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thetragichippy - Posted - 05/19/2015: 19:37:35
I play guitar in a working country band. I was given this mandolin and I have no idea it's brand, worth or playability. I have not received it yet, but plan on having it professionally set up if it is worth it. I would like to make it electric and learn how to play it and incorporate in the band.....
Would it be worth the effort?
Value?
Brand?
Thanks
Edited by - thetragichippy on 05/19/2015 19:38:22
Rob Beck - Posted - 05/20/2015: 01:43:49
I don't know a huge about about bowlbacks, but in very general terms, the more staves there are making up the bowl, the higher the quality of the mandolin. So without a makers name to search for, I wouldn't expect this mandolin to be worth very much. It would be an interesting instrument to include in your bands set though, so if it is playable it could be fun. I'm afraid I have no experience electrifying bowl backed mandolins.
Rob
bradlaird - Posted - 05/21/2015: 12:27:05
On making it electric I would advise against that. At least don't screw a pickup to the face and install a jack. That has been done to enough old instruments... sadly. I did it myself when I was 15. Took a decent old Kay guitar and made it electric. It is surely decomposing in a landfill now. Wrecked it. Sticking a transducer on it (or in it) so that it doesn't alter the instrument would be ethical. But, the best way to make it electric is to use a microphone. Then do whatever you feel like to the signal at the board.
Just my opinion... I wouldn't put a lot of high hopes on this thing in the "working country band" scenario. Get yourself a Fender FM60E or a Godin or something and let this antique do what it was meant to do.
Brad
mandoist - Posted - 06/21/2015: 05:50:15
The case and the mando look like Lyon & Healy?
Most probably early 1900s.
Whatever it is -- it looks to be in very good condition.
PLEASE do not install electronics. There are so few of these left in excellent condition anymore.
do Even if you did install pickups, etc., I doubt it would do what you want for a country (or any electric) band. The mellow tonal qualities of this mando would not lend itself to amplification.
If it's any decent model from the late 1800s - early 1900s the value ballpark would be $800 - $1200+.
Edited by - mandoist on 06/21/2015 05:54:09
