1970s Harmony H8025 "Batwing" F-Style Mandolin

The electrified version of this instrument is better-known as the "batwing" Harmony mandolin. This pure acoustic version is absolutely no slouch, though. I prefer its sound and handling to many '50s and '60s Gibson A-models, to be honest. It's clearly meant to imitate, after a fashion, a Gibson F-style instrument but it has done so with a Rocky Horror Picture Show variation on the theme full of swoopy curves and points. Is it cool? Well, dangit, of course it's cool.

The neck is quick and easy and it has good chop, bite, and volume. It's missing its pickguard but a previous owner has "hillbilly-blinged" it with gold replacement tuners and a gold, Allen-a-like tailpiece. After my guy Tim got through with a level/dress job and setup, it's also playing spot-on, too. If I was playing mandolin more these days, I would be very tempted to hold onto this. I am usually not into thin-depth mando necks (as I learned on one with a huge neck) but because of the way this one is built (and because of the crazy fret access due to that bolted-on neck joint), it's pure fun to play.

Repairs included: a fret level/dress, mild cleaning, and setup.

• Weight: 2 lbs 10 oz
• Scale length: 13 15/16"
• Nut width: 1 3/16"
• Neck shape: slim C
• Board radius: flat
• Body width: 10 1/8"
• Body depth: 1 3/4"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid maple
• Bracing type: tonebar
• Bridge: adjustable
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: maple
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 36w-10 lights
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: narrow/medium

Condition notes: the tailpiece and tuners are replacements (the tailpiece is fancy, too). There's mild finish wear here and there throughout but overall it looks great. The original pickguard is missing.

It comes with: a nice hard case.

Consignor tag: JW