R. A. Mango Carved Top Mandolin (1936), made in New York City, natural top, dark back and sides finish, maple back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black tolex hard shell case.
Overall length is 26 5/8 in. (67.6 cm.), 9 15/16 in. (25.2 cm.) width, and 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 13 3/8 in. (340 mm.). All original, unaltered condition; one long top crack resealed with a splice just below the tailpiece is the only major repair. Light handling wear overall, some fret wear in the lower positions but still an excellent playing mandolin. There was a name in script lettering on the pickguard-it is gone now but the shadow can still be seen under close inspection. This unique mandolin has a very nice sound; it combines some of the well-defined "classical" tonality of a Lyon & Healy Style A mixed with a bit more Gibson-like "gutty" quality, likely due to the sharp neck set and high bridge. A lovely and totally unique mandolin from one of NYC's great unsung string artisans of the 1930's. Overall Excellent - Condition.
