1970s Jumbo (Japan) Martin-Style Flatback Mandolin

Overview: This creature is clearly a very good take on a Martin-style flatback mandolin. It has a mix of styling cues -- Martin Style B's rosewood back and sides and trim levels but binding more like Style C's trim. It plays a lot like and sounds a lot like a Martin Style A, however.

Interesting features: It has a solid spruce top and ply-rosewood back and sides. The neck is solid mahogany and it has a rosewood board and bridge. Luckily, the bridge came compensated from the factory. It's well-made and strudily-built. There's a signature on the back from "Japan's Bill Monroe" -- Mr. Shin Akimoto -- as well!

Repairs included: Manny gave this a good level/dress of the frets, a restring, and setup work. It's playing spot-on and ready to serve.

• Weight: 1 lb 12 oz
• Scale length: 13 3/4"
• Nut width: 1 3/16"
• Neck shape: medium C/soft V
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: 13/16"
• Depth at seventh fret: 1"
• Body width: 9 5/8"
• Body depth: 2 3/4"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: ply rosewood
• Bracing type: ladder
• Bridge: rosewood
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 34w-10 lights
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: low/small

Condition notes: It's apparently all-original throughout and is in excellent shape with only minor usewear to show for its years. It has a Sharpie'd signature from "Japan's Bill Monroe" -- Mr. Shin Akimoto.

It comes with: It's got a good hard case.

Consignor tag: NLJH