1940s Strad-O-Lin Archtop A-Style Mandolin

Overview: Here's a nice, early-'40s Strad-O-Lin made by United in New Jersey. This one is in the earlier style with a press-arched, solid spruce top that's ladder-braced. The back and sides appear ply. These are among my favorite mandolins to suggest to newer bluegrass or folk players as, once they're dialed-in, they have tons of vintage charm, don't cost in the realm of a Gibson A-50, and usually outperform them in terms of volume and cut and they handle about the same.

Tone: It's midsy and poppy with a good lower-mids woody chunk to the sound.

Feel: The neck is on the bigger side of "medium C" but it plays quick and easy.

Interesting features: I like the "pinstriped" binding Strads use -- it's cheesy but looks nice. The split f-holes, raised pickguard, and giant headstock also give it a funky, deco look.

Repairs included: Tim gave it a level/dress of the frets, cleated and filled a hairline crack on the lower bout, fit a new adjustable ebony bridge (to replace the funky mahogany one), and set it all up. It's playing spot-on and ready to serve.

• Weight: 1 lb 13 oz
• Scale length: 13 3/4"
• Nut width: 1 3/16"
• Neck shape: medium C
• Board radius: flat
• Body width: 10"
• Body depth: 2"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: maple (ply)
• Bracing type: ladder
• Bridge: adjustable ebony (replacement)
• Fretboard: stained maple (I think)
• Neck wood: maple
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 34w-10
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: low/small

Condition notes: It's completely original except for the bridge and, while it's had some play, looks great. There are small scuffs, nicks, and dings here and there throughout the finish. There's one repaired hairline crack to the treble side of the tailpiece on the top.

It comes with: It has an old chip case.

Consignor tag: RI -- possibly for sale, not sure yet