{"title":"Mandolas","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"regal-flat-top-mandola-1932-4459","title":"Regal Flat Top Mandola (1932)","description":"Flat Top Mandola, most likely made by Regal, c. 1932, made in Chicago, black lacquer finish, birch body, basswood neck with ebonized maple fingerboard. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn unusual little instrument, this is a double strung, flat topped guitar-shaped box with a mandola scale neck. It has a tailpiece and floating bridge and is clearly intended for steel strings, but of a lighter gague than most mandolas! We currently have it strung and tuned to D,G,B,E (four string baritone uke style) and it seems very happy. Overall black finish with white binding and a charming rose decal on the top. This is a hybrid of some sort, a cousin perhaps to Regal's distinctive Octophone but with a shorter scale. We've never seen one before, or even a catalog listing of one but here it is, a nice playing and sounding little mystery!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 29 1\/4 in. (74.3 cm.), 10 1\/2 in. (26.7 cm.) width, and 3 1\/4 in. (8.3 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 17 in. (432 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/4 in. (32 mm.). Excellent Condition.","brand":"Regal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46852782784652,"sku":"4459","price":800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_8de0aa81-2518-49ce-9356-95ed276efe8e.jpg?v=1774328019"},{"product_id":"gibson-h-4-carved-top-mandola-1925-4724","title":"Gibson H-4 Carved Top Mandola (1925)","description":"Gibson H-4 Model Carved Top Mandola (1925), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, red sunburst varnish finish, maple back and rim, spruce top; laminated mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 3\/4 in. (73 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 1\/16 in. (5.2 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 1\/2 in. (394 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/4 in. (32 mm.). 100% original with light overall wear; one cleanly repaired crack on the top just above the fingerboard. Just a superb example, with the original HSC. Excellent Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46852793401484,"sku":"4724","price":14000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_a7051207-b909-4905-b195-99cb3a5b6d18.jpg?v=1774328153"},{"product_id":"gibson-h-1-carved-top-mandola-1912-4355","title":"Gibson H-1 Carved Top Mandola (1912)","description":"Gibson H-1 Model Carved Top Mandola (1912), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, natural varnish finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, soft shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is great sounding natural-topped H-1 with a smooth chunky tone. These early Gibson mandolas are fairly rare, even in the 1910's it was fairly rare to see one outside the confines of the mandolin orchestras. This one is just celebrating its 99th birthday and remains an excellent sounding instrument for a variety of styles, some of which are still waiting to be discovered!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 7\/16 in. (72.2 cm.), 11 1\/8 in. (28.3 cm.) width, and 2 1\/8 in. (5.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 3\/4 in. (400 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3\/8 in. (35 mm.). Appears all original, all hardware complete and in excellent condition. There is overall some wear mostly to the back and edges. Very attractive old finely checked thin varnish finish, a very nice player with a lovely sound. Generally Excellent Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46852805918860,"sku":"4355","price":2750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_9bbed962-3009-4972-bba4-297eeca4299d.jpg?v=1774328359"},{"product_id":"gibson-h-2-carved-top-mandola-1913-5875","title":"Gibson H-2 Carved Top Mandola (1913)","description":"Gibson H-2 Model Carved Top Mandola (1913), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, black top,natural back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 in. (71.1 cm.), 11 1\/4 in. (28.6 cm.) width, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 5\/8 in. (397 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3\/8 in. (35 mm.). This is a lovely sounding example of Gibson's fairly rare H-2, the \"midline\" mandola and fancier of the two oval-body models. This one is generally well preserved overall with all original finish and hardware, except the pickguard is missing. There is arm wear to the top down near the tailpiece but the rest of the face is relatively clean. There is some finish missing on the spot where the bridge sat for many years-it is now correctly placed slightly farther back. The back and sides have average light wear, and there is some finish loss to the back of the neck. Excellent sound and playability-nice easy action (for a mandola!) and a very even warm tone. A lovely instrument, just celebrating its 100th birthday-complete with a still-solid OHSC. Overall Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46852987846796,"sku":"5875","price":3750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_f847e28b-637c-458e-ae38-fdb8f15e1e16.jpg?v=1774329550"},{"product_id":"gibson-style-h-1-carved-top-mandola-1913-6888","title":"Gibson Style H-1 Carved Top Mandola (1913)","description":"Gibson Style H-1 Model Carved Top Mandola (1913), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # FON: 2412, natural varnish finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black hard shell case. `\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 1\/4 in. (71.8 cm.), 11 1\/16 in. (28.1 cm.) width, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 3\/4 in. (400 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5\/16 in. (33 mm.). This Mandola has some moderately heavy wear but is an excellent player, with a great warm sound and a very comfortable action. The clear varnish finish has its share of dings and checking, and is mostly worn off the back of the neck. The back\/side seam has been resealed in the tailpiece area as is very common with these. The original hardware is intact including the oft-missing pickguard and clamp, tuners and carved ebony bridge. The tailpiece base is a modern repro and the cover is original but appears to have been replated at some point. The label is partially intact with some missing areas so the serial number is no longer legible, although its penciled ghost can be seen on the inside back. Set up ready for another 100 years service, this H-1 is a lovely survivor of the mandolin orchestra era and an instrument with a lot of potential still to be explored. Very Good + Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46852999970956,"sku":"6888","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_4c074e38-f643-427a-99fe-614af8241e62.jpg?v=1774330164"},{"product_id":"gibson-h-1-carved-top-mandola-1918-2548","title":"Gibson H-1 Carved Top Mandola (1918)","description":"Gibson H-1 Model Carved Top Mandola, c. 1918, made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, brown varnish finish, birch body, spruce top, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black tolex original hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA great-sounding brown-topped H-1 with a dark woody tone and plenty of volume. Gibson mandolas are fairly rare; even in the 1910's it was fairly rare to see one outside the confines of the mandolin orchestras of the period. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is an excellent-sounding instrument for a variety of styles, some of which are still waiting to be discovered!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 1\/8 in. (71.4 cm.), 11 1\/8 in. (28.2 cm.) width, and 2 1\/8 in. (5.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 16 in. (406 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll original, except pickguard missing (looks to have disintegrated long ago). One repaired top crack in pickguard area, and appears to have had some French polish to back and sides some time back. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIncludes original case in good condition. A nice gigging mandola. Very Good + Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853096767628,"sku":"2548","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_15a0d28a-e806-401e-b729-7c98823ce42c.jpg?v=1774331413"},{"product_id":"gibson-h-1-carved-top-mandola-1913-5662","title":"Gibson H-1 Carved Top Mandola (1913)","description":"Gibson H-1 Model Carved Top Mandola (1913), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, natural top, dark back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is an absolutely great sounding natural-topped H-1 with a smooth chunky tone. These early 20th Century Gibson mandolas are fairly rare, even in the 1910's they were hardly ever seen outside the confines of the mandolin orchestras. This one is just celebrating its 100th birthday and remains an excellent sounding instrument for a variety of styles, some of which are still waiting to be discovered!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 in. (71.1 cm.), 11 1\/4 in. (28.6 cm.) wide, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at rib. Scale length is 15 1\/2 in. (394 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3\/8 in. (35 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA most lovely example -- all original finish and hardware. Some light wear but not much evidence of use for its 100 years on earth. One very tightly repaired crack by the bass side of the fingerboard and a few dings to the board itself, but no other damage or repair evident. This is absolutely the finest sounding H-1 we have had, with a very powerful tone and plenty of projection. Includes a very fine OHSC. Excellent Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853296455820,"sku":"5662","price":3250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_72ea41ad-19d0-4624-8a30-4405d55f9f88.jpg?v=1774333491"},{"product_id":"gibson-h-2-carved-top-mandola-1919-6421","title":"Gibson H-2 Carved Top Mandola (1919)","description":"Gibson H-2 Model Carved Top Mandola (1919), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 55288, sunburst top, dark cherry stained back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black - red line hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 in. (71.1 cm.), 11 1\/4 in. (28.6 cm.) width, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 3\/4 in. (400 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3\/8 in. (35 mm.). This beautiful Mandola is all original and complete with the exception of the pickguard, which is missing. There are a couple of seam repairs on the back edge, cleanly resealed but still feelable. There are a few small chips and scrapes to the top finish, and some light pickwear by the soundhole. The top finishn appears to have been lightly polished out at some point, but retains a very nice original color. An excellent playing and sounding Mandola, with very good projection and a well-rounded tone. Definitely one of the nicer H-2's we have had.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AKxdxoc-Ax4\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853304320140,"sku":"6421","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_f21232d1-8ae6-44e3-84c3-cc68944702ef.jpg?v=1774333869"},{"product_id":"gibson-h-2-carved-top-mandola-1914-9688","title":"Gibson H-2 Carved Top Mandola (1914)","description":"Gibson H-2 Model Carved Top Mandola (1914), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 32474, sunburst top, dark cherry stained back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 in. (71.1 cm.), 11 1\/4 in. (28.6 cm.) width, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 3\/4 in. (400 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/4 in. (32 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis beautiful red sunburst Mandola is nicely original and complete with the exception of the pickguard, which is missing, and the bridge which is a later adjustable Gibson piece. The beautiful original inlaid Handel tuners are still intact and work well. The original tailpiece and cover are present and accounted for. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere is one repaired back crack, cleanly resealed but still visible. There are a some minor chips and scrapes to the top finish, mostly on the treble side near the front edge. The finish retains a very nice and deep original color, and has fine checking but appears original except for some light clear overspray on the beck of the neck. There is a strap button added to the heel that could be easily removed and patched, if desired. This is an excellent playing and sounding Mandola, with very good projection and a well-rounded tone. Definitely one of the more attractive H-2's we have had, complete with the original HSC. Overall Excellent Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853376639116,"sku":"9688","price":3750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_93527f75-9fe8-4409-9b49-b5b9cb2e287e.jpg?v=1774336496"},{"product_id":"larson-brothers-wm-stahl-flat-back-bent-top-mandola-1925-10408","title":"Larson Brothers Wm. Stahl Flat back, bent top Mandola (1925)","description":"Wm. Stahl Model Flat back, bent top Mandola, made by Larson Brothers, c. 1925, made in Chicago, serial # 31850, natural top, faux rosewood back and sides finish, maple back and sides, spruce top; laminated mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black tolex hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy the early 1900s the Larson Brothers of Chicago were contracted by several teacher\/publisher\/dealers to supply high grade steel-string instruments to be sold under the house brands. 