cylinderback Mandolin
    (Serial No. 38824) Excellent plus condition, somewhat uncommon sunburst finish. Clean mandolin with only minor playing wear. Has the curved mahogany back and sides, solid spruce top, ebony fingerboard, fancy soundhole ring, and an inlaid pickguard. Finish and hardware are original with no repairs. Has the usual nicks and dings of a well loved teens mandolin, but nothing major. Has a beautiful sweet sound and plays like silk. Excellent for classical and Celtic music. Comes with an old possibly original hardshell case......USD $1650

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

     New Richard Beard Bouzouki/Octave Mandolin
    (Serial #30) New with warranty. This is the sixteenth 'zook I have received from Richard and I think he just gets better and better with each one he builds. These are professional grade instruments. Tremendous resonance and response in this one. It has a strong and powerful percussive sound with a deep rich bass. The back and sides are African Bubinga wood which I think is a superior tone wood for long scale double course instruments. The fingerboard and bridge are ebony, and the solid Sitka spruce top is x-braced with herringbone top trim. The neck has an adjustable truss rod and the ebony fingerboard has slotted diamond inlays. Solid one piece tailpiece eliminates buzzing and loose covers. Fit and finish is first class professional work - as good as those famous guitar makers. Scale length is 24 inches. The x-braced top gives it plenty of punch on rhythm. Nice low action plays effortlessly with a great neck. Its currently tuned GDAE as an octave mandolin but any zook tuning like ADAD or GDAD would work as well. Handmade in North Carolina and comes with a custom fitted hardshell case. Call me for your internet price...USD $2500 list

    ELECTRIC MANDOLINS

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

     None at this time

    MARTIN ACOUSTIC GUITARS

     1928 Martin 2-17 Guitar
    (Serial No. 35169) Excellent condition. These small body all mahogany Martins are great for blues, with that warm sound only a mahogany top will give. Its only 12 inches wide at the lower bout with a 24 inch scale, 1 3/4 inch nut and 2 3/8 inch bridge spacing. All original hardware and finish. Original bar frets have just been dressed. The neck has been reset and the bridge reglued - its ready to go. Shows some playing wear on the back and there are the usual nicks and dings of a well-loved instrument. Its a perfect travel or sitting on the couch guitar. Has a huge sound all out of proportion to the small size. It also makes a dynamite slide guitar; string it up with mediums, tune it to open G, and roar! Comes with the original softshell case which is in excellent condition...USD $2750

     1940 Martin 0-18 Guitar
    (Serial No. 74423) Excellent plus condition, a closet classic that has not been played in over 30 years, and not much before that. Very clean guitar showing almost no playing wear and just a few minor handling marks. Mahogany back and sides, Adirondack spruce top with scalloped bracing. Nut is 1-10/16 inch, just a little shy of the usual 1-11/16 inch. Has the early ebony fingerboard and bridge instead of the rosewood as used later. Completely original with no repairs or refinish of any kind. Still has the original unslotted ebony bridge pins. There is one tuner that is bent just a little but the tuners are tight and obviously not much used. Frets look nearly unplayed, neck is straight. Action is good, which is surprising as its never had a neck set and does not need one. Big sound all out of proportion to the small body size. Comes with a somewhat beat but still functional original soft case...USD $5450 ON HOLD for Steve in CA

      2007 Martin 0M18V Guitar
    (Serial No. 1246016) Excellent plus with only the slightest sign its been played. I got this one from a picker who used it to record his latest CD, but realized he really preferred the traditional nut width. Wonderful small body guitar with a large sound all out of proportion to the smaller size. Solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, ebony fingerboard and bridge, Waverly style traditional open back tuners, bone nut and saddle. Has a 1-3/4 inch nut on and the neck is a soft V profile. Has the traditional dovetail neck joint. It has the sound, too. Works well for flatpickers or fingerpickers with a broad dynamic range that responds well to a light touch or a hard attack. Very versatile and comfortable guitar. If you need to plug in, its fitted with a Baggs undersaddle pickup and an endpin jack. The pickup has a discreet volume control mounted inside the soundhole. Strap button added at the heel. Comes with the original very nice hardshell case...USD $2150

