1920s Larson-esque Flatback Mandolin

Mandolins of this style are so confusing as far as maker goes. I'm pretty sure this one was an upscale model made by Harmony, but it has a ton of features that are related to Larson builds. These include a wider nut width, bigger C-shaped neck, actual thick ebony fretboard, binding wrapped-around the bottom of the heel, a bridge that sits below the cant in the top, and a loud, punchy, sweet voice despite its short scale length.

Harmony features include recessed tuners that were never screwed-down inside their casings, a lack of a Larson-style serial number on one of the braces, and less of a "domed" cut to the top. But, like I said, I'm pretty sure this is an unmarked Harmony build, and as far as Harmony builds go, it's real classy. The top is solid spruce and the back and sides are solid Brazilian rosewood. I like the touch of the inlaid celluloid pickguards on these old guys, too.

This one's in for consignment and someone's going to get a nice old flatback mando in the near future.

Repairs included: fret level dress, side dots, cleat for top crack, tuner lube, new compensated ebony bridge, setup.

Made by: Harmony?

Model: Unknown

Made in: USA

Serial number: N/A

Top wood: solid spruce

Back & sides wood: solid Brazilian rosewood

Bracing type: ladder (two)

Bridge: ebony, compensated

Fretboard: ebony, bone nut

Neck wood: mahogany

Tone: clean, sweet, punchy, sustained, warm

Suitable for: blues, folk, country, old-time, Celtic

Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast-n-low)
String gauges: 32w-9 (GHS A240 set)

Neck feel: medium C/V

Board radius: flat

Truss rod: none

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: low and small

Scale length: 13"

Nut width: 1 3/16"

String spacing at nut: 1"

String spacing at bridge: 1 5/8"

Body length: 12 3/8"

Body width: 9 3/8"

Body depth: 2 3/4"

Weight: 1 lb 7 oz

Condition notes: there's a hairline crack on the top below the bridge (repaired) but no other cracks as far as I can tell. The finish is all original but shows a bunch of mild playwear/usewear throughout and lots of finish checking from age. Overall it's quite pretty, though. The frets are low and small per original spec but still have life left in them. The tailpiece cover is missing.

It comes with: an old chip case.