1910's Fretted publications sometimes carried side-by-side ads featuring Larson-made instruments sold from different cities under unrelated names! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the most prominent was William C. Stahl of Milwaukee, a virtuoso mandolin player turned to teaching and music publishing. Around 1906 the Larsons began supplying instruments to Stahl, who claimed to be the maker. He was one of the Larson's biggest accounts; their wares made up the bulk of his line advertised starting around 1907. Stahl scoffed at \"machine made\" instruments, insisting his are \"hand made...reasonable in price and perfect as human hands can make them\". He claims they were built under his \"personal supervision\"-quite a trick as the Larsons were building them in Chicago while Stahl's offices were in Milwaukee!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStahl was of the bowl-back era and harbored particular disdain for Gibson, filling ads with not so subtle digs at them. In 1907 he wrote: \"The Stahl mandolin is the regulation shaped instrument and not a freak or musical novelty as advertised by some makers\". When made by the Larsons Stahls were genuinely among the best non-Gibson mandolin family instruments available. He claimed they were the \"Loudest and sweetest toned musical instruments in the world\".\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy late 1912 Stahl's ads picture flat-back style mandolins, called \"English Model\". \"We have flat back models...for those who want them\" he practically sighs. Designs like the Martin A-E series, Weymann Mandolute and the Lyon \u0026amp; Healy \"Leland Mandos\" (also made by the Larsons) appeared around the same time, signaling the imminent demise of the bowl-back mandolin Stahl preferred. Playing on his name's \"steel\" translation, he continued \"The music of the future won't be the caterwauling of Gut. It will be the virile pulsing of the plucked steel string\". He was right there at least but apparently the enormous collection of printed music and methods his company left behind moldered for years in a Milwaukee warehouse before finally being pulped. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToday William Stahl is primarily remembered for instruments the Larsons supplied him well up into the 1930's, especially the mandolin, mandola, octave mandolin, mando-cello and even mando-bass made to the same harmonized pattern. While the design is relatively conventional the Larson's construction expertise shines. This lovely mandola is typical, with a hot-stamp burned into the inside back stating \"Wm. C. Stahl, Maker, Milwaukee\". According to the known serial number data it would have been built around 1925, fairly late for such an instrument. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe natural-finished top is spruce, with a large inlaid celluloid pickguard. The maple body sports an artfully applied faux-rosewood grain, of which August Larson was quite the master. The neck is mahogany with a laminated ebony and maple center strips, topped with the Larson's typical thick ebony fingerboard. This is inlaid with pearl shapes and dots, while the body is trimmed in half-herringbone. Both are bound in ivoroid. The tuners, clamshell tailpiece and bone-saddle ebony bridge are conventional period mandolin fittings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStahl mandolas like this one are superlative instruments, and quite rare. The thin ladder-braced spruce top is more responsive than the heavy carved Gibson; especially when played solo they have a totally distinctive sound. Only rarity and the rather limited interest today in such specialized instruments prevents them being better appreciated 100 years on. Stahl advertised that his wares were the best that could be had, claiming \"no instruments can be made any better\". In engaging the Larsons to build them he fulfilled that promise!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 1\/2 in. (72.4 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 16 in. (406 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/4 in. (32 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a lovely and completely original instrument, showing some minor wear and repair but quite nice overall for being about 95 years old. The completely original very thin finish has some dings, dents and scrapes with the most serious being pickwear to the top above the strings and off the lower edge of the pickguard. There is one long grain crack in the spruce top above the string line, neatly repaired (cleated underneath) with no finish added so solid but still visible. The only other crack is to the rim above the tailpiece, also sealed but not finished over. One of the screws securing the tuner cover to the baseplate has gone missing, but this causes no practical issues. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe original frets show hardly any wear. The neck is not absolutely dead straight but very close, with just a hair of relief on the bass side. The original ebony bridge has a thin shim underneath the base. This is a very playable instrument with a sweet and ringing sound, quite different from the more familiar Gibson mandolas. It is of an airer character with more of a classical grace, indeed as Wm. Stahl intended. This is easily the nicest of these Larson-made beauties we have seen, complete in a very well-fit custom Cedar Creek hardshell case. Overall Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Larson Brothers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853398233228,"sku":"10408","price":3750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_3deceab4-50ff-4a68-ad5a-65921d40894d.jpg?v=1774337387"},{"product_id":"gibson-h-4-carved-top-mandola-1929-10809","title":"Gibson H-4 Carved Top Mandola (1929)","description":"Gibson H-4 Model Carved Top Mandola (1929), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 85299, red sunburst varnish finish, maple back and rim, spruce top; laminated mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is an absolutely beautiful looking and great sounding 1929 Gibson H-4 Mandola, made some time after \"Master Loar\" had left the building at Gibson but still incorporating all the improvements of the Loar era. the Master Model Style 5 line was his greatest contribution with their violin-style F-hole tops but all Gibson mandolin family instruments were refined and improved at the same time. The mandolins of the \"Loar Era\" show the influence of a master player on design and execution, although other Gibson employees (especially Thaddeus McHugh and Lewis A. Williams) actually engineered many of the technical improvements. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs the middle instrument in the mando-quartet early 20th Century Gibson mandolas are far from common, even in the 1910's and '20's they were hardly seen outside the confines of mandolin orchestras. The H-4 was the second most expensive Mandola Gibson offered in the later 1920s priced at $175; this was well under the impossibly rare H-5 Master Model but still a substantial sum for a fairly limited-use instrument at the time. As such the H-4 was produced only in small numbers and is one of the rarest of the mandolin orchestra pieces the company sold at the time. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis late 1920s example is practically identical to the Loar era instruments, distinguished primarily by the lacquer (as opposed to Varnish) finish. Many of the raw components it was assembled from may well have sat in stock for some time before this instrument was finished out, as Mandola sales had plummeted. This H-4 maintains the unmatched sound quality and perfected 1022-24 features including the adjustable truss rod, raised adjustable bridge and slimmer neck profile. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis H-4 features a two-piece bookmatched back and sides of beautifully flamed maple; despite Gibson's catalog descriptions, only the Style 4 instruments were actually built with the specified maple body. Top, back, sides and neck feature a beautiful dark, rich red sunburst finish and are bound in grained ivoroid. The headstock carries flowerpot inlay, a Gibson pearl logo and Waverly strip tuners with grained ivoroid buttons. The pickguard is the usual elevated tortoise celluloid piece, with the 1920's metal bracket. A small stamp on the back of the headstock reading \"Made in the USA\" indicates this instrument was originally shipped outside the country for its original sale. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith its larger scroll body and rich red sunburst finish this H-4 is a visually striking instrument, replete with Gibson's signature flowerpot inlay on the art nouveau-styled headstock. This mandola is creeping up on its 100th birthday and remains a exquisitely styled and excellent sounding instrument with a smooth and powerful tone suitable for a variety of musical styles, some of which are still waiting to be discovered!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 3\/4 in. (73 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 1\/16 in. (5.2 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 1\/2 in. (394 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/4 in. (32 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis mandola shows some general play wear overall but has not been too heavily used and apparently well cared for over 90+ years. The finish shows typical checking most notably on the back, which has some wavy lines with micro-flaking between them often seen on early Gibson lacquer finishes of this exact period. There is an armwear spot on the top edge and the finish on the back of the neck and adjacent body is worn down to the wood in places, both evidence of some dedicated play time probably long ago. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTwo minor top cracks have been glued up coming off the front edge of the body; there was no touch up added to the finish. There is a very small stress split to the laminate on the back of the headstock, behind the truss rod. This is fully sealed and solid but again not finished over so visible. The original bridge saddle is in the case with a lateral crack off one wing; a new ebony replica has been fitted. The frets have been leveled and crowned and playability is excellent. This is simply a beautiful mandola with a wonderful sound, deep and rich but still with plenty of bark and presence. It still resides in the original red-lined HSC, a lovely reminder of Gibson's original mission to bring the mandolin orchestra to everywhere in America, and in this case even the world beyond! Overall Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853407146124,"sku":"10809","price":9750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_f6d62557-7666-43a3-bb28-986e80619151.jpg?v=1774337835"},{"product_id":"larson-brothers-wm-stahl-flat-back-bent-top-mandola-1920-10401","title":"Larson Brothers Wm. Stahl Flat back, bent top Mandola (1920)","description":"Wm. Stahl Model Flat back, bent top Mandola, made by Larson Brothers, c. 1920, made in Chicago, natural top, faux rosewood back and sides finish, maple back and sides, spruce top; laminated mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, hand made wooden case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the early 1900s the Larson Brothers of Chicago were becoming known in the fretted industry for their design and workmanship excellence. Soon enough they were contracted by several different teacher\/publisher\/dealers to supply high grade steel-string instruments to be sold under several unrelated brands. 1910's Fretted publications sometimes carried side-by-side ads featuring Larson-made instruments sold from different cities under unrelated names!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of them was William C. Stahl of Milwaukee, a virtuoso mandolin player turned teacher and music publisher. Around 1906 the Larsons began supplying instruments to Stahl, who claimed to be the maker. He was one of the brother's biggest accounts; their wares made up the bulk of his line as advertised starting around 1907. Stahl scoffed at \"machine made\" instruments, insisting his are \"hand made...reasonable in price and perfect as human hands can make them\". He claims they were built under his \"personal supervision\", quite a trick as the Larsons were building them in Chicago while Stahl's offices were in Milwaukee!