1920 Martin Style A Flatback Mandolin

This is a cute old Martin Style A that's had a bit of work done on it in the past (overspray) but just needed a general "glorified setup" to get it playing spot-on. These are lightly-built and sound fantastic for old time or Celtic noodling. They're not at all a good choice for bluegrass or jazz but the folksy types will find them endearing.

Repairs included: fret seating and level/dress, bridge adjustments, cleaning, and setup work.

Weight: 1 lb 5 oz

Scale length: 13"

Nut width: 1 3/16"

Neck shape: medium V

Board radius: flat

Body width: 8 7/8"

Body depth: 3"

Top wood: solid spruce

Back & sides wood: solid mahogany

Bracing type: ladder

Bridge: ebony

Fretboard: ebony

Neck wood: mahogany

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

Truss rod: non-adjustable

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: low/small bar stock

Condition notes: it's in good structural order but has a hairline crack in its pickguard and the whole instrument has been oversprayed with a glossy topcoat. The original finish is underneath, however. The tuners are replaced (with 50s openback Klusons), the tailpiece cover is missing, and the original bridge has been modified (by us) for better intonation/compensation. The top has a little sag at the bass side of the bridge wing but that's normal on these mandolins because the brace that straddles the bridge is offset on that side to increase bass response... and every single one of the earlier flatback Martin mandos with this configuration I've seen has this.

It comes with: an old chip case.

Consignor tag: SK