    •  1948 Martin 000-18 Guitar
    (Serial No. 108119) Excellent minus condition. Nicely aged spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Martin is supposed to have used Andirondack spruce for the tops until the early 50's, but no one can really tell by looking at it. To be sure, you have put it under a microscope in a lab. The open back Kluson tuners are original. Rosewood peghead overlay with gold Martin script. Has that nice meaty 40s Martin C shaped neck profile with a standard 1 11/16 nut width. Weighs almost nothing - this guitar is light as a feather. The bridge has been reglued, there is the usual pickguard crack repair under the high e string, and a couple of short dryness side cracks have been professionally glued. No other repairs noted. It does have some minor scratches, nicks and dings and honest pickwear from 60 years of playing. Neck has probably been set at some time in the past as the action is low and comfortable. The frets are in good shape and the neck is straight. Has a nice big open woody sound with strong volume. Comes with a 1990s black Martin hardshell case....USD $5500

     1957 Martin 000-21 Guitar
    (Serial No. 157606) Excellent minus condition. Nicely aged spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides. Has the standard 1 11/16 inch nut and a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Rosewood peghead overlay with gold Martin script. Nice big open woody sound with strong volume. This guitar must have had a pro neck set and setup as it plays beautifully. All hardware and finish is original. Someone screwed the bridge down in the past but it has been repaired and this is the original bridge. Bridge plate is replaced with a oversized maple plate which does not seem to affect the sound, as this guitar has the warm tone, string to string balance and volume you expect from these rosewood 000 size guitars. There are no structural repairs but lots of finish checking, pickwear, and the usual nicks and dings of a well loved and much played guitar. Comes with a newer Martin Geib hardshell case...USD $5950

     1938 Martin D18 Guitar
    (Serial #70797) Excellent restored condition. This is the guitar that all of the modern makers are trying to copy. Last year for the 1-3/4 nut width for this model. Dreadnaught size body with mahogany back and sides, Adirondack spruce top with advanced bracing, 1-3/4 inch nut with a V profile neck, ebony fingerboard and bridge, original pickguard. Complete refinish in the 1950s including a new decal and new 1950s tuners. Has an old neck heel repair that was doweled by David Musslewhite when he just went through the guitar. Fresh neck set and frets, new bridge plate and bridge also by Musselwhite. The action is low and comfortable. Very lightweight guitar with a beautiful open clear sound. Its an extremely complex tone with lots of volume, clear trebles, and a strong focused bass. It has a quick and delicate sound that responds equally well to fingerstyle or a flatpick. Comes with the original hardshell case. In original condition these are nearing $50,000. This one will smoke all the newer guitars at the the jam, and its yours for....USD $22,500

       1969 Martin D-21 Guitar
    (Serial No. 253673) Excellent condition. The 21 series Martins were intended as the line between the 18 and the 28 series. They have Brazilian rosewood back and sides like the 28 series and a rosewood fingerboard and bridge and the simpler binding of the 18 series. I bought this one from the second owner who had it for over 30 years. Has nicely figured Brazilian rosewood back and sides and a Sitka top. Original black binding and guard. Standard 1-11/16 nut width. Tuners, bridge and finish look to be original. Has the usual pickguard crack common to most older Martins and one short area for a few inches where it looks like the binding was reglued but no other repairs are evident. Its not visually obvious but it must have had a neck set as it has a nice low action with good volume and plenty of saddle left. There are some nicks and dings from the last 39 years of playing. This guitar has that well-known Martin "boom" that is ideal for bluegrass. These guitars are sleepers on the market. You can get all the sound of a older Martin dreadnought, the collectability of a Brazilian rosewood guitar, and have an instrument that's just a little bit different than all the others for much less than a D-28. Comes with a newer hardshell case....USD $6,100

     1949 Martin D-28 Guitar
    (Serial No. 111438) Excellent minus condition. I bought this guitar from Glenn Keener, a well known Nashville studio picker. This guitar has been on numerous country hits, and was the guitar used for the intro on "The Teddy Bear Song" by Barbara Fairchild. This is what a good bluegrass guitar is all about. Has a spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides. The only crack repair I see is the usual repaired pickguard crack. Finish is original but well worn as is typical of a working studio guitar. Tuners were changed to Grovers in the 1970s but 5 of the original tuners are in the case. This guitar sounds real good so it was played a lot. It shows a lot of wear everywhere and the finish is played off the back of the neck. The action is nice and low so I would expect it has had a neck set and refret. Bridge looks to be replaced. This guitar has that well-known Martin "boom" that is ideal for bluegrass. Very powerful bluegrass sound. Comes with the original Martin hardshell case.....USD $14,950

