EM - 00010 1944 Epiphone Adelphi Mandolin     Exc-   Here's Epiphones war time no nonsense f-hole A model for you in very nice shape. Good action and nice sound. Deco sunburst on the top and more traditional reddish sunburst on the back. Plain rosewood overlay on the peghead and two replaced buttons on the original tuning pegs. Recent fret mill and set up. Soft shell case may be original.
Price:   $995.00

GM - 00097 1918 Gibson A-4     EXC +   This is a wonderful example of the top of the line Gibson A model. All original except for the adjustable bridge. Classic sunburst top and attractive birch back and sides. "The Gibson" and fleur de lys inlaid in the headstock and great original tuning pegs with swirled buttons. Original tailpiece and good label and period hard shell case. This mandolin is set up very nicely and plays easily and is one of the best sounding A-4's we've run across. Big and full and clear.
Price:   $2995.00

GM - 000092 1922 Gibson F-2 Mandolin     EXC -   Maybe it has something to do with the bone bridge top or maybe it's because this is a 'Loar period' instrument but this one has exceptional volume and punchiness like many A-2Z's and other Loar era models. Classic sunburst spruce top is crack free as is the flame maple back. Original tuning pegs and tailpiece and pickguard which shows a hairline where it has been repaired. The headstock sports "The Gibson" logo in lovely pearl and has been refinished. All other finish is original and there is a some wear on the back of the neck but it feels fine. This thing plays great by the way with a nice low action. You might even want to raise the action a tad. The original frets have medium wear but will last for awhile longer. The serial number is hard to read on the label but after much scrutiny it appears to be #72176. The original hard shell case is a bit beat up and needs a new handle but it's there and has protected the mandolin over 80 years. This is a fine players mandolin from the best period at Gibson.
Price:   $5950.00

BFM - 0002 ca. 1905 "Artist Model" Bowlback Mandolin     EXC   A fine example of the 'state of the art' in mandolins back it its day. Six ply binding topped off with alternating pieces of ebony and pearl trim the crack free spruce top and a gorgeous pearl butterfly adorns the inlaid tortoise shell pickguard. A one piece Brazilian rosewood skirt encloses 23 rosewood ribs each separated by a thin strip of maple. The new ebony fingerboard is bound and has side dots and ends in an attractive extension that gives a full 22 frets. This mandolin plays easily and sounds great. A beautiful piece of Brazilian rosewood adorns the headstock and its original tuning pegs are in fine shape. No makers name inside. No case.
Price:   $995.00

SM - 00017 ca. 1912 - 1914 Shutt Mandolin     EXC+   While not labeled, this mandolin and the other one in The Museum share with the labeled Shutts and each other many similar characteristics that pre-date features 'introduced' on the F-5 in 1922. The neck joins the body a little past the 14th fret. The light cremona sunburst top is carved with f-holes. The fingerboard is elevated as is the pickguard. The back and sides are flamey sycamore. The same triple binding and workmanship is evident on these slope shouldered Shutts as on the more flamboyant ones and these sound just as good if not better. This one has a plain headstock but a fancy engraved flower with leaves on the tuning pegs cover. And the case is a true gem and a joy to operate with its push button spring latches. And the real good news is that this old Shutt sounds like a real carved top f- hole mandolin ... no kidding .... chop and volume and punch and tone and everything. Quite useful.
Price:   $1995.00

NM - 0009 1929 National Triolian Mandolin     VG++   Here's a classic blues mandolin for you in fine shape with no issues, dents, separations or the like. There is the usual paint wear on the top but very little on the back. You can see that the yellow paint was applied first and then the brown over that. Striking birds eye maple neck and original fancy engraved tuning pegs and the National Shield on the headstock. The tailpiece is in fine shape. The neck is straight, the frets are fine and this puppy is set up very nicely with a nice low action. Serial number is #149. It has a nice black Travelite case that fits it perfectly. Tuned down from G to E these old National resonator mandolins growl like no others.
Price:   $1995.00