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStahl was of the bowl-back era and harbored particular disdain for Gibson, filling ads with not so subtle digs at them. In 1907 he wrote: \"The Stahl mandolin is the regulation shaped instrument and not a freak or musical novelty as advertised by some makers\". When Larson-made Stahls were genuinely among the best non-Gibson mandolin family instruments available. He claimed they were the \"Loudest and sweetest toned musical instruments in the world\".\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy late 1912 Stahl's ads picture flat-back style mandolins, called \"English Model\". \"We have flat back models...for those who want them\" he practically sighs. The Martin A-E series, Weymann Mandolute and the Lyon \u0026amp; Healy \"Leland Mandos\" (also made by the Larsons) appeared around the same time, signaling the imminent demise of the bowl-back mandolin. Playing on his name's \"steel\" translation, he continued \"The music of the future won't be the caterwauling of Gut. It will be the virile pulsing of the plucked steel string\". He was right there at least!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToday William Stahl is primarily remembered for instruments the Larsons supplied him well up into the 1930's, especially the mandolin, mandola, octave mandolin, mando-cello and even mando-bass made to the same harmonized pattern. While the design is relatively conventional the Larson's construction expertise shines. This lovely mandola has seen a lot of re-working but remains typical, with a hot-stamp burned into the inside back stating \"Wm. C. Stahl, Maker, Milwaukee\". The serial number is lost but the instrument likely dates to the mid\/late 'teens. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe natural-finished top is spruce, with a large inlaid celluloid pickguard. The maple body sports a faux-rosewood finish, of which August Larson was a master. The neck is mahogany with a laminated ebony center strip, topped with the Larson's typical thick ebony fingerboard. This is inlaid with pearl shapes and dots, while the body is trimmed with colored wood marquetry. Both are bound in ivoroid. The tuners, clamshell tailpiece and bone-saddle ebony bridge are conventional period mandolin fittings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStahl mandolas like this one are superlative instruments, and quite rare. The ladder-braced spruce top is more responsive than the heavy carved Gibson; especially when played solo they have a totally distinctive sound. Only rarity and the rather limited interest today in such specialized instruments prevents them being better appreciated 100+ years on. Stahl advertised that his wares were the best that could be had, claiming \"no instruments can be made any better\". In engaging the Larsons to build them he fulfilled that promise!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 1\/2 in. (72.4 cm.), 10 15\/16 in. (27.8 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 1\/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 16 in. (406 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5\/16 in. (33 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis instrument sounds and plays very well, but has seen some fairly extensive re-working likely decades ago. It appears that the three main top braces replaced, on the original style but somewhat deeper than the originals. The back\/side kerfing has been redone, not surprising as the back would have been removed to allow for this work. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA major crack running the full length of the back has been repaired with an unusually large single backstrip\/cleat running the length of the instrument. This is solid but somewhat cosmetically challenged, although it was neatly cut away to preserve the original Stahl hot stamp. A couple of smaller cracks to the back are visible as well, with one small split to the top at a corner of the inlaid pickguard. The neck appears to have been reset which was well done, and not an easy job on this design. The strip of binding on the fingerboard extension over the soundhole is an over-deep replacement.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe finish is a mix of eras; The faux-rosewood back and sides are overfinished, retaining some original staining but with a later overcoat, heavier on the back. Most of the neck was refinished, leaving the headstock original, possible polished out on the face. The top finish remains original, also possibly polished out but still showing the typical Larson micro-checking. There are some dings, dents and scrapes overall with the heaviest on the top. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe tuners and bridge appear original, as does the tailpiece; the tailpiece cover is the correct original style anyway. Written inside the body in pencil or ball point pen it reads \"REPAIR BY HARPP(?) SHOPPE JAN 71\" so the major structural work is now over 50 years old and holding well. Oddly enough the thin frets appear original and in decent condition with some minor wear in the standard lower position spots. Despite a rather epic repair history this is a fine playing and sounding instrument, still quite unique both in feel and tome a century or more on. It is housed in a handmade coffin style case, a bit amateur looking but quite functional. Overall Very Good + Condition.","brand":"Larson Brothers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853419991180,"sku":"10401","price":2950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_e3d111e7-265e-41c0-ae4d-be4bc09e7384.jpg?v=1774338322"},{"product_id":"gibson-h-2-carved-top-mandola-1914-11173","title":"Gibson H-2 Carved Top Mandola (1914)","description":"Gibson H-2 Model Carved Top Mandola (1914), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 24329, sunburst top, dark cherry stained back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a lovely almost 110 year old example of an early Gibson Style H-2 Mandola, still in very nice original condition with an excellent sound. The H-2 was the \"middle grade\" mandola from Kalamazoo, itself the middle-pitched instrument of the mandolin-mandola-mandocello trio. Mandolas from any era are fairly scarce, although more were made in the 1910's than later periods this is still not common finds well over a century on. The H-2 is distinguished from the lower-priced but structurally identical H-1 by several decorative elements, notably the headstock face with \"The Gibson\" and a Fleur-de-llys inlaid in pearl, double half-herringbone soundhole ring and the beautiful inlaid tuner buttons. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBased on the serial and factory order numbers this H-2 was made late in in 1913 and sold in the first quarter of 1914. Typical period features include a red sunburst varnish finish top over lightly stained back and sides, a raised celluloid pickguard, the tailpiece with Gibson-engraved cover and solid carved ebony compensated bridge with individual saddle inserts. The tuners are the distinctive strips with inlaid buttons made by the Louis Handel company in New York and used on the higher-end Gibsons of this period. The top is tight-grained spruce, the back and sides birch and the neck Honduras mahogany with a heavy ebony fingerboard. This is a lovely sounding and fine playing example, ready for another century at least.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 in. (71.1 cm.), 11 1\/4 in. (28.6 cm.) width, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 3\/4 in. (400 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/4 in. (32 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Mandola remains nicely original and complete with some general wear and only minor maintenance repairs. The all-original finish shows chips, dings and scrapes overall but really it is pretty well preserved for its age. The red sunburst on the top has a more subtle shading than many, with a less even but still quite attractive patina. There is very fine checking most notably on the top, which has the heaviest dings and scratches and a spot worn to the wood on the edge in the standard armwear area. The finish on the back of the neck is fairly heavily worn down, and actually is quite comfortable to play. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere are no visible crack repairs, the back and side seams look to have been resealed in spots but there are no obvious scars from the process. Some of the fretboard binding may have been replaced with the correct grained ivoriod, but if so it was long ago. The beautiful original inlaid Handel tuners are still intact and work well. The original tailpiece and cover are present and accounted for, as is the oft-missing pickguard and clamp. The original bridge was lowered a bit on the top and re-slotted, probably long ago. The frets appear original, they have been recrowned and this is an excellent player, a fine sounding Mandola with a fairly well-rounded tone. It still lived in a nice original HSC. Overall Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853423399052,"sku":"11173","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_8c6c9726-4713-47c1-ab18-976351081ae8.jpg?v=1774338447"},{"product_id":"gibson-style-h-1-carved-top-mandola-1918-10551","title":"Gibson Style H-1 Carved Top Mandola (1918)","description":"Gibson Style H-1 Model Carved Top Mandola (1918), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 48206, natural varnish finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a lovely 100+ year old example of the \"pre-Loar\" Gibson Style H-1 Mandola, still in very nice original condition with a lot of life left in it over a century on. It was made in 1918, a banner year for Gibson who were apparently not much affected by the World War then raging to its conclusion. The typical period features include the dark but very thin \"Sheraton Brown\" varnish finish top, a raised celluloid pickguard and the standard Gibson-engraved tailpiece and solid carved ebony compensated bridge without individual saddle inserts. The top is spruce with a pronounced grain, the back and sides birch and the neck Honduras mahogany with a heavy ebony fingerboard.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The \"browntop\" mandolin family instruments of the late 'teens may not be the prettiest of the old \"paddlehead\" Gibsons but they are often the best sounding. This one is an excellent centennial survivor, a very playable mandola with a very low, comfortable action and deep, ringing tone. It remains an enduring testament to the exceptional work of the original Kalamazoo, Michigan Gibson factory.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 1\/4 in. (71.8 cm.), 11 1\/16 in. (28.1 cm.) width, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 3\/4 in. (400 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5\/16 in. (33 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Mandola shows some generally light wear for its age and is an excellent player, with a great warm sound and a very comfortable action. The VERY thin top finish has its share of dings, scrapes and checking, but less pick scratching than many. The back has an isolated area of scratching but is otherwise quite clean, as are the sides. A small amount of varnish is worn off the back of the neck in the lower positions. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStructurally this is an excellent instrument, with no cracks or repairs and none of the common separations to the back\/side seams. The original hardware is intact except the oft-missing pickguard is a well-done repro using the original clamp; the tuners, tailpiece and carved ebony bridge are all original, clean and intact. The tailpiece cover is still shiny with a few random scratches. The label is fully intact and legible. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis mandola was recently correctly refretted, the neck is in excellent shape and the instrument is set up ready for another 100 years of service. This H-1 is a lovely survivor of the mandolin orchestra era and an instrument with a lot of potential still to be explored, a truly fine player housed in a very clean original HSC. Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853424054412,"sku":"10551","price":3450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_afff61ca-62e2-49c4-b100-df819da823f8.jpg?v=1774338465"},{"product_id":"gibson-style-h-1-carved-top-mandola-1913-8983","title":"Gibson Style H-1 Carved Top Mandola (1913)","description":"Gibson Style H-1 Model Carved Top Mandola (1913), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 23476, natural varnish finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black chipboard case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a lovely just-about 110 year old example of an early Gibson Style H-1 Mandola, showing some repair but still with a lot of life left in it. The H-1 was the \"basic\" mandola, the middle-pitched instrument of the mandolin-mandola-mandocello trio. Mandolas from any era are fairly scarce, although more were made in the 1910's than later periods this is still a fairly scarce item well over a century on. The H-1 lacks the decorative elements of the higher priced H-2 but is structurally the same. The headstock face has no ornament except the \"The Gibson\" inlaid in pearl, and the top has double half-herringbone soundhole rings. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis H-1 was made in 1913, a banner year for Gibson who were just then codifying the improvements that made their carved-top mandolin family instruments indisputably the best in the world. Typical period features include a natural \"pumpkin top\" varnish finish top over lightly cherry stained back and sides, a raised celluloid pickguard, the tailpiece with Gibson-engraved cover and the Handel-made strip tuners used on all Gibsons of the period. The top has some interesting wavy grained spruce, over birch back and sides and the neck Honduras mahogany is fitted with a heavy bound ebony fingerboard. This is a lovely sounding and fine playing example, worn in a bit and ready for another century at least.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 1\/4 in. (71.8 cm.), 11 1\/16 in. (28.1 cm.) width, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 3\/4 in. (400 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5\/16 in. (33 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Mandola is a fine player, with some careful restoration. It remains original and complete with the exception of the pickguard, which is a well-done reproduction using the original clamp and a modern 1920s Gibson style repro adjustable Ebony bridge by Cumberland Acoustic. The tuners and tailpiece remain original. The thin varnish finish has typical fine checking overall and shows typical wear with chips, dings and scrapes, with the back of the neck worn to the wood over some of its length. The top finish has a nice amber patina showing scuffing, dings and scrapes but less pick wear than many so really pretty well preserved for its age. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere are no visible crack repairs, it is possible some of the back and side seams have been resealed but there are no scars from the process. Most of the neck binding has been replaced with the era-correct style grained ivoriod, a close but not perfect not perfect match for the remaining original piece. The repro celluloid pickguard looks quote good and shows a bit of wear, the adjustable ebony bridge is not period correct but much more functional from a player's standpoint than the original solid ebony piece. The instrument has been neatly refretted with appropriate wire just a bit bigger than the original (very thin!) 1913 standard; this is an excellent player and a fine sounding Mandola, mellower than some with a sweet and well-rounded tone. Overall Very Good + Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853443256460,"sku":"8983","price":2950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_7f4fed45-ce26-4fc1-a226-9a0f42487df2.jpg?v=1774338644"},{"product_id":"gibson-h-2-carved-top-mandola-1912-11662","title":"Gibson H-2 Carved Top Mandola (1912)","description":"Gibson H-2 Model Carved Top Mandola (1912), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 17835, black top, dark cherry stained back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a lovely 110 year old example of an early Gibson Style H-2 Mandola, played in but still in very nice condition with a lot of life left. The H-2 was the \"middle grade\" mandola, itself the middle-pitched instrument of the mandolin-mandola-mandocello trio. Mandolas from any era are fairly scarce, although more were made in the 1910's than later periods this is still a fairly scarce item well over a century on. The H-2 is distinguished from the lower-priced but structurally identical H-1 by decorative elements, notably the headstock face with \"The Gibson\" and a Fleur-de-llys inlaid in pearl, a double half-herringbone soundhole ring with an ivoroid center and inlaid Handel tuner buttons.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis H-2 was made in mid-1912, a banner year for Gibson who were just then codifying improvements that made their carved-top mandolin family instruments indisputably the best in the world. Typical period features include a jet black varnish finish top over lightly stained back and sides and the tailpiece with the then-recently introduced Gibson-engraved cover with a fluted top edge. The tuners are the beautiful Handel-made strips with inlaid ivoroid buttons used on the higher-end Gibsons of the period. The top is tight-grained spruce, the back and sides birch and the Honduras mahogany neck is fitted with a heavy bound ebony fingerboard. This is a lovely sounding and fine playing example, ready for another century at least.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 in. (71.1 cm.), 11 1\/4 in. (28.6 cm.) across at the widest point, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 3\/4 in. (400 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/4 in. (32 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis beautiful Mandola remains in structurally excellent condition over 110 years on, and original with the exception of the bridge which is a later Gibson style adjustable ebony piece and the pickguard, which has gone missing. There is some typical micro-checking to the original varnish, with chips, dings and scrapes overall but only light pick wear; really it is pretty well preserved for its age. The headstock for some reason has the heaviest checking, dings and chips. There appears to have been a strap of some sort fixed around the headstock just above the nut that was removed but left marks long ago. Some finish is rubbed off the back of the neck and the area of the body below the neck joint. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe only crack repair is a small grain split off the upper edge where the player's arm would rest, sealed but not overfinished. , The back and side seams all look solid with no repair needed. The beautiful original inlaid Handel tuners are still intact and work well. The original tailpiece and cover are present and accounted for; it appears to have been mounted slightly off-center at the factory. As noted the bridge is a later style repro and the pickguard is missing. The original thin1912 frets are intact, showing some wear but still quite functional. The original nut was shimmed up a bit long ago. This is a good player and a fine sounding Mandola, brighter than some with very good projection and a well-balanced tone. It is still housed in the original HSC, showing some wear but fully solid. Overall Very Good + Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853470421132,"sku":"11662","price":3000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_8ba66cff-818c-4cc9-8e41-c6a49f0aec24.jpg?v=1774339353"},{"product_id":"c-f-martin-style-b-flat-back-bent-top-mandola-1931-11657","title":"C. F. Martin Style B Flat back, bent top Mandola (1931)","description":"C. F. Martin Style B Model Flat back, bent top Mandola (1931), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # B-15293, natural lacquer finish, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMartin mandolins are fairly obscure to most modern players, but not particularly rare. Martin entered the mandolin market with bowlbacks in the late 19th century, and continued to make various 8-string styles for much of the 20th. The other instruments of the mando-family are a different story, however. While the company did make some attempts to crash this typically Gibson dominated area, comparatively few Mandolas and mandocellos were ever shipped out of Nazareth, and most players today have never even encountered one. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a Martin Style B Mandola made in the earliest days of 1931, one of the first few serial numbers stamped that year. This was just as the depression was about to kick in in earnest, so whatever sales Martin expected from mandolas was about to pretty much evaporate. None of these had been made in the 10 years since 1921, and all of 3 are listed as shipped in 1932 (none in 1931); perhaps whatever dealer this was initially intended for reneged on the order. Between 1917 and 1940 a total of 46 of Style B Mandolas were made, in VERY small batches; less than a handful any given year. They never returned to Martin's catalog after the war. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Martin mando-terms Style Bs are a big step up from the MUCH more common mahogany Style A both in looks and sound, the stylistic equivalent of a Style 21 guitar. The Brazilian rosewood body has herringbone inlay for the backstrip and soundhole ring, multiple wood binding back and front and slotted diamond inlay in the ebony fingerboard. The headstock has the Vinaccia-style cutout, inset tuners with an engraved coverplate and the tailpiece cover is engraved as well. The scale is 15 1\/2\", just 1\/4\" shorter than the Gibson standard and the neck has a fairly deep round backed \"U\" profile.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a great playing example and a very nice sounding rather unique mandola. As with the Martin mandolins the tone is a bit gentler and less barky than the typical Gibson but very full, richer and deeper than the fairly small instrument would seem likely to produce. This is the first Martin mandola we have had and now we're looking for more!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 27 1\/8 in. (68.9 cm.), 10 3\/16 in. (25.9 cm.) across at the widest point, and 2 7\/8 in. (7.3 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 15 1\/2 in. (394 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3\/16 in. (30 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 90+ year old Martin has certainly seen some use but survives in excellent playing condition. There is general wear overall and the remains of a minor modification. The all-original finish has dings, dents and scrapes overall, with some heavy pick wear into the wood in the areas off the back edge of the pickguard and one smaller spot worn on the top below above the tailpiece. The finish on the back of the neck shows comparatively little wear with a few small dings and dents. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere are several small screw holes in the side, lower edge of the fingerboard and lower tip of the pickguard from an ancillary pickguard fitted long ago and later removed. The top has a long sealed grain split running from the top edge of the pickguard to the rim under the E strings. There are small repaired splits off the bottom edge of the guard and treble side of the fingerboard. Everything is sealed up neatly with minimal finish disturbance. The rosewood back and sides are crack free. The original frets show some minor wear but the instrument plays very well, sounds great and remains in its original hard case, solid if worn with the hinges repaired and handle replaced. Very Good + Condition.","brand":"C. F. Martin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853472583820,"sku":"11657","price":2450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_7d9002e2-487b-48da-93f4-f118bd8c9fd2.jpg?v=1774339442"},{"product_id":"gibson-style-h-1-carved-top-mandola-1915-11654","title":"Gibson Style H-1 Carved Top Mandola (1915)","description":"Gibson Style H-1 Model Carved Top Mandola (1915), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 30622, natural varnish finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black tolex hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a well-used just-about 110 year old example of an early Gibson Style H-1 Mandola, showing noticeable repair and finish work but still with a lot of life left in it. The H-1 was the \"basic\" mandola, the middle-pitched instrument of the mandolin-mandola-mandocello trio. Compared to mandolins, mandolas from any era are fairly rare, although more were made in the 1910's than later periods this is still a fairly scarce item well over a century on. The H-1 lacks the decorative elements of the higher priced H-2 but is structurally the same. The headstock face has no ornament except the \"The Gibson\" inlaid in pearl, and the top has two half-herringbone soundhole rings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis H-1 was made in 1915, by which point Gibson's carved-top mandolin family instruments were indisputably the most influential in the world. Typical period features include a natural \"pumpkin top\" varnish finish top over lightly cherry stained back and sides, a tailpiece with Gibson-engraved cover and the Handel-made strip tuners used on all Gibsons of the period. The top is carved from spruce, over birch back and sides. The neck is Honduras mahogany fitted with a heavy bound ebony fingerboard. While not the prettiest or most original of these this is a lovely sounding and fine playing example ready for another century at least.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 1\/4 in. (71.8 cm.), 11 1\/16 in. (28.1 cm.) width, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 3\/4 in. (400 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5\/16 in. (33 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Mandola has seen some life along the way, and shows the scars of almost 99 years here and there. The original thin varnish finish is intact on the back and headstock, lightly overfinished and\/or polished out on the top and neck and entirely replaced on the sides. There is some typical fine checking to the original areas and general wear with chips, dings and scrapes. The top finish retains a nice amber patina with some staining (likely from a disintegrating celluloid pickguard) dings and scrapes but less pick wear than many.