     1949 Martin D-28 Guitar
    (Serial No. 111435) Excellent condition. This is what a good bluegrass guitar is all about. Has a spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides. The figure in the sides is spectacular. The only crack repair I see is the usual repaired pickguard crack. Finish is original and shows the usual nicks and dings and some buckle wear on the back. Tuners are exact replacement Klusons. This guitar has all the power and tone you expect from an old Martin. The action is nice and low so I would expect it has had a neck reset. Bridge looks to be replaced and there is a repaired jack hole in the side with some finish touch up in that area. This guitar has that well-known Martin "boom" that is ideal for bluegrass. Very powerful bluegrass sound. Comes with a newer hardshell case.....USD $18,000

     1954 Martin D-28 Guitar
    (Serial No. 141215) Excellent condition. This is an outstanding bluegrass guitar with all the punch you expect in a older Martin. Nicely aged spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides. This guitar was gone though in 2006 by Dave Musslewhite with a new exact old style replacement bridge, neck set and refret. No cracks or crack repairs - not even a guard crack. Has the standard 1 11/16 inch nut and an ebony fingerboard and bridge. Rosewood peghead overlay with gold Martin script. Strong guitar - plays easy with low action, and has a nice big open woody sound and its loud! Has the expected finish checking, pickwear, and the usual nicks and dings of a well loved and much played guitar. Finish and hardware are original. Comes with an old maybe original hardshell case....USD $11,950

     1960 Martin D28 Guitar
    (Serial No. 146168) Excellent condition. This is what a good bluegrass guitar is all about. Has a spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides. The only crack repair I see is the usual repaired pickguard crack. Finish and hardware is original, including the original Kluson waffleback tuners. This guitar sounds real good so it was played a lot. It shows a little pickwear near the guard and armwear on the edge of the top. Otherwise its just the usual nicks and dings of a 49 year old bluegrass warhorse. The neck was just reset and the frets dressed by luthier Jerry Ray. Bridge looks like it was reglued at some point in the past. The action is low and comfortable and the frets are fine. This guitar has that well-known Martin "boom" that is ideal for bluegrass. Very powerful bluegrass sound. Comes with the original Martin hardshell case.....USD $8500

     1970 Martin D-28 Guitar
    (Serial No. 268816) Excellent minus condition. This is the classic Martin D-28 - solid Indian rosewood back and sides and a solid spruce top. Original finish shows some honest playing wear and nicks and dings, but no major repairs or issues. Neck is straight, neck set is good and the frets are fine. Original black pickguard. The saddle has been intonated to note correctly up the neck. White plastic strap button added at the neck. Looks like there was a jack near the end pin at one time as there is a small area only in the plastic bottom trim strip that has been filled. I also think the bridge may be a bit oversized, but there is no evidence that this bridge has been off and on so it could easily be factory. The previous owner must have been Hawk, as he wrote his name inside on the back brace. This guitar has that solid Martin "boom" you need in a good bluegrass guitar. The saddle is low but it plays very easy with a nice action. This is a excellent sounding well played and nicely aged D-28. Comes with an older non-original hardshell case....USD $2600

      2008 Martin HD28V Guitar
    (Serial No. 1280237) Mint condition, looks unplayed. If you are looking for a newer clean Martin that is already starting to open up, this is your guitar. The sound is the reason D28s and HD28s are the bluegrass standard and this guitar is a good example. Its got a nice big open woody sound with strong volume and that big Martin boom on the bottom end. It does have a strap button added at the heel. It has a Sitka spruce top with herringbone trim, advanced bracing, slotted diamond fingerboard inlays, 1 11/16 inch bone nut, old style logo, long saddle ebony bridge with a bone saddle, ebony fingerboard, modified V neck profile, and nice striped chocolate colored Indian rosewood back and sides. Action is great. Almost no playing wear evident, not even the usual minor nicks and dings. Anything you see in the pictures that looks like a blemish or a white spot is a reflection. Comes with the original Martin hardshell case....USD $2350

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    GIBSON AND EPIPHONE ACOUSTIC GUITARS

