1940s Orpheum (Stradolin) A-Style Archtop Mandolin

Despite being branded Orpheum on the headstock, this is pretty-much a quintessential Strad-O-Lin mandolin (Sorkin distributed these and I believe they were made by United in New Jersey). Check out this one and this one to see what I mean. This particular instrument even has the cool tortoise-covered tailpiece which is often missing in action.

My guy Ancel did most of the work on this, though I did give him a few pointers here and there. He did a spot-on job getting the frets and action dialed-in, though, which is not the easiest work if you're not a regular mandolin player. He also fit the new/replacement ebony bridge nicely as well.

The instrument dates from the early '40s, I'd imagine, though a few in this style (or close to it) can be found postwar. This is a nicer mandolin in the Strad-O lineup, however, as it's got a solid top and back whereas many have ply back and sides.

It handles roughly similar to a Gibson A-50 from the time but I find the sound of these old Strads to have a slightly more-robust "bark" with a woody "pop" to their top-end. The Gibson sound is a little more of a thwack and has sweeter lower-mids.

Repairs included: fret level dress, setup, etc.

Weight: 1 lb 13 oz

Scale length: 13 3/4"

Nut width: 1 3/16"

Neck shape: bigger C/D

Board radius: flat

Body width: 10"

Body depth: 2" + arching

Top wood: solid spruce

Back & sides wood: maple

Bracing type: tonebar

Bridge: replacement ebony adjustable

Fretboard: rosewood

Neck wood: maple or poplar

Action height at 12th fret: hair-under 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
String gauges: 36w-10 lights

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: smaller-lower

Condition notes: it's got some finish wear and tear throughout -- scratches and flaked finish nicks and small dings and a couple of removed decals from the top-bass-side -- but for its age it's still looking pretty dang spiffy. There are no cracks and everything is original save the new bridge and the side dots.