C. F. Martin Style B Model Flat Back Mandolin (1942), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # B-17342, natural lacquer finish, rosewood back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard.
Martin mandolins are fairly obscure to most modern players, but in general not particularly rare. The Style B is a somewhat obscure model; in Martin mando-terms a big step up from the MUCH more common mahogany Style A. The stylistic equivalent of a Style 21 guitar, the Style B has a Brazilian rosewood body with herringbone inlay for the backstrip and soundhole ring, multiple wood binding back and front and slotted diamond inlay in the ebony fingerboard. The neck has a fairly deep round backed "U" profile, while the headstock has a Vinaccia-style cutout and is fitted with Waverly strip tuners. The list price in 1941-2 was $45.
This Martin Style B mandolin was made in the first few days 1942, just as WWII restrictions were about to kick in in earnest. It is one of only 12 made that year before the war caused Martin to suspend all mandolin production. The Style B briefly re-appeared in 1946 then was gone forever. Even this late example is still from Martin's "golden era" and built lighter with a much livelier sound compared to the commonly found 1950-60s Style A's. This is a fine playing example and to modern ears a very nice and rather unique sounding mandolin. The tone is a bit gentler and less barky than the typical Gibson but with a nice sparkle to it.
Overall length is 24 1/4 in. (61.6 cm.), 9 11/16 in. (24.6 cm.) width, and 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 13 in. (330 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.).
This mandolin is a simply superb survivor of the decades since Pearl Harbor, all original and showing only light signs of use over the past 90+ years and sounding lovely indeed. The all-original lacquer finish shows some lengthwise checking and minor wear, mostly dings, scratches and scuffs to the back. There is one small impact mark on the upper back edge but no wood damage there beyond the superficial. The top has hardly any pick wear and the back of the neck is very clean.
The instrument remains all original and complete, including the Waverly strip tuners and oft-missing tailpiece cover. The original fairly tall tang frets show some wear in the lower positions but not enough to hinder playability. While less "gutty" sounding than many Gibsons this dainty gem of a mandolin offers a bright, peppy tone and plenty of volume. This would make an excellent old time or recording mandolin, complete in a modern gig bag that is a functional if inexact fit. Excellent + Condition.