     1956 Gibson LG-2 Guitar
    (Serial No. V8677-31) Excellent minus condition. Nice example of Gibson's premier small body flat-top guitar model from the '40's and '50's. This is a most comfortable guitar for just sitting around and playing. Has the second generation tortoise pattern pickguard, small rectangle bridge, X braced solid spruce top with triple binding on the top and single binding on the back, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays, block Gibson logo. Original finish in nice condition. The X bracing gives it power and full sound like the larger dreadnaughts. Great sounding guitar with a nice low action. Original tuners with buttons that have shrunk a bit but are still usable. There is one repaired back crack but no other structural repairs are evident. The long scratch on the side is just that, a scratch. Has some finish checking and normal pickwear, which would be expected on a good sounding guitar that is over 50 years old. Classic big round neck but not a baseball bat, neck is straight, frets are good. Powerful punch with great sustain. Just a great sounding guitar with a nice low action. Newer hardshell case...USD $2650

     1939 Gibson J35 Guitar
    (Serial No. EG-7435) Excellent condition, blonde top finish. The J-35 was Gibson's answer to the Martin D-18 during the years 1937-1941. Has a dreadnought body with mahogany back and sides, Adirondack spruce top, maple bridge plate, rosewood bridge and fingerboard, and that cool original fire stripe guard. Has the rare unscalloped three tone bar bracing. Looks like it had some Grover tuners on it in the past but I had a set of original amber button tuners in the parts box and these were reinstalled. Has a big neck with a rounded profile but not as big as a Banner. Nut is 1-11/16 inch. There is a finish check that looks like a crack at the top of the back but it is not in the wood. No cracks or repairs noted. The top has aged nicely and collected a few light scratches and moderate checking. No capo marks on the neck and just the slightest sign of divots in the board. Action is fine, the neck set is good and the frets are in excellent condition. The tone is warm, woody, and open. Comes with the original tan chipboard case...USD $13,500

     1940 Gibson J35 Guitar
    (FON No. 9941-26) Excellent condition, blonde top finish. The J-35 was Gibson's answer to the Martin D-18 during the years 1937-1941. This one is later model, either late 1940 or early 1941. Has a dreadnought body with mahogany back and sides, Adirondack spruce top, maple bridge plate, rosewood bridge and fingerboard, original ebony 1-11/16 inch nut and that cool original fire stripe guard. Has the unscalloped two tone bar bracing. Has a rounded neck profile. There is a edge wing crack repaired on the peghead face that looks worse in the pics than it does when you have the guitar in your hand. The bridge looks right but it is not lacquered, so it might be a very good replacement. No other cracks or repairs noted. The top has aged nicely and collected a few light scratches and moderate checking and a few capo marks on the neck. Action is fine, the neck set is good and the frets are in excellent condition. The tone is warm, woody, and open. Comes with a newer hardshell case.......USD $13,500

     1955 Gibson J-160E Guitar
    (Serial No. w97632) Excellent condition. The day after John Lennon received his J-160E in 1962, he played the guitar on the Beatles first single "Love Me Do." The J-160E remained Lennon's guitar of choice and was used extensively in the studio, on tour and on television appearances. This is the second year for this model but its very early in 1955 so it shows the 1954 features of a solid spruce top, the earlier large bridge dots and saddle adjustment screws and the 19 fret fingerboard. All hardware, electronics and finish is original. There is a repaired pickguard crack on the top but there is major brace for the pickup right under this area so it is stable. Pickup is original and strong. The neck is very playable with a nice low action. Neck is straight, set is good and the frets are in good shape. Excellent cosmetic condition showing some pick wear on the top and the usual nicks and dings of a well played instrument. Comes with a nice original softshell case....USD $5500

     1959 Gibson J-160E Guitar
    (Serial No. S191917) Excellent condition. The day after John Lennon received his J-160E in 1962, he played the guitar on the Beatles first single "Love Me Do." The J-160E remained Lennon's guitar of choice and was used extensively in the studio, on tour and on television appearances. This guitar is a little earlier but has the same features as the Beatles guitar, including the single soundhole ring and the correct knobs. The tuners on this one are aged replacement Klusons that fit the original holes exactly. The original tuners and bushings are in the case pocket, along with a copy of the original bill of sale. The serial number dates it 1959, but the bill of sale is dated 1961. There is a strap button hole in the side of the heel. Pickup is original and strong. The neck is very playable with a nice low action. Neck is straight, set is good and the frets are in good shape, with a few having been replaced. Excellent plus cosmetic condition showing some very minor pick wear on the top and the usual nicks and dings of a well played instrument. Comes with a nice original brown Lifton hardshell case....USD $5500