GM - 00093 1922 Gibson A-2 Mandolin     EXC+   As is often the case with these Loar period mandolins, this one sounds really good. But for one hard to see (impossible in the picture) hairline crack on the upper treble side of the top this instrument is crack free and has no issues. It is in just beautiful condition. Dark birch back and sides and all original hardware from the bridge to the tailpiece to the pickguard clamp to the tuning pegs to the truss rod cover. Have I left anything out? Oh yeah, the label ( #69899 ). And, of course the nice original hard shell case albeit with taped handle and a few scrapes.
Price:   $3150.00

GM - 00097 1940 Gibson A-50     VG+   This is the wide body model with the Nick Lucas inlay in the fingerboard and a rare flowerpot inlay in the peghead. The maple back and sides are crack free and the sunburst spruce top has one hairline crack running up from the treble f-hole. Original tuning pegs with the cool amber buttons and original tailpiece, adjustable bridge and end pin. Missing pickguard. Way cool original "red line" case has one broken back hinge but still works ... even the ribbon hinges hold the top up.
Price:   $1495.00

Gm - 00095 1915 Gibson F-2 Blackface Mandolin     EXC -   This one has the checking or crazing on the original top finish that some people (like me) really like. And it also has the binding that ends on the inside of the scroll which likewise appeals to some of us. It has one solidly repaired hairline crack next to the bass side of the fingerboard that is no biggie. It's got the desireable Handel tuning pegs with the inlaid buttons and its original tailpiece , pickguard and endpin and a Loar period replica adjustable bridge. Nicely figured slab cut birch back and sides. And the headstock does NOT have the typical repaired scroll crack neither big nor little. The label is in nice shape. It lives in a sturdy travelite style case.
Price: $4350.00

GM - 00090 1912 Gibson F- 4 Blonde     EXC -   A rare blonde F-4 from the classic mandolin orchestra period when it would stand out nicely among the other black, brown and sunburst models in the group. This one has an excellent classic F-4 sound and plays easily. The blonde top is stunning and has one well repaired crack running up from the treble point. No structural or sonic threat here. The back is gorgeous flamed maple as are the sides. The fingerboard binding looks to have been replaced but fingerboard and frets are original. The adjustable bridge has had its adjuster wheels removed and is thus adjusted all the way down. The action could come up a tad and still be comfortable. It has the beautiful double flowerpot inlay on the headstock and the Handel tuning pegs with the lovely inlaid buttons. Serial number #12689   Newer shaped hard shell case.
Price:   $5750.00

GM - 00089 1928 Gibson A Model Blackface     EXC   A little wear on the black top and a bit as well on the birch back and sides which like the rest of the mandolin are crack free. This is a real good player with a good strong sound. Silver stenciled "The Gibson" on the truss rodded headstock and original tuning pegs. Adjustable bridge with 1921 patent stamp and nice engraved tailpiece. Good label with serial # 87208 nice and clear. Good newer shaped tweed hard shell case.
Price:   $2850.00

GM - 00071 1919 Gibson F- 2     EXC-   Sn # 49891     A fine sounding and playing example of a late teens Gibson F model with the reddish sunburst top and red stain birch back and sides. This one has the nice carving on the rear scroll as well as the front one. Original engraved tail piece and replacement Schaller tuning pegs and adjustable bridge. Pearl angled "The Gibson" script inlayed on the headstock. There is some 'honest play wear' and a few nicks and scratches and one typical hairline coming up from the treble point and another teeny hard to see hairline across the back of the peghead which has been closely inspected, sealed and pronounced healthy. Nice original hard shell case with replaced handle.
Price:   $4350.00

GM - 00087 1932 Gibson A-4     EXC -   This is an unusual variant of the A-4. It has a little player wear but no cracks anywhere and original tailpiece, bridge, tuning pegs, and finish which is nicely checked on the back. The top has the nice dark small sunburst with plain rosette. The "Gibson" inlay in the peghead is straight across. It has an elevated fingerboard. Good sounding and playing rare mandolin. Non original hard shell case.
Price:   $1995.00

