1950s Strad-O-Lin A-Style Archtop Mandolin

Tone: It's got a nice, poppy, woody sound that "chops" well for chordal backup and has a good, mids-forward, percussive attack for melody work. I wanted to snag a video for this one but, unfortunately, it sold in-shop before I could!

Feel: It has a medium-heft neck and wider nut width. It plays an awful lot like an old Gibson from the '30s or '40s.

Interesting features: The body is ply-mahogany throughout and nice and durable. These Stradolins are built on the lighter-side, though, so sound nice and full despite that. They have decent volume and a nice "pop" that's bluegrass-suitable -- especially for someone wanting a "cool" learner's instrument or rough-and-ready gigging buddy.

Repairs included: It's had a seam repair, fret level/dress, side dots added, minor bridge adjustments, and setup work done. It's playing spot-on and ready to go.

• Maker: United (New Jersey)
• Model: unknown
• Body style: A-style
• Weight: 1 lb 11 oz
• Scale length: 13 3/4"
• Nut width: 1 3/16"
• Neck shape: medium soft V
• Board radius: flat
• Body width: 10"
• Body depth: 2"
• Top wood: ply mahogany
• Back & sides wood: ply mahogany
• Bracing type: tonebar
• Bridge: replacement bone (lightly-compensated)
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: poplar
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 36w-10 lights
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: lower/narrow

Condition notes: It's in good order with minor blemishes to the finish throughout (scuffs, scratches, light scrapes) but otherwise has a nice, satin finish. The bridge (bone!) is a replacement and the tailpiece is, too. The rest (aside from the pickguard screws) appears original.

It comes with: It has a cool old browny-orange chip case.

Consignor tag: PK