     1963 Epiphone FT-79 Texan Guitar
    (Serial No. 149233) Excellent condition, sunburst finish. One year older but it is the same exact model as played by Paul McCartney. Paul first used the Epiphone while recording Help! and later notably used it on the song Yesterday. Finish and hardware are original including the original adjustable bridge. Neck set is good, frets are fine and the guitar plays nicely. Shows some pickwear at the soundhole. No repairs. Comes with an old possibly original hardshell case. Yea, Yea, Yea!...USD $3650

     2006 Gibson SJ-200 Natural Guitar
    (Serial #02066063) Near mint condition, antique blond finish. "The King of the Flat Tops". The SJ-200 is Gibson's top of the line jumbo model, with a solid spruce top with aging toner, solid flamed maple back, sides and neck, rosewood fretboard with mother-of-pearl crown inlays, hand engraved pickguard, open mustache bridge and gold hardware. Action is low and comfortable with plenty of saddle left. Great sound! This is a great rhythm guitar - ask Steve Earle or EmmyLou Harris. Or if you have a crystal ball, John Lennon or Buddy Holly, all of whom owned J-200s. The jumbo size provides excellent volume and the maple brightens the tone to keep it from being too "brassy". There is a Baggs Dual source pickup fitted along with an end pin jack. The Dual Source System is a high end very accurate miniature onboard microphone/pickup mixing system. No repairs or issues of any sort. Just back from my luthier with a fresh set up. Comes with the original Gibson hardshell case...USD $2500

    COLLINGS, TAYLOR, GALLAGHER, AND OTHER ACOUSTIC FLATTOP GUITARS

     2007 Bourgeois Slope D Guitar
    (Serial No. 004427, label hand signed by Dana Bourgeois) Near mint condition. Has a premium Adirondack top with mahogany back and sides, snakehead headstock with a pearl logo, ebony peghead veneer, 1 23/32" nut width, bone nut and saddle, ivoroid body, neck, & headstock binding, ivoroid rosette, black line backstrip, firestripe tortoise pickguard, tiny dot inlays on the 25.5" scale length ebony fretboard, ebony bridge, and nickel Waverly tuners with ivoroid buttons. Nice medium sunburst hand shot by Dana. Strap button added at the heel. Dynamic, full, spectacular tone, balance, projection, clarity and sustain. I think its more open and even sounding than the usual dreadnaught but this will bluegrass with the best of them and will also work for country, blues or fingerstyle. Superb craftmanship. Nice low action, neck is straight and the frets are fine. The guitar is really clean and looks unplayed. Anything you see in the pictures that looks like a blemish is a reflection. Comes with a nice original hardshell case. New these list at $4195. This guitar is just a few months old and looks new....USD $2550

     2004 Santa Cruz Custom D'03 Guitar
    (Serial No. 4438) Near mint condition, looks unplayed. Its has a mahogany body with a German spruce top with double tapered bracing and scalloped tone bars, grained ivoroid rosette, ivoriod and tortoise body binding, no backstripe, Waverly tuners, unbound peghead with a Brazilian rosewood overlay, ebony fingerboard with no inlays and ebony bridge, 1 11/16 inch bone nut and bone saddle. 25.375 inch scale length. Very lightly constructed guitar - very resonate and responsive. Its plays very easily with a nice low action. Works well for flatpicking but will also respond to a delicate touch for fingerstyle. Comes with a nice maybe original hardshell case....USD $2550

     2002 Santa Cruz Vintage Jumbo (VJ) Guitar
    (Serial No. 3598) Near mint condition - anything that looks like a spot or a scrape is a reflection. This is an outstanding interpretation of the pre-war Gibson slope shouldered dreadnought. Correct 30s style sunburst on the top and natural finish back and sides. Has old style grained invoriod/black/ivoroid top binding, unbound head stock and Waverly tuners. Also has straight grain ribbon mahogany back and sides, Sitka spruce top, ebony fingerboard with a 1 3/4" nut width, ebony bridge, Brazilian rosewood peghead facing with a pearl logo, and pre-war style hand scalloped bracing. Set up recently with a low comfortable action. Best of all it has a very big sound with a thick sweet tone that just doesn't break up no matter how hard you play. Comes with the original hardshell case....USD $2550

