1935 Martin Style 15 Carved-Top Mandolin

The last time I had one of these in the shop was ages ago. I've since worked on a few of the F-hole versions (the 2-15 model) but haven't had a round-hole version through here in a good while. These Martin-made, carved-top/back instruments are stunners in the build department. They're high-quality, well-built, fancy-looking critters and fit-out in the usual, understated, Martin-style manner. This one is even sunburst, which looks sublime on the curves of this instrument.

Anyhow, these are not quite your typical "carved-top" sound. They're similar in many ways to a Gibson A tone from about a decade earlier but the sound is a little more sculpted and sweeter on the high end. They're still woody-sounding and choppy, but because the arch is higher and the top a little thinner and the scale a little shorter, they do a "different thing." I think of them more as an instrument suited to old time or folksy picking.

This one is completely original except for the adjustable bridge (the original bridge is in good shape and in the case pocket) and my workload on it was light. It's in great shape and post-repairs, it's playing spot-on and ready to go.

Check out the gorgeous flamed maple on the back and sides mixed against that sunburst and ivoroid binding. It's elegant.

Repairs included: a fret level/dress, recutting and fitting of a new ebony adjustable bridge, cleaning, and setup.

Top wood: solid spruce

Back & sides wood: solid flamed maple

Bracing type: ladder

Bridge: ebony

Fretboard: ebony w/original bar frets

Neck wood: mahogany

Action height at 12th fret: hair-under 1/16" overall (fast, and adjustable)
String gauges: 36w-10 or similar

Neck shape: medium C/soft V

Board radius: flat

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: low/small

Scale length: 13 1/8"

Nut width: 1 1/8

Body width: 10"

Body depth: 1 7/8" + high arching

Weight: 1 lb 12 oz

Condition notes: it's in excellent shape save light finish wear here and there throughout, some minor finish weather-checking, and light scratches here and there throughout. It has a modern, adjustable bridge fit (I put it on for practiality's sake) but the original non-adjustable is in the case.

It comes with: its original hard case!