1990s Big Muddy M-11J Flatback Mandolin

Overview: Big Muddy and Mid-Missouri (same company, essentially) mandolins were some of the best-value American instruments made in the '90s and early '00s. They're loud, full-sounding, built rugged, and make solid performers. While they've definitely got the "Army/Navy" folk-style sound going on, I've definitely heard these hold their own right alongside carved-top Gibsons and the like even when veering into almost-bluegrass settings.

Interesting features: This one has a wider nut width than others that I've encountered and it feels, almost, like it's a little bigger, too. The finish has aged strangely on it and it has some "cloudy" patches here and there all over, giving it a curious appearance. During setup, the instrument got a fresh adjustable bridge installed to make it easy to adjust action on the fly vs. its original one-piece bridge.

Repairs included: Jose, as I recall, gave this a level/dress of the frets and setup work. I recut and fit the bridge. It's playing spot-on and ready to go.

• Weight: 1 lb 10 oz
• Scale length: 14"
• Nut width: 1 3/32"
• Neck shape: medium D
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: 7/8"
• Depth at seventh fret: 15/16"
• Body width: 10 1/4"
• Body depth: 2"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid mahogany
• Bracing type: ladder
• Bridge: adjustable rosewood
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 36w-10
• Truss rod: non-adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium-narrow

Condition notes: Please forgive the dust in the photos on the headstock -- it doesn't look like that normally! Otherwise, as noted, the bridge is non-original and there are some "cloudy" areas in the finish. I'm not sure what's going-on -- trapped moisture from when it was sprayed? -- but it does make it have an "individual" look -- a little splotchy and quirky.

It comes with: It's got a decent case.

Consignor tag: NLJH