     1993 Guild DV-52 Guitar
    (Serial No. EK100639) Excellent condition except for some finish checking. My first decent guitar was a Guild. These are an excellent value in a solid wood made in USA guitar. Built in the Westerly, RI plant. Has a Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, ebony fingerboard and bridge, gold Grover tuners and a pearl logo. This was owned by a guitar tech in Montana so its set up perfectly. That also explains the finish checking, which is caused by going from cold to a warm room. Strap button added at the back of the heel. Fitted with a Baggs I-Beam pickup system and end pin jack. Excellent sounding and playing guitar for not much $$. Comes with the original hardshell case....USD $1200

     1998 Huss and Dalton TD-R Guitar
    (Serial No. 091) Excellent condition. Huss and Dalton are right here in Staunton, Virginia smack dab in the middle of the Shenandoah Valley so they understand what a good bluegrass guitar is all about. This one has a Sitka spruce top with hand-scalloped braces, built to vintage pre-war Martin D-28 specs with the high X brace, Indian rosewood back and sides, with an 1-3/4 inch bone nut on the ebony fingerboard, 30's modified "V" profile neck, ebony belly bridge with 2-9/32 inch saddle spacing and an intonated bone saddle, herringbone top trim and rosette, vintage style grained ivoriod binding and open back nickel Waverly tuners. The attention to detail is incredible. A Baggs pickup has been added inside along with an end pin jack. Very powerful and resonant voice on this one, and the action is perfect for flatpicking. Its a used guitar but is in excellent condition with a short well repaired side crack. Comes with a nice TKL hard case. This is a true bluegrass powerhouse by one of the best small shop builders in the business...USD $2350

     2004 Randall Kramer Prairie Grass Guitar
    (Serial No. 015) Near mint condition, looks unplayed. Originally designed as an alternative for the small player for whom a standard dreadnought shape is an uncomfortably large guitar, the Prairie Grass model is a slope shouldered small dreadnought measuring 15 1/4" across the lower bout with a 4 3/8" body depth. Nut is 1 3/4 inch and the scale length is 25 1/2 inch. All in all, it feels and plays like a Martin OM size guitar but is more comfortable to hold due to the rounded small jumbo body shape. This size and shape provide a naturally strong bass with rich trebles and a vibrant mid-range. Has Indian rosewood back and sides, bearclaw Sitka spruce top, Kramer design rosewood bridge and fingerboard, 1-3/4 bone nut, pearl logo, and a custom handmade wooden soundhole rosette and rosewood binding. The clear pickguard allows the beauty of this guitar to be seen. Everywhere you look the attention to detail is amazing - graphite bar neck reinforcement and an adjustable truss rod, brace arched top and back for more volume and tone, thin nitro lacquer finish, gold tuners. Looks at the care used for the peghead laminate, both front and back. It has the sound, too. Works well for flatpickers or fingerpickers with a broad dynamic range that responds well to a light touch or a hard attack. Very versatile and comfortable guitar. Comes with a nice hardshell case. This model by Randall now lists for $4800 with no discount available and a long wait. This near mint guitar looks new and can be yours for...USD $3450

     1940's Vega Profundo Guitar
    (Serial No. 39629) Excellent condition. You know, there were other guitar makers with quality instruments besides Martin and Gibson. Vega was a well respected Boston maker of mostly banjos, but they built mandolins and guitars as well. This was the top of the line flattop for Vega in the 40's. Brazilian rosewood back and sides, solid Adirondack red spruce top. Very modern feeling neck profile. Recent neck set so it plays like silk. There is a minor repaired top crack near the center seam and the pickguard and tuners are replaced. Sounds huge with a good cut for lead work. Comes with a hardshell case.......USD $3250

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    UKULELES, BANJOS, TIPLES, AND OTHER ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENTS

      1924 Martin T-18 Tiple
    (Serial #21516) Excellent restored condition. This is a players instrument. Its been refinished which make the price much more affordable. Its plays nicely with decent action, has the original tuners and bridge, and has no cracks or structural repairs. Mahogany back and sides, solid Adirondack red spruce top, and rosewood fingerboard. Has the koa wood bridge that was only used in the first 18 months of production. Has the cool jangly sound you are looking for. Comes with the original hardshell case...USD $950