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere are no visible crack repairs. The back was removed at some point and two extra braces added in a \"V\" pattern under the bridge, along with a thin spruce patch. This means the back\/side seams have been resealed but it is a neat job there are no really noticeable scars from the process. The work to the top was no doubt done to remedy sagging in the center, which it has mostly done although there are still a minor depression under the treble side bridge foot. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe hardware remains original with the exception of the pickguard, which is long gone. The tuners, tailpiece and bridge all remain in solid and relatively clean condition. The instrument retains the original thin 1915 frets with no really notable wear. Considering the work done this is still an attractive instrument and a very good player, with a warm and lovely sound. It is housed in a later hardshell case. Overall Very Good + Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853478809740,"sku":"11654","price":2650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_37cbf1e4-320d-47b0-924d-8dc6cf988333.jpg?v=1774339655"},{"product_id":"gibson-h-2-carved-top-mandola-1912-10134","title":"Gibson H-2 Carved Top Mandola (1912)","description":"Gibson H-2 Model Carved Top Mandola (1912), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 17974, sunburst top, dark cherry stained back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black tolex hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a lovely 110 year old example of an early Gibson Style H-2 Mandola, still in very nice original condition with a lot of life left in it. The H-2 was the \"middle grade\" mandola, itself the middle-pitched instrument of the mandolin-mandola-mandocello trio. Mandolas from any era are fairly scarce, although more were made in the 1910's than later periods this is still a fairly scarce item well over a century on. The H-2 is distinguished from the lower-priced but structurally identical H-1 by several decorative elements, notably the headstock face with \"The Gibson\" and a Fleur-de-llys inlaid in pearl, double half-herringbone soundhole ring and inlaid tuner buttons. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis H-2 was made in 1912, a banner year for Gibson who were just then codifying improvements that made their carved-top mandolin family instruments indisputably the best in the world. Typical period features include a jet black varnish finish top over lightly stained back and sides, a raised celluloid pickguard, the tailpiece with Gibson-engraved cover and solid carved ebony compensated bridge with individual saddle inserts. The tuners are the beautiful Handel-made strips with inlaid buttons used on the higher-end Gibsons of the period. The top is tight-grained spruce, the back and sides birch with more figure than many and the neck Honduras mahogany is fitted with a heavy ebony fingerboard. This is a lovely sounding and fine playing example, ready for another century at least.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 in. (71.1 cm.), 11 1\/4 in. (28.6 cm.) width, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 3\/4 in. (400 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/4 in. (32 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis beautiful Mandola is nicely original and complete with the exception of the pickguard, which is a well-done reproduction using the original clamp. There are a some minor chips, dings and scrapes to the top finish, but really it is pretty well preserved for its age. The finish retains a very nice and deep original color, and has very fine checking most notably on the headstock, which has the heaviest dings and chips. There appears to have been a sticker or applique of some sort on the headstock rear that was removed but left a mark long ago. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere are no visible crack repairs, it is likely some of the back and side seams have been resealed but there are no scars from the process. The beautiful original inlaid Handel tuners are still intact and work well. The original tailpiece and cover are present and accounted for. The repro pickguard looks good and shows a bit of wear. The instrument has been neatly refretted with appropriate wire just a bit bigger than the original (very thin!) 1912 standard and is an excellent player and a fine sounding Mandola, with very good projection and a well-rounded tone. This is one of the more attractive H-2's we have had, housed in a decently fitted later HSC. Overall Excellent Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853492211852,"sku":"10134","price":3950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_b250dc82-80fb-45a7-b594-d046bfbeb4f2.jpg?v=1774340162"},{"product_id":"g-l-stiles-solid-body-electric-mandola-1960s-9448","title":"G. L. Stiles Solid Body Electric Mandola (1960's)","description":"G. L. Stiles Solid Body Electric Mandola (1960's), made in Hialeah, Florida, sunburst lacquer finish, mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGilbert Lee \"G. L.\" Stiles was one of America's most accomplished if eccentric independent luthiers from the 1960s thru the '80s. the West Virginia native began building electric guitars in 1961 in Hialeah, Florida, using his own unique designs and tooling. He expanded into making all sorts of stringed instruments, and his active career lasted many years. Stiles had no formal training in lutherie, but he was experienced in the lumber and milling industries and had played music since childhood. He built his first guitar, a solid-body electric, in 1960; over the next few decades he would turn out an estimated 1,000 electrics and 500 acoustics, even including a few banjos and mandolins. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStiles sold his instruments to amateur and professional players in his local area, and a few popped up with nationally known players like Steve Ferguson of NRBQ and the bassist in Conway Twitty's band. Typically each of his handmade guitars is unique but based on recurring design elements, and they are very well-made to professional standards. Many of his solid-body guitars are quite distinctive with carved scroll bodies and feature hand-tooled elements like unique pickups and adjustable bridges. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStiles' instruments were perhaps a touch less refined than the familiar factory-made products of the 1960s, but they show a dedication to craftsmanship and a determined originality of design. He usually made his own hardware, much of which was highly functional. Stiles' typical finishes were fairly thick, and like Rickenbacker he usually extended them over the fretboard. His handmade pickups were initially mostly copies of DeArmonds, but he expanded his designs over the years. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is one of the oddest Stiles instruments we have encountered, a tiny 4-string solid-body electric Mandola (we think!). Electric 4-string mandolins were known in the 1960s but the 15-inch scale on this one suggests it was designed to be tuned as a mandola or perhaps a steel-strung concert ukulele. It is easily adaptable to either tuning making this a usable piece for both mandolin and guitar-oriented players. It can be tuned as a mandolin but the longer scale makes the use of very light strings a must for that pitch. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere is no serial number on the instrument we can find. The finish and hardware are similar to Stiles guitars of the 1960s; the pots are dated to the 6th week of 1961, suggesting it was built sometime in the first years in that decade, which would make it one of his earlier creations. Like most Stiles pieces it was likely a custom order from someone who wanted this specific combination of features, something not otherwise available on a production instrument. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe body is an asymmetrical double cutaway with thin, slightly curved horns finished in a subtle dark red\/purplish sunburst lacquer. The pickguard is a black-faced plastic laminate surrounding a single centrally-mounted pickup. The tone and volume controls are mounted on the lower quarter and carry generic versions of the numbered plastic knobs commonly used on Fender amps. The bridge is a totally handmade stamped aluminum affair with separate saddles allowing height and intonation adjustment for each string, and a nifty snap-on chrome cover. The bolt-on neck is Fender-like in design, with a lump-scroll headstock mounting four Kluson Deluxe tuners. There is a discreet \"Stiles\" decal on the headstock. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe pickup has adjustable poles and is 4-way adjustable for height. It is angled very slightly; this may be deliberate as it lines up well with the strings or just the result of a poorly-aligned jig. The only parts not built by Stiles are the Kluson tuners and Gibson-style strap buttons. The previous owner informs us the pickup has been re-wound, but it sounds very nice. Otherwise there are no indications of repairs or replacement parts. This little cutie is eccentric for sure, with a bit of a folk art character but a well-designed and playable instrument nonetheless.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 25 1\/4 in. (64.1 cm.), 9 in. (22.9 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3\/8 in. (3.5 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 in. (381 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/4 in. (32 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis instrument shows some light finish wear including checking and small dings, dents, and scrapes. The workmanship is a bit sloppy in spots but overall it is nicely made and playable. If we had not been informed the pickup was rewound there would be no way to tell. Not for everyone, perhaps, but a very cool and playable relic of independent American lutherie history, complete in what appears to be a nicely handmade OHSC. Overall Excellent Condition.","brand":"G. L. Stiles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853504368780,"sku":"9448","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_6333c25d-1641-49ef-acab-a9afeefe7c04.jpg?v=1774340387"},{"product_id":"gibson-h-4-carved-top-mandola-1916-11472","title":"Gibson H-4 Carved Top Mandola (1916)","description":"Gibson H-4 Model Carved Top Mandola (1916), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 35706, red sunburst varnish finish, maple back and rim, spruce top; laminated mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a lovely sounding 1916 Gibson H-4 Mandola, the middle instrument in the mando-trio that the early 20th Century Gibson company avidly promoted. This is Gibson's scroll-body equivalent to the viola, designed to fill the same orchestral role. While built in the largest relative quantity in the 1910's mandolas from any period are far from common, even at the time rarely seen outside the confines of the mandolin orchestra. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe H-4 was the fanciest, most expensive Mandola Gibson offered in the 1910s priced at $125 (plus case). This was a substantial sum for a fairly limited-use instrument, even when Gibson teacher\/agents promoted sales by offering time payment options. The H-4 was produced only in relatively small numbers and is one of the rarest of the mandolin orchestra pieces the Kalamazoo company sold at the time.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA direct companion to the F-4 mandolin, the H-4's larger scroll body and deep red sunburst finish make it a visually striking instrument, with Gibson's signature flowerpot inlay on the art nouveau-styled headstock. It features a two-piece back and sides of subtly flamed maple; despite Gibson's catalog descriptions, at this time only Style 4 instruments were actually built with the specified maple body. The top, back, sides and neck feature a beautiful dark, rich red sunburst finish and are single bound in grained ivoroid. The headstock carries a slanted pearl script Gibson logo and Handel strip tuners with grained ivoroid buttons. The pickguard is the usual elevated tortoise celluloid piece, with the 1910's metal bracket clamp.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis mandola is well past its 100th birthday and remains a exquisitely styled, easy playing and excellent sounding instrument with a smooth and powerful tone suitable for a variety of musical styles, some of which are still waiting to be discovered!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 3\/4 in. (73 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 1\/16 in. (5.2 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 3\/4 in. (400 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/4 in. (32 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis mandola shows some general play wear but is in excellent structural shape even after 105+ years. The original finish is still bright and bold with some typical micro-checking. It shows typical wear, with noticeable pick marks above the fingerboard between the front edge and soundhole being the most obvious. The rest of the finish has mostly minor dings and dents; the center of the back has some finish loss from what may have been something affixed there long ago, possibly a large floral decal. The finish on the back of the neck is partially worn down to the primer and just to the wood in places, evidence of some dedicated play time probably long ago.