1920 Sutz Mandolin Excellent, Hard, $1,035.00

Louis Sutz was an instrument maker in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the early 20th century. He was born in what was to later become Germany in 1862, came to America some years later, and established his career there until his death, in 1942. The original label in this mandolin states: Louis Sutz / Maker / Hand-Made Violins / Mandolins, Guitars / Zithers Etc. / No. 1616 Vine St. / Cincinnati, O.” (The building is still there). It is beautifully made, with typical German precision, which is to say Martin guitar-quality craftsmanship, with Brazilian rosewood back and sides, spruce top, and ebony fingerboard (with bar-style frets) and ebony bridge. It’s a lovely-sounding mandolin, pure and strong and has a perfect action. There are two very old, barely noticeable and beautifully repaired back cracks, and the instrument is 100 % solid in every way. Martin mandolins of this type routinely go for well over $2000; this Louis Sutz from the 1920s or possibly earlier is priced at a very reasonable $1035 w/hsc