      1950s Martin Style 3 Soprano Ukulele
    (SN: None) Excellent condition. Martin makes what are considered to be some of the best ukes ever made and this is an excellent example. All mahogany body with nice seven ply top binding and triple back binding with the fingerboard extending to the soundhole. The tuners date it to the 1950's. Has two small hairline finish checks not to the wood on either side of the fingerboard and extending to the soundhole. All original finish and hardware. Nice sounding and playing uke. Comes with a newer soft case...USD $2950

      1924 Washburn Style A Tenor Banjo
    (Serial No. 4003) Excellent condition. Very cool little banjo in excellent playing condition. Nice maple neck and pot. New head. All of the hardware and finish appears to be original. Check out the unusual tone ring inside the pot. The 17 fret neck makes this a good banjo for Irish and Celtic tunes. Comes with an old but probably not original cardboard case...USD $1100

    STEELS AND RESONATOR INSTRUMENTS

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

      1938 Gibson EH-100 7 String Lap Steel Guitar
    (Serial #481-12) Excellent condition. All original 7 string lap steel with the famous Charlie Christian blade pickup. White script logo on the peghead. All finish, electronics and hardware is original, including the tuners. The steel plays and sounds great. Comes with the original case which is covered in the dark tweed with the yellow stripes....USD $1200

      1954 Fender Champion Lap Steel Guitar
    (Serial No. 7407) Nice early first generation Champion lap steel with the raw raspy sound. Shows some wear especially on the bottom as this guitar was gigged and played. Looks to be all original including the slotted shaft Kluson tuners, the chrome barrel knobs and the pickup, capacitor and pots. Pickup looks similar to a Telecaster bridge pickup. Serial number dates to 1955 but it has a piece of masking tape inside the control cavity marked "Virginia 5-24-54". Original very beat tweed hard case that still functions well...USD $750

     1941 Epiphone Coronet Electar Steel Guitar
    (Serial No. 5105) Excellent condition. Maple body with the metal fingerboard and metal peghead logo. All finish, hardware and electronics are original including the tuners, blade pickup and pots. Two original Bakelite knobs are on the guitar. The steel plays and sounds great. Comes with the original case. ..USD $750

      1935 Dobro Model 32 Guitar
    (Serial No. M1501) Here's a cool old resonator that's seen some action. Steel fiddle edge body with the Dobro style cone and biscuit. This was originally finished sunburst, but as you can see its been painted with copper colored paint. Looks like the cone and tuners are original - I do not know about the tailpiece. The neck is straight and the action is perfect for slide but a little high for fingerstyle. Good raspy blues tone. Has just enough wear on the finish to be cool. Priced right and it comes with a cardboard case...USD $1500

      1932 National Triolian Guitar
    (Serial No. 2814W) Blues approved! Excellent condition cosmetically, excellent condition soundwise. Has most of the original cool yellow brown sunburst finish. Early 12 fret body, original maple neck with slot peghead and flat f-holes. Just back from National who went through the guitar, reset the neck, got rid of the buzzes and fitted a new cone. The original cone will come with the guitar. The front of the peghead has the National Triolian decal and the serial number stamp is on the end. No major repairs evident. Neck is straight, neck and fingerboard as well as the front of the body have some wear, neck set is good. The guitar has the sound you are looking for in a metal body. Comes with a newer hardshell case...USD $4350

      1932 National Triolian Guitar
    (Serial No. 1415P Patent Applied For) Blues approved! Excellent condition cosmetically, excellent condition soundwise. Has most of the original cool yellow brown finish with the Hawaiian scene silkscreened on the back. Early 12 fret body, original neck with slot peghead and flat f-holes. The fretboard is in good condition and still retains some of the original paint. Original cone and hardware. The front of the peghead has the National Triolian decal and the serial number stamp is on the end. No repairs evident. Neck is straight, neck and fingerboard have some wear, neck set is good. The guitar has the sound you are looking for in a metal body. Comes with a newer hardshell case...USD $in the shop