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA spruce grain crack has been glued up coming off the front edge of the body 1\/2\" above the fingerboard; there was no touch up added to the finish. There is a very small grain split to the area just above the lower point, fully sealed and solid with a tiny touch up. The top of original one-piece bridge has been lowered a bit but retains the original character. The frets have been leveled and crowned and playability is excellent; the bone nut is old but may not be original. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is not a pristine instrument but remains simply a beautiful mandola with a wonderful sound, deep and rich but still with plenty of bark and presence. It still resides in the original HSC, with some ancient (and unfortunately crumbling) period Gibson Celluloid string packets in the pocket. This is really a lovely reminder of Gibson's original mission to perfect the mandolin orchestra in America, still a fabulous player's piece for any Mandola application, old or new! Overall Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853510135948,"sku":"11472","price":9500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_6fc2b95c-d40b-4a30-9f1c-8e29d5ce7dcc.jpg?v=1774340487"},{"product_id":"northfield-nfm-m4-carved-top-mandola-2023-12447","title":"Northfield NFM-M4 Carved Top Mandola (2023)","description":"Northfield NFM-M4 Model Carved Top Mandola (2023), made in Marshall, Michigan, shaded finish, maple back, sides and neck, spruce top, rosewood fingerboard, rigid foam case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNorthfield Mandolins are really fine modern mid-line instruments featuring excellent materials with very high build quality and a close attention to detail. Northfield was founded by a team of experienced luthiers in both Michigan and China with the goal of producing the highest quality instruments they can, and have proved very successful. This NFM-M4 is a unique design of mandola, designed and built in Marshall, Michigan by the Northfield team. It is crafted with an 11 1\/4\" wide oval body, carved F-hole top and longer 16 1\/2\" scale than the traditional Gibson Mandolas of 100+ years ago. It is somewhat reminiscent of Lloyd Loar's stillborn 1923 TL-1 Tenor Lute, but double strung with a more functional scale length for mandola tuning. This is a fine playing, excellent sounding instrument which has no exact vintage equivalent, a lot of fun to play and offering some cool and unique sonic qualities for the mandolinist, tenor player or dedicated mandolist (the few, the proud!).\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 29 3\/4 in. (75.6 cm.), 11 1\/4 in. (28.6 cm.) across at the widest point, and 2 1\/8 in. (5.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 16 1\/2 in. (419 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/4 in. (32 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis instrument shows some light handling wear, but very little evidence it has been used much at all. It sounds and plays great, an instrument with its own distinctive character. Excellent + Condition.","brand":"Northfield","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853537431692,"sku":"12447","price":3250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_189d7f12-ff27-487e-97fd-7a8ff8d54a44.jpg?v=1774341570"},{"product_id":"gibson-style-h-1-carved-top-mandola-1913-12305","title":"Gibson Style H-1 Carved Top Mandola (1913)","description":"Gibson Style H-1 Model Carved Top Mandola (1913), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 23532, natural varnish finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black gig bag case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a well-used over 110 year old example of an early Gibson Style H-1 Mandola, showing noticeable wear but still with a lot of life left in it. The H-1 was the \"basic\" model mandola, the middle-pitched instrument of the mandolin-mandola-mandocello trio. Compared to mandolins, mandolas from any era are fairly rare, although more were made in the 1910's than later periods this is still a fairly scarce item well over a century on. The H-1 lacks the decorative elements of the higher priced H-2 but is structurally the same. The headstock face has no ornament except the \"The Gibson\" inlaid in pearl, and the top has two half-herringbone soundhole rings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis H-1 was made in 1913, by which point Gibson's carved-top mandolin family instruments were becoming the most influential in the world. Typical period features include a natural \"pumpkin top\" varnish finish top over lightly cherry stained back and sides, a tailpiece with Gibson-engraved cover and the Handel-made strip tuners used on all Gibsons of the period. The top is carved from spruce over birch back and sides. The neck is Honduras mahogany fitted with a heavy bound ebony fingerboard. While not the prettiest of these we have had this is a lovely sounding and fine playing example ready for another century at least.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 1\/4 in. (71.8 cm.), 11 1\/16 in. (28.1 cm.) width, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 3\/4 in. (400 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5\/16 in. (33 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Mandola has seen some life along the way, and shows some minor scars of from 101 years out in the world. The original thin varnish finish is intact and unaltered, with general wear overall and much of it rubbed off the back of the neck. There is typical fine checking and chips, dings and scrapes overall. The top finish retains a nice amber patina with some dings and scrapes but less pick wear than many.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVisible crack repairs include two sealed grain splits to the top, one just below the treble side of fingerboard and the other off the bass end to the soundhole rim. The area by the endpin has a few small sealed splits to the rom where it is attached to the tailblock. The back\/side seams have been resealed solidly but not lined up exactly in some spots. The hardware remains original with the exception of the pickguard, which is long gone. The tuners, tailpiece and one-piece ebony bridge all remain in solid and relatively clean condition. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe instrument has been neatly refretted with wire that is a good modern approximation of the original thin 1913 frets with a bit more meat on them. The feelable side fingerboard binding has been visibly reglued. Even with the wear this is an attractive instrument and a very good player, with a warm and lovely sound. It is housed in a modern gig bag. Overall Very Good + Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853540708492,"sku":"12305","price":2950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_b78c2ae5-d2c2-465c-b461-7662976be7b7.jpg?v=1774341682"},{"product_id":"gibson-style-h-1-carved-top-mandola-1915-12479","title":"Gibson Style H-1 Carved Top Mandola (1915)","description":"Gibson Style H-1 Model Carved Top Mandola (1915), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 30624, natural varnish finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a very nice just-about 110 year old example of an early Gibson Style H-1 Mandola, showing some internal repair but still with a lot of life left in it. The H-1 was Gibson's \"basic\" mandola, the lower priced of three models of this middle-pitched instrument of the mandolin-mandola-mandocello trio. Compared to mandolins, mandolas from any era are fairly rare, although more were made in the 1910's than later periods this is still a fairly scarce item well over a century on. The H-1 lacks the decorative elements of the higher priced H-2 but is structurally the same. The headstock face has no ornament except the \"The Gibson\" inlaid in pearl, and the top has two half-herringbone soundhole rings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis H-1 was made in 1915, by which point Gibson's carved-top mandolin family instruments were indisputably the most influential in the world. Typical period features include a natural \"pumpkin top\" varnish finish top over lightly cherry stained back and sides, a tailpiece with Gibson-engraved cover, elevated tortoise celluloid pickguard and the Handel-made strip tuners used on all Gibsons of the period. The top is carved from spruce, over birch back and sides. The neck is Honduras mahogany fitted with a heavy bound ebony fingerboard. This is a lovely sounding and fine playing example ready for another century at least.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 1\/4 in. (71.8 cm.), 11 1\/16 in. (28.1 cm.) width, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 3\/4 in. (400 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5\/16 in. (33 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Mandola is a very nice player, not too heavily worn even after almost 110 years on the planet. The thin varnish finish has fine checking overall and shows typical wear with chips, dings and scrapes, with the back of the neck worn to the wood over some of its length. The back may have been oversprayed long ago as it shows heavier checking (and also some deeper scratches and scrapes). Both the back and sides appear to be a period finish, or at least many decades old. The top finish is fully original and has a nice amber patina showing scuffing, dings and scrapes but less pick wear than many so really pretty well preserved for its age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere are no visible crack repairs, it is possible the back\/side seams have been resealed but there are no scars from the process. Two slim longitudinal braces were added to the top behind the single original cross brace; while we can't say for sure this is a factory repair to a sinking top the pieces look very much like Gibson work, and appear to have been in place for a long time. If this is old factory work, it would explain the possible overspray on the back and sides, as they would have removed the back to do this work. If not then someone did a superb expert job crafting and fitting them with minimal disturbance to the instrument. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe hardware is original except for the bridge, including the celluloid pickguard and clamp, tuners and tailpiece\/cover. The adjustable ebony bridge is a replica of the 1920s Gibson style, not period correct but much more functional from a player's standpoint than the original solid ebony piece. The frets are original with some light wear and the nut has been replaced. The instrument is an excellent player and a fine sounding Mandola, brighter than some (possibly due to the slightly stiffened top) but with a powerful and well-rounded tone. It lives in the original hard case, a bit worn but still fully functional. Overall Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853543002252,"sku":"12479","price":2750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_00783892-9295-4bfb-9d71-b55c8f29af87.jpg?v=1774341763"},{"product_id":"gibson-style-h-1-carved-top-mandola-1920-12480","title":"Gibson Style H-1 Carved Top Mandola (1920)","description":"Gibson Style H-1 Model Carved Top Mandola (1920), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 62034, dark brown varnish finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a lovely 100+ year old example of the \"pre-Loar\" Gibson Style H-1 Mandola, still in very nice original condition with a lot of life left in it over a century along. It was made in late 1920, just as Lloyd Loar was beginning his official tenure at Gibson. Typical period features include the dark but very thin \"Sheraton Brown\" varnish finish top, a raised celluloid pickguard and the standard Gibson-engraved tailpiece and solid carved ebony compensated bridge without individual saddle inserts. The top is spruce with a pronounced somewhat wavy grain, the back and sides birch and the neck Honduras mahogany with a heavy ebony fingerboard.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese \"browntop\" mandolin family instruments of the late 'teens may not be the sharpest looking of the old \"paddlehead\" Gibsons but they are often the best sounding. This one is an excellent centennial survivor, a superbly playable mandola with a very low, comfortable action and powerful, ringing tone brighter and livelier than some. It remains an enduring testament to the exceptional work of the original Kalamazoo, Michigan Gibson factory and a lovely instrument all around.