GM - 00084 1955 Gibson A-50 Blackface     VG   Here's a unique one in my experience. I've never seen a blackface from this era and this is original. It's got tons of play wear but no issues. There's one repaired crack going down from the bottom of the bass f-hole to the edge and that's it. Lots of finish checking on the top but the finish on the back has hardly a scratch. The tuning peg buttons have shrunken a little but still function fine. A previous owner used stick on letters to put an "R" under the Gibson script on the headstock and also to put "Basil" under the strings at the tailpiece. Such vanity. Beat up hardshell case.
Price:   $1750.00

GM - 00086 1955 Gibson EM- 150 Electric Mandolin     VG-   Well here's another warhorse for you. It's had several repairs to the sunburst top and some to the sides as well. The modestly flamed maple back, however, is crack free. No funny business around the heel or headstock and the original tuning pegs work fine. This mandolin has a well balanced acoustic sound with easy action and the pickup works great and the volume and tone control likewise with no scratchiness or crumpiness. And although it's beat, it is the original hard shell case.
Price:   $1150.00 Reduced:   $895.00

MM - 00014 1929 Martin Style 20 Mandolin     VG+   Here's a first year of issue of this model. Crack free with well aged spruce top and flame maple back and sides. Ebony fingerboard with abalone dots inlaid. Nice engraved tailpiece, original tuning pegs, ebony bridge, replaced pickguard and brazilian rosewood peghead overlay. This one plays very easily, really sweet and beautiful tone. Non original hard shell case.
Price:   $2800.00

MM - 00012 1962 Martin Model 2-15     VG+   There certainly weren't a lot of these puppies made. Carved sunburst spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Nice playing and sounding instrument. Original tuning pegs with a great little strap attachment device on the back of the peghead. A clever endpin arrangement has been added to the tailpiece. Gold Martin script on the Brazilian Rosewood headstock overlay. There's a mark on the top that looks like maybe someone put something hot down on it once. Hardshell case in fair shape.
Price:   $895.00

SM - 00016 1940's Stradolin Jr.     VG   Like many of it's bretheren this low end Stradolin has no business sounding so darn good. But it does anyway. And it has a comfortable action and good frets and a straight mahogany neck. Complete and original with one teeny hairline crack coming up from the bass f- hole that poses no threat and no other repairs or issues, just the play wear you see in the pictures. The tone of this thing is really sweet and full. Sunburst spruce top and likewise sunburst birch ? back and sides. Original black buttoned tuning pegs and a very cool Gumby - like peghead. Original pickguard, rosewood adjustable bridge and nice cloud tailpiece. No case.
Price:   $675.00

VM - 0007 ca. 1940 Vega D- 100 Electric Hollow Body Mandolin     EXC+   A nice example of electrification from one of the innovative pioneers of the early days. And it sounds pretty good acoustically too with its elevated fingerboard and it plays real nice and easy. Sunburst spruce top and subtly 'bursted' mahogany back (those are reflections in the picture) and sides. All crack free and clean and all original from amber buttoned tuning pegs to cloud tailpiece to the tone and volume knobs and the inside label. Vega script on the headstock is nice and clean too. It's got the old amphenol style input jack and a good proper cable that works fine. All the electronics also work fine.   The original hard shell case is in nice shape. Scale length is 13 3/4".
Price:   $1995.00

DM - 0004 1911 Dayton Style B Mandolin     VG+   A rare item and a unique design. This one is fancier and in nicer shape than the Pair in the Museum. It's black top original finish is in nice shape with some wear and the mahogany back is excellent and nicely figured. Viewed from side the white divider would appear to be simply ornamental but there is a false back - secondary sound board - in the middle of the instrument that has almost impossible to photograph cats eye shaped sound holes in it. The label is fairly well preserved. It has a good full strong sound and plays easily with straight neck good frets and good action. It has attractive fingerboard and headstock inlays and original tuning pegs and a very nice original case.
Price:   $1695.00