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    ELECTRIC AND ACOUSTIC ARCHTOP AND SEMI-HOLLOW GUITARS

      1971 Gibson ES-335 Guitar
    (Serial No. 630790) Excellent condition, bought from the original owner. Cherry red finish which I think is the best color for this model. I think its a 1971, but as usual for Gibson it has a mix of parts that supposedly could only be used on a certain year - all different years, of course! It has an orange oval label and the earlier bridge with the nylon saddles and the wire retainer, but it has the later logo with the dot on the "i" - go figure. Its no earlier than 1970 and no later than 1972 - hence 1971 kinda splits the difference. All original finish, electronics and hardware. When I got it the frets were gone, so luthier Jerry Ray just professionally refretted the guitar with original size frets and set it up. Has the 1-9/16 inch nut which is a very fast playing neck. Its plays almost too low, like a Les Paul - no worry about high action here. If you have a heavy pick hand you will want to crank the bridge up a turn or two. Has some buckle wear on the back, lots of checking and the comfortable feel and vibe of a well played-in guitar. Comes with the really, really beat original hardshell case...USD $3600 ON HOLD for Emil in Denmark

    ELECTRIC SOLIDBODY GUITARS AND AMPS

      1965 Fender Jaguar Guitar
    (Serial No. 113900) Excellent condition. Neck date is October 65 which makes this a transition guitar with the bound fingerboard, dot inlays and the later tuners. All original finish showing the usual playing wear. Hardware and electronics are correct except for two replaced slider switches. No routes or structural repairs. It does have some buckle wear and the usual nicks and dings of a well played guitar. Action is low and easy - it plays like silk. Frets have been dressed down so it has the perfect action for surf players - you can slide the neck easily. This is a really strong sounding guitar - these pickups smoke. Original no logo hardshell case....USD $3250

      1967 Mosrite Doubleneck Guitar
    (Serial No. 2J405/2J40453) Excellent minus condition. Very cool guitar with both 6 and 12 string necks. Sunburst finish. The finish, hardware and electronics all look original and stock Mosrite. It has the small low frets, small dot inlays on the fingerboard, and a Mosrite vibrato. Pot codes date to the 4th week of 1967. Its the same guitar as the Joe Maphis model, but Semie used the screw washers on the back instead of the usual "kidney" back neck found on the Maphis models. Please see a email I received on this guitar in the expanded description - just click the link above. Plays great as it was just set up professionally. Has that signature Mosrite sound. Comes with the original very battered hardshell case....USD $4250

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    ELECTRIC BASSES AND BASS AMPS

      1978 Rickenbacker 4001 Bass
    (Serial No. RF3001) Excellent minus condition. Ricky basses have a sound all their own. This one is all original with the Fireglow finish, chrome hardware, sharkfin inlays in the fretboard, and the optional Rick-O-Sound stereo output. Set up with RotoWounds. Plays nicely with that signature thin Rick neck and has a warm sweet tone. Shows the usual 70s era buckle wear on the back but not through the wood. There is some pitting on the chrome and it has a few other nicks and dings from 31 years of playing but overall its a clean bass. Comes with the original hardshell case....USD $2500

      1956 Fender Precision Bass
    (Serial No. 10117) Not perfect but for a 52 year old bass this is in near mint condition. This bass was bought this from the family of the original owner. They told me it was never gigged and was just played mostly in the living room and very occasionally in church, but has been in the case for the last 20 years. No fret wear, no major dings or scrapes, no buckle wear, no changes of any kind. Had flatwounds on it when I bought it. First year for the sunburst finish on the P bass. Same year as the Sting bass. Nice light weight. The original strap and one old maybe original string packet is in the case. Very clean original tweed case with the brass Fender plate on the outside and the Koylon label on the inside...USD $20,000

    KEYBOARDS AND EFFECTS

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

    CASES, PARTS AND MISCELLANEOUS

    None at this time

    LUTHIER SPECIALS

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

      1908 Gibson A Mandolin
    (Serial No. 9501) Early Orville label mandolin. This is a worthy project for those handy with tools. What you see it what you get. The main issue is that the three piece neck has started delaminating and will need to be glued back together. The fingerboard is chipped out where the mounting pins for the pickguard were located. I see no other structural issues. No cracks or other repairs noted. The neck looks straight the frets look usable. Note - I have not had this mandolin strung up under tension, so this is just observation on my part. Finish is oxidized and needs to be compounded but looks original. It comes with a set of original tuners that work but will need cleaning up. All other hardware is missing and not available. No case....USD $600



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

    Appraisals Click here for information on appraisals.

    I'm looking for O, OO, and OOO size Martins and Gibsons, also Gibson mandolins and mandolin parts. Please let me know what you have for sale. Cash or fair trades offered. Thanks! Keep in touch!
    Looking for something special, got one to sell, or just want to comment?

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