1930s Beltone (United) Resonator-Chamber Mandolin

I worked on this mandolin a while back and it's returned, now, playing just as it left -- spot-on. It has the Beltone brand on the headstock but I've become increasingly convinced that these were made by the same firm that made Strad-O-Lin instruments -- United in New Jersey. I used to think these may have been made by Regal but too many of the details are off for Regal builds. Many of these instruments use the "Blue Comet" brand at the headstock, too.

This one probably dates to the late '30s or early '40s judging by its fittings. It looks like a pretty complicated instrument to make, too, despite the fact that it's made from lower-grade materials -- birch throughout and with a poplar neck. The top on this one is press-arched and so, despite the crazy resonator contraption making-up most of its back, its voicing is really that of a mid-grade archtop mandolin -- think of how a fancier Kay or Harmony or Regal model might sound.

It's a good player, has been stable in service, and is ready to go.

Repairs included: a fret level/dress, replacement bridge, side dots, and setup.

Weight: 2 lbs 3 oz

Scale length: 14"

Nut width: 1 3/16"

Neck shape: medium soft V

Board radius: flat

Body width: 11 3/4"

Body depth: 2 3/8"

Top wood: birch

Back & sides wood: birch

Bracing type: ladder

Bridge: rosewood

Fretboard: unknown

Neck wood: poplar

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

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium/narrow

Condition notes: aside from a replacement bridge, it's in fantastic shape and very clean for its age. There are small scratches and scrapes here and there but overall it's in good order.

It comes with: a gigbag.

Consignor tag: COM