VM - 0009 1920's Vega Cylinderback Mandolin     EXC   Wow ! This is a nice one. Great sound and playbility combined with just stunning looks. And the unique cylinder back with its magnificent hump helps to create the pleasing sound I'm sure. That unusual back happens to be gorgeous birds eye maple. The sides are flame maple and like the back are crack free. And the top is aged spruce with a lovely abalone inlaid pickguard and is also crack free but has an almost invisible center seam repair. Abalone trim borders the soundhole and the label is beautifully intact. The tuning peg cover plate is profusely engraved as is the tailpiece cover. The headstock overlay is simple elegant brazilian rosewood. The fancy pearl inlays in the ebony fingerboard are also engraved. And the original hard shell case is in pretty good shape. Serial number is #37502.
Price:   $2850.00

GA - 00044 1980 Monteleone Grand Artist     EXC ++   This is #44 and signed and dated by John Monteleone. I'm lucky enough to hear a lot of great mandolins played by great mandolin players on a regular basis. This one has character and quality to equal any of them, whether they are worth 25 grand or a hundred grand. Gorgeous sunburst spruce top and intense flamed maple back and sides. The Grand Artist displays many of John Monteleones distinctive innovations such as the tailpiece which has since been copied ad infinitum and the headstock design. The custom bridge has bone insets for the treble strings. His unique scroll is a beautiful extrapolation of old Orville's from both front and back. Triple bound rosewood pickguard. Gold engraved tuning pegs. Deluxe arched plush lined hard shell Ameritage case.
Price:   $24,500.00

DHM - 0003 ca. 1918 Dyer Symphony Harp Mandolin Style 25     EXC-   Great resonant sound out of this gem and it plays very easily. There's just a bit of wear on the crack free spruce top and the mahogany back and sides are also crack free with just a few little dings. A pretty darn clean machine for being 90 years old. Beautiful multi colored marquetry around the face and soundhole as well as the smaller 'arm' soundhole. I love the classic heel-less neck design of these Knutsens and Larsons. Some finish is worn off of the peghead below the pearl inlay. The tuning pegs are original and sport the handy strap (cord) attachment, there being another mate at the bottom. The label is nice and legible with Serial number 218 dating it to around 1917 - 1918.
And then there is the original hard shell case! With it's dual section compartment! Ya gotta love it.
Price:   $5850.00    ON HOLD

SM - 0009 Oscar Schmidt "Sovereign" Mandolin     EXC   From the mid to late twenties, this rare little beauty plays just great and has a really nice full mellow sound. Pearloid fingerboard and headstock and beautifully grained book matched mahogany (or maybe it's koa) back and sides. The wide grain spruce top is crack free as is the rest of the mando and has an inlaid pearloid pickguard, fancy diamond trim around its border and soundhole, an intricate carved bridge and an engraved tailpiece. Original tuning pegs with one replaced shaft. Old end opening case has about had it.
Price:   $895.00

NM - 0005 1930 National Triolian Mandolin     VG+   This is a rare little beast and it is one of the loudest mandolins I've ever heard. Plays good too. 15" scale length so it sounds real bluesey tuned down to F or E. (E sounds great but F is easier for transposing 'on the fly' in jams) It's got the rare early 8 grid coverplate with the usual worn pick area, some chipping on the sides, just a few nicks on the back. Original tuning pegs and the National Triolian Shield on the peghead. No case.
Price:   $1950.00

NM - 0007 1943 National Style 0 Mandolin     EXC-   But for a repaired area on the back near the heel. This is a rare late model and possibly one of the last that National made. Etchings of palm trees adorn the top and in these last couple of years there are palm trees on the sides too and even the bottom. And the back is spectacular with it's palm tree and full moon reflected in the water while the couple peacefully and romantically paddle their canoe. Ah Hawaii ! There's some wear on the back of the neck and general honest wear throughout but this thing is basically in fine shape and ready to play the blues. The action is comforatble, it plays in tune and the tone and volume just can't be beat. National shield on the headstock and the original deco tuning peg covers are still there although the actual tuning pegs are replaced with proper period ones. One shaft is slightly bent but it works fine. Original pickguard as well. This is a fine rare instrument. No case.
Price:   $2350.00

