1914 Vega Regent Bowlback Mandolin

I've worked on a lot of old Vega bowlback mandolins. They're consistently excellent instruments with a strong, forward tone that's clean and sweet but also loud. They cut nicely and their handling is quick and easy, too. This one also happens to be pretty, with fancy purfling, extra binding at the fretboard, and mildly-engraved pearl inlay in the board itself.

It's original save for the replacement (1930s?) bridge, too. This one was in on consignment but it sold in the shop before I could even get this blog post about it up on the net.

Work on it was relatively light, but after fixings it plays fast, is stable in service, and ready to go. I string these with GHS A240 strings (32w-9) and suggest nothing heavier as these (like Larson bowlback mandolins) are built with the bridge on the unreinforced side of the top cant (this is why they sound great) and so they do not like heavier strings even if their necks can take them.

Repairs included: a fret level/dress, seam repairs to the bowl, cleaning, and setup.

Top wood: solid spruce

Back & sides wood: solid Brazilian rosewood

Bracing type: ladder

Bridge: rosewood/bone saddle, freshly compensated

Fretboard: ebony

Neck wood: mahogany

Action height at 12th fret: hair under 1/16" (fast)
String gauges: 32w-9

Neck shape: medium C/V

Board radius: flat

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: small, very low

Scale length: 13"

Nut width: 1 1/8"

Body width: 7 3/4"

Body depth: 5 1/4"

Weight: 1 lb 5 oz

Condition notes: it's all-original save the bridge and in good order. The finish shows mild wear and tear but otherwise it looks great.