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 1\/4 in. (71.8 cm.), 11 1\/16 in. (28.1 cm.) width, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 3\/4 in. (400 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5\/16 in. (33 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis century-old Mandola shows generally light wear for its age and is an excellent player, with a great sound and a very comfortable action. The VERY thin top finish has its share of dings, scrapes and checking, but only a few noticeable pick scratches. The back is quite clean, the sides showing wear mostly in the heel area. Some varnish has worn off the back of the neck in the lower positions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStructurally this is an excellent instrument, with no cracks, just some of the common separations to the back\/side seams. The original hardware is intact including the oft-missing pickguard as well as the tuners, tailpiece and carved ebony bridge which are all original, clean and intact. The tailpiece cover is still shiny, the label is fully intact with the faded original pencil notations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis mandola was recently correctly refretted, the neck is in excellent shape and the instrument is set up ready for another 100 years of service. This H-1 is a lovely survivor of the mandolin orchestra era and an instrument with a lot of potential still to be explored, a truly fine player housed in the original HSC. Overall Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853549359244,"sku":"12480","price":3200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_eb3ecfc3-ff26-437f-aea4-e399d2c69362.jpg?v=1774341836"},{"product_id":"c-f-martin-style-a-flat-back-bent-top-mandola-1919-12665","title":"C. F. Martin Style A Flat back, bent top Mandola (1919)","description":"C. F. Martin Style A Model Flat back, bent top Mandola (1919), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # 6898, natural varnish finish, mahogany back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMartin mandolins are fairly obscure to most modern players, but not particularly rare. Martin entered the mandolin market with bowlbacks in the late 19th century, and continued to make various 8-string styles for much of the 20th. The other instruments of the mando-family are a different story, however. While the company did make some attempts to crash this typically Gibson dominated area, exponentially fewer Mandolas and mandocellos were ever shipped out of Nazareth, and most players today have never even encountered one.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a Martin Style A Mandola made in 1919, the year of the second production batch. It is one of 7 shipped that year after an initial 2 samples made in 1915, sold at a list price of $27.50 plus case which was raised to $30 in 1920. A total of less than 150 of these left the factory in the 1910-1940s era. Whatever sales Martin expected from mandolas was reflected in the production of mostly even batches of 12 on and off through the 1920s. They never returned to Martin's catalog after the war.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Martin mando-terms the mahogany Style A is the most basic model. The mahogany body has plain Style 18 trim, with rosewood binding back and front and tiny dot inlay in the rosewood fingerboard. The headstock is a plain block shape, without the Vinaccia-style cutout used on higher grade models. The tuners and the tailpiece are utilitarian as well. The scale is 15 1\/2\", just 1\/4\" shorter than the Gibson standard and the neck has a fairly deep round backed \"U\" profile.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a great playing example and a very nice sounding rather unique mandola. As with the Martin mandolins the tone is a bit gentler and less barky than the typical Gibson but very full, richer than the fairly small mahogany instrument would seem likely to produce. This is the second Martin Mandola we have had and now we're looking for more!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 27 1\/8 in. (68.9 cm.), 10 3\/16 in. (25.9 cm.) across at the widest point, and 2 7\/8 in. (7.3 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 15 1\/2 in. (394 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3\/16 in. (30 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 90+ year old Martin has seen some fairly light use and survives in excellent playing condition. There is only very minor wear overall and no notable repair. The all-original thin varnish finish has some minor dings, dents and scrapes overall, but no heavy pick wear; the back has a few deeper scrapes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe entire instrument is crack free; there is a small patched strap button hole in the lower rim below the heel. The tuners are modern vintage-style replacements but all else appears original. The original frets show some hardly any wear and the instrument plays very well, sounds great and remains in its original hard case, solid if a bit worn with the center latch non-functional. Overall Very Good + Condition.","brand":"C. F. Martin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853646483596,"sku":"12665","price":2450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_d58cff24-f2bf-4e96-a037-956a0e570ebb.jpg?v=1774342299"},{"product_id":"gibson-h-2-carved-top-mandola-1913-12787","title":"Gibson H-2 Carved Top Mandola (1913)","description":"Gibson H-2 Model Carved Top Mandola (1913), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 20243, black top, dark cherry stained back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a played in but still lovely 112 year old example of an early Gibson Style H-2 Mandola, in good playing condition with a lot of life left. The H-2 was the \"middle grade\" mandola, itself the middle-pitched instrument of the mandolin-mandola-mandocello trio. Mandolas from any era are fairly scarce, although more were made in the 1910's than later periods this is still a fairly scarce item well over a century on. The H-2 is distinguished from the lower-priced but structurally identical H-1 by its decorative elements, notably the headstock face with \"The Gibson\" and a Fleur-de-llys inlaid in pearl, a double half-herringbone soundhole ring with an ivoroid center and inlaid Handel tuner buttons.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis H-2 was made in early-mid 1913, a banner year for Gibson who were just then codifying improvements that made their carved-top mandolin family instruments indisputably the best in the world. Typical period features include a jet black varnish finish top over lightly stained back and sides and the tailpiece with the then-recently introduced Gibson-engraved cover with a fluted top edge. The tuners are the beautiful Handel-made strips with inlaid ivoroid buttons used on the higher-end Gibsons of the period. The top is tight-grained spruce, the back and sides birch and the Honduras mahogany neck is fitted with a heavy bound ebony fingerboard. This is a lovely sounding example ready for another century at least.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 in. (71.1 cm.), 11 1\/4 in. (28.6 cm.) across at the widest point, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 3\/4 in. (400 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/4 in. (32 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis beautiful Mandola remains in structurally excellent condition well over 110 years on. It remains original including the oft-missing bridge and pickguard. There is typical micro-checking to the original varnish, with chips, dings and scrapes overall; there are some fairly deep pressure marks into but not through the top finish above the strings but less pick wear than many. The headstock has heavier checking on the back with numerous deeper dings and chips to the face. The back of the neck has a couple of feelable dinge on the treble side in the lower positions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe only crack repair is a small tight grain split to the top off the lower front edge running under the pickguard, sealed but not overfinished. The back and side seams all look solid with no repair needed. The beautiful original inlaid Handel tuners are still intact and work well. The original tailpiece and cover are present and accounted for. The bridge is the original multi-saddle piece with a small repair below the treble side saddle. The original thin 1913 fretwire is intact, showing some light wear but still quite functional. This is a good player and a fine sounding Mandola, not the loudest we have had but sweeter than some with a well-balanced tone. It is still housed in the original HSC, showing some general wear but fully solid. Overall Very Good + Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853694619788,"sku":"12787","price":3850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_4b1741c8-314d-4fe2-b664-e0083ead679e.jpg?v=1774343239"},{"product_id":"weber-yellowstone-carved-top-mandola-2000-13772","title":"Weber Yellowstone Carved Top Mandola (2000)","description":"Weber Yellowstone Model Carved Top Mandola (2000), made in Belgrade, Montana, serial # 001701, sunburst finish, maple back and sides, spruce top, maple neck with ebony fingerboard, original black tolex hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis instrument is a fairly rare modern interpretation of the Gibson H-5 Mandolin format built by the Weber company back when they were in Belgrade, Montana. It retains most of the design elements of the original 1920s Loar-era Gibson but with a noticeably longer scale length, 17\" versus the Gibson's 15 3\/4\". This adds a little extra resonance and the fairly slim modern feeling round-backed maple neck makes this an superbly playable instrument. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe top is carved from very tight grained spruce; it as well as the attractively grained maple back, sides and neck are all finished in a dark sunburst. The instrument is single bound on the top, back, and headstock. The flat-radius fingerboard is full length without a treble side extension and is single bound with small diamond pearl inlay. The only overtly decorative touch is a pearl Weber logo and single inlay underneath. The pickguard, adjustable bridge and solid tailpiece are Weber's own proprietary fittings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile this mandola is built in the classic F-hole format the top is braced in an X-pattern instead of with twin tone bars. This major deviation from the Loar\/Gibson formula adds to the unique sonic character, giving a somewhat rounder tone with a more open character. This is an unusual instrument, even as mandolas go and definitely has a unique sound and feel. It is signed on the label by Bruce Weber and was crafted by him and his team in January 2000. Now 26 years along this mandola does not appear too much played and the tone is still maturing.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 37 3\/4 in. (95.9 cm.), 10 15\/16 in. (27.8 cm.) across at the widest point, and 2 1\/16 in. (5.2 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 17 in. (432 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/4 in. (32 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlthough this instrument is over 25 years old it shows only very light signs of play, appearing not too much used. The original finish shows some small dings, dents and scuffs but no heavy wear. The most notable flaw is a bit of disturbance under the treble side bridge foot from the bridge shifting at some point. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is an excellent player, certainly more modern friendly feeling than the vintage shorter scale, heavier strung Gibsons it is descended from. The sound is fairly bright for a mandola with a nice midrange punch. If lacking some of the depth in the lower register compared to many older Gibsons this weber is much more practical full chorded instrument than they are, and single lines, dyads and triads punch through nicely as well. For anyone seeking a superbly playable modern mandola this is a cool find, complete in its original rectangular HSC. Overall Excellent Condition.","brand":"Weber","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853714772108,"sku":"13772","price":6250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_95856706-6a21-40a6-949b-b122d7b76db7.jpg?v=1774344373"},{"product_id":"gibson-style-h-1-carved-top-mandola-1910-13080","title":"Gibson Style H-1 Carved Top Mandola (1910)","description":"Gibson Style H-1 Model Carved Top Mandola (1910), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 9789, natural varnish finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a well-used 115 year old example of an early style Gibson H-1 Mandola, showing noticeable wear but still with a lot of life left in it. The H-1 was the \"basic\" model of mandola, the middle-pitched instrument of the mandolin-mandola-mandocello trio. Compared to mandolins, mandolas from any era are fairly rare, although more were made in the 1910's than later periods this is still a fairly scarce item well over a century on. The H-1 lacks the decorative elements of the higher priced H-2 but is structurally the same. The headstock face has no ornament except the \"The Gibson\" inlaid in pearl, and the single-bound top has two half-herringbone soundhole rings with the inner edge also bound in ivoroid.