WM - 0004 Walton Mandolinetto ca. 1912     VG ++   Only one of these I've ever seen and it is a beauty. No cracks or repairs. Lots of herringbone binding on the aged spruce top and high quality brazilian rosewood back and sides with a mini-zipper backstripe. Attention to detail abounds. Note the herringbone heel trim and how it extends up the back of the neck. It extends to the bottom as well where it surrounds the tailpiece. The profusely inlaid headstock even has inlaid mother of pearl string ferrules. Abalone inlaid diamonds grace the side of the peghead. The fingerboard is likewise profusely inlaid with a couple of small pieces needing to be replaced. The tuning pegs are also of high quality. And the original aluminum compensated bridge was state of the art at the time and gives a nice tone. The instrument plays well and sounds lovely with good volume. Scale Length = 13 inches and the Nut Width is 1 1/8 inch.   A quaintly decaled fiddle case is its slightly oversize home but with padding provides fine protecion.
Price:   $1695.00

SM - 00010 ca. 1905 Wm. Stahl Bowl Back Mandolin     EXC+   From the estate of Pepito Perez (Pepito The Clown) of "I Love Lucy" fame, (not to mention his other movies from 1949 to 1951) comes this Larson Brothers gem. Obviously played but also treasured and displayed with it's hanging cord which is still nicely intact and wrapped on the original engraved covered tuning pegs. Forty Brazilian rosewood ribs compose the back with a rosewood skirt enclosing them. The top is aged spruce with pearl trim around the edges and soundhole. The entire instrument is crack free. The pickguard is ornately inlaid with vines. The label is in fine shape. It has the characteristic Larson black stripe under the fingerboard binding and nice inlays in the ebony fingerboard. The headstock is also pearl inlaid. No case.
Price:   $1395.00

WM - 0003 1920's Weymann Mandolute     VG+   These don't come around that often and this one plays nicely and has a fine sound for folk, celtic, etc. (not bluegrass). The neck and frets are fine. Dark stained spruce top and flamey maple back and sides. The sides are recessed in the European style which looks very cool. One well repaired crack on the top and no cracks on the back or sides. The original tuning pegs have lovely engraved cover plates and the Weymann Decal resides on the back of the peghead. No case.
Price:   $675.00

KM - 0006 1915 C. Knutsen Harp Mandolin     EXC-   Here is a beautiful museum piece that is also a cool playable instrument.   The label states "C. Knutsen Sole Patentee".   The beautifully aged spruce top is crack free. There are a couple of minor old repaired cracks in the attractive mahogany back and a couple more old repairs in the bass side. The elegant fingerboard inlay and cosmic peghead inlay really set it off. Not to mention that gorgeous butterfly with it's wispy antennae inlaid into the pickguard and one (or is that two?) of the sexiest bridges ever. It has its original tuning pegs and tailpieces. I've seen quite a few harp mandolins but not many with actual harp bass strings on them. Experimenting with different tunings is great fun. It is all original and ready to rock. No case.
Price:   $7950.00

MM - 00018 1964 Ray Matty Custom Electric Mandolin     EXC   Incredible !!   A one of a kind creation from Ray Matty (Raymod Matteo) who after working for Gibson as a young man built his own instruments in New York as well as playing in various bands and sessions. The D'Angelico influence is evident in the headstock inlay while the wavy pearl fingerboard inlays are unique. The double scroll body is semi hollow with triple bound spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The workmanship (check the scroll detail) is superb throughout with a custom pickup, tailpiece, pickguard, armrest and adjustable inlaid bridge. Elegant engraved tuning pegs. This is a handmade professional instrument that plays easily and sounds great. Nut Width = 1 1/8"   Rectangular Gibson original hard shell case.
Price:   $2650.00

MB - 00032 1927 B & D Silver Bell #1 Montana Special Mandolin Banjo     EXF   This is an astounding instrument. Check out all the pictures of it on it's page in the Museum.
Price:   $3250.00

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