1916 Martin Style B Mandolin Excellent, Hard, $795.00

At a hundred years old, this very early Martin flat-top, flat-back, mandolin is just wonderful. With its rosewood back and sides, it is much rarer than the common mahogany models, of which literally thousands were made; we’ve seen very few like this one over the years. The finish, tuners, frets, bridge and tailpiece are all original. There are no cracks anywhere in the body; one very ancient slim one does show faintly at the very end of the back of the peghead, we’re guessing repaired with hide glue many decades ago and totally solid to this day. The action is easy and low, playability perfect, just set up here in our own workshop. It’s tones are so much broader than the usual A models, have got a richness that only older Brazilian rosewood can provide. And it is LOUD. Extremely reasonably priced at only $795 w/hsc