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis H-1 is a fairly early example made around mid-1910; the then brand new \"guarantee\" label (which had just replaced one with Orville staring out of the soundhole) is pasted in but still carries a 4-digit serial number written in pencil. At this point Gibson's carved-top mandolin family instruments were becoming the most influential in the world but in some ways had not yet been fully perfected. The neck angle is shallower and the bride lower than later construction; while this is often held to be sonically inferior design we find this mandola to have a rich and sweet sound, less strident than many later examples with plenty of volume.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOther typical period features include a natural \"pumpkin top\" varnish finish top over lightly cherry stained back and sides, a tailpiece with the early \"Pineapple\" shaped Gibson-engraved cover and the Handel-made strip tuners used on all Gibsons of the period. The top is carved from spruce over birch back and sides. The neck is Honduras mahogany fitted with a heavy bound ebony fingerboard. While not the cleanest of these we have had this is a lovely sounding and fine playing example of this rare earlier style Gibson mandola, ready to play for another century at least.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 1\/4 in. (71.8 cm.), 11 1\/16 in. (28.1 cm.) width, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 3\/4 in. (400 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5\/16 in. (33 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Mandola has seen some life with wear and repair along the way, but considering it was in use well before the First World war it has held up pretty well. The original thin varnish finish is intact with general wear over the entire instrument. There is typical fine checking and a collection of chips, dings and scrapes overall. The top finish retains a nice amber patina with some dings and scrapes and some oddly vertical pick wear to the top above and behind the soundhole. There is some rub wear to the wood on the back of the neck and the unbound back edge of the body. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe neck heel has an old crack repair, sealed but visible as it was not finished over. This is more common on these early Gibsons for some reason. The laminate seam on the face of the headstock has opened just a bit; this has also been sealed with no added finish work. There are some deep scratches but no visible cracks to the top, back or sides. The back\/side seams do not appear to have opened and been resealed solidly a many have. The hardware remains original with the exception of the early elevated pickguard, which is long gone. The tuners, tailpiece and one-piece ebony bridge all remain in solid and relatively clean condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe instrument still carries the original thin 1910 frets with less wear on them than one might expect. The bass side fingerboard binding from the 15th fret to the end of the fingerboard has been replaced. Even with the wear and repair this is an attractive instrument and a very good player, a rare find in an early mandola with a warm and lovely sound. It is housed in an early pattern OHSC. Very Good + Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47693258915980,"sku":"13080","price":3750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_9c581480-a1f3-43ac-9185-90f586aeb07a.jpg?v=1776704137"},{"product_id":"northfield-nfm-m5-carved-top-mandola-2025-13352","title":"Northfield NFM-M5 Carved Top Mandola (2025)","description":"Northfield NFM-M5 Model Carved Top Mandola (2025), made in Marshall, Michigan, serial # MD250024, shaded finish, maple back, sides and neck, Adirondack red spruce top, rosewood fingerboard, original grey soft shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNorthfield Mandolins are really fine modern mid-line instruments featuring excellent materials with very high build quality and a close attention to detail. Northfield was founded by a team of experienced luthiers in both Michigan and China with the goal of producing the highest quality instruments they can, and have proved very successful. This NFM-M5 is a unique design of mandola, designed and built in Marshall, Michigan by the Northfield team. It is crafted with an 11 1\/4\" wide oval body, carved F-hole top and longer 16 1\/2\" scale than the traditional Gibson Mandolas of 100+ years ago. It is somewhat reminiscent of Lloyd Loar's stillborn 1923 TL-1 Tenor Lute, but double strung with a more functional scale length for mandola tuning. This is a fine playing, excellent sounding instrument which has no exact vintage equivalent, a lot of fun to play and offering some cool and unique sonic qualities for the mandolinist, tenor player or dedicated mandolist (the few, the proud!). This one is in new, never used condition.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 29 3\/4 in. (75.6 cm.), 11 1\/4 in. (28.6 cm.) across at the widest point, and 2 1\/8 in. (5.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 16 1\/2 in. (419 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/4 in. (32 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis instrument is new from the maker; it plays perfectly and is waiting to get played in a bit to get the wood moving and the sound flowing. It sounds fine now, and will only get better! It resides in Northfield's semi-soft Airloom case with the original warranty paperwork. Near Mint Condition.","brand":"Northfield","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48194578120844,"sku":"13352","price":3995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_ce7e2403-4da6-4fc1-bb31-0801300c7cbb.jpg?v=1777503577"},{"product_id":"eastman-mda815-arch-top-mandola-2011-13901","title":"Eastman MDA815 Arch Top Mandola (2011)","description":"Eastman MDA815 Model Arch Top Mandola (2011), made in China, natural lacquer finish, spruce top, flamed maple back and sides; laminated maple neck with ebony fingerboard, original black rigid foam case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis MDA-815 is the top of the line mandola from Eastman, a fancier cousin of the MDA-315. It is built along the lines of the impossibly rare original 1920s Gibson H-5, one of Lloyd Loar's less well remembered Master Model designs. Basically an enlarged F-5 Style mandolin tuned to viola standard, this example sports a natural finish showing off the beautifully flamed maple used for the back and sides. The 16\" scale length is a bit longer than the vintage Gibson Mandola spec adding some extra resonance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis very well made carved top-and-back solid wood instrument is about the best bargain going today in an F-hole Mandola, something many players don't even think about until they pick one up! Beyond its original Mandolin Orchestra roots the Mandola is really fun to play, applicable to Celtic styles, small ensemble use and ever solo singer\/songwriter applications.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 30 1\/2 in. (77.5 cm.), 11 3\/8 in. (28.9 cm.) across at the widest point, and 2 1\/16 in. (5.2 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 16 in. (406 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/4 in. (32 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis instrument shows light handling marks and some plating wear but really does not appear too much played. It is ready to go in the original deluxe zippered hard foam case with warranty paperwork included. Overall Excellent Condition.","brand":"Eastman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49723376304268,"sku":"13901","price":2250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_5db82f6e-509a-48d6-a49d-9aa292738f4b.jpg?v=1778520755"},{"product_id":"gibson-style-h-1-carved-top-mandola-1923-13090","title":"Gibson Style H-1 Carved Top Mandola (1923)","description":"Gibson Style H-1 Model Carved Top Mandola (1923), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 74352, black top, dark stained back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a lovely 100+ year old example of a peak \"Loar era\" Gibson Style H-1 Mandola, still in very nice original condition with a lot of life left in it over a century along. It was made in late 1923, the height of Lloyd Loar's official tenure at Gibson. This mandola benefits from all the then-brand-new advanced period features including the adjustable truss rod, raised adjustable bridge, and somewhat more comfortable less \"V\" shaped neck profile. The black varnish finish top was also a recent change from the \"Sheraton Brown\" used just before. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile this H-1 sports the old \"paddle\" headstock shape it is from the \"Snakehead\" era; the H-1 never made that design change and no \"snakehead\" version exists. The top is close-grained spruce, the back and sides birch and the neck Honduras mahogany with a heavy ebony fingerboard. The headstock has a pearl \"The Gibson\" logo deleted from this model not long after, while the soundhole decoration is simple wood rings instead of the half-herringbone used earlier. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLloyd Loar's tenure as \"acoustic engineer\" at Gibson has become so mythical that sometimes separating fact from fiction is difficult. Certainly the mandolin family instruments made during Loar's employment are the most perfectly realized in Gibson's history, and have become the template for most similar instruments since. 1923 was the key year in Loar's tenure as his \"Master Models\" came to market full force; some feel it is the single best year ever for Gibson mandolins of all styles.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll mandolins of the \"Loar Era\" show the influence of a master player on both design and execution, although other Gibson employees (especially Thaddeus McHugh and Lewis A. Williams) actually engineered many of the technical improvements of the early 1920s. Loar was primarily concerned with \"voicing\" the instruments properly; the Master Model Style 5 line was his greatest contribution with their violin-style f-hole tops, but all of the Gibson mandolin family instruments were refined and improved at the same time.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnfortunately ty the mid-1920's the mandolin orchestra was fading and the jazz orchestra taking hold of America's musical imagination; instruments like mandolas in particular were quickly becoming passe! The H-1 survived as Gibson's only lower-grade Mandola after the fancier H-2 was discontinued in 1924. Mandolas in general were never common, but by this period were being built in ever smaller numbers. \"Modern\" truss-rod equipped H-1's with adjustable bridges are fairly rare; the earlier 1910s models were built in larger numbers. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis H-1 is an excellent centennial survivor, a great sounding, superbly playable mandola with a comfortable action and powerful, ringing tone brighter and livelier than some. It remains an enduring testament to the exceptional work of the original Kalamazoo, Michigan Gibson factory at a creative high and a lovely instrument all around.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 28 1\/4 in. (71.8 cm.), 11 1\/16 in. (28.1 cm.) width, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 3\/4 in. (400 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5\/16 in. (33 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis century+ old Mandola shows generally light wear for its age and is an excellent player, with a great sound and a very comfortable action. The top finish has some dings, scrapes and checking, with some pick scratches below the soundhole and an odd area of disturbance (source unknown) along the treble edge of the top. The back and sides are relatively clean showing lighter scratching and dings and a small spot on the lower side worn through just below the heel. Some varnish has worn off the back of the neck in the first position.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStructurally this is an excellent instrument, with no cracks or even the common separations to the back\/side seams. The original hardware is intact except the oft-missing pickguard which is in fact missing. The tuners, tailpiece and carved adjustable ebony bridge are all original and intact with some typical wear. The label is fully intact and legible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis mandola was recently refretted with appropriate wire, the neck is in excellent shape and the instrument is set up ready for another 100 years of service. This H-1 is a lovely survivor of the mandolin orchestra era and an instrument with a lot of potential still to be explored, a truly fine player housed in the original HSC. Overall Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49723384103052,"sku":"13090","price":4250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_76ae1d63-74c5-4ae5-b9a6-2ddf49ad52b8.jpg?v=1778520759"}],"url":"https:\/\/retrofret.com\/collections\/mandolas.oembed?page=2","provider":"RetroFret","version":"1.0","type":"link"}