c.1905 Mayflower Bowlback Mandolin

Update: Description has been updated.

Here's a lovely bowlback that I now (2013) believe to be a Larson Brothers (Chicago) build. I'd been thinking that these Mayflower (and many Ditson) instruments were Vega-built in Boston as they're so very, very, very similar in all ways, but I've played a few vetted Larsons since and the small differences add up: neck joint style, slightly heavier neck cut and weight, slightly heavier bracing and stiffer overall "feel" to the box, but like a Vega once it's properly setup -- a beautiful-sounding, high-quality instrument that will also play excelletly, too.

This mandolin is 100% original save for the new pickguard I put in place of the shattered old one. I made this one from holly veneer that I've dyed black ("ebonized") and varnished and from the casual observer looks quite period. I tried to give it a little bit of an aged look to fit with the rest of the instrument. Other work included regluing braces and repairing a couple of top hairlines (the longest being to the treble side of the tailpiece and bridge).

Nice headstock. Rosewood veneer, bone nut.

Pickguard detail. Note original bone-topped ebony bridge. Nice!

Ebony fretboard with MOP dots and bar frets.


Good tailpiece.

"Mayflower" logo.

Side. Beautiful rosewood bowl, mahogany neck, and good spruce top.

...and the finish is in excellent shape.

Back.



Quality enclosed tuners with ivoroid buttons.

Strong neck join.

Overall a beautiful, fantastic player, with great tone.