1950s German-Made Curved-Back Mandolin

Overview: We don't often get cool old European flatbacks in here. This one is likely German-made and from the '50s as the back cut and styling is very distinctively of that style. Failing that, it may be an Italian design. The back is curvier than American flatbacks and the body is deeper and wider, too, giving the instrument an outsized, sweet voice with a decent amount of volume for its style. It doesn't hurt that the paneled back is so pretty and it has neat little features like the inlaid pickguard and red-celluloid-topped bridge.

Repairs included: Max gave this guy a level/dress of the frets, cleaning, and setup. He and I tag-teamed fitting the replacement tuners, too. It's playing spot-on and ready to go.

• Weight: 1 lb 7 oz
• Scale length: 13"
• Nut width: 1 1/8"
• Neck shape: medium-deep C/V
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: 51/64"
• Depth at seventh fret: 31/32"
• Body width: 10 1/2"
• Body depth: 3 1/4"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid maple and mahobany
• Bracing type: ladder
• Bridge: European walnut? with cool translucent red celluloid saddle
• Fretboard: European walnut?
• Neck wood: maple
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 34w-10
• Truss rod: none
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: narrow/low

Condition notes: It's actually in pretty good shape, visually, though it has the usual minor nicks, dings, and scratches here and there. It's all-original except for the tuners, which are later replacements from our parts-bins (the originals were trashed). The soundhole has a little distortion to the celluloid around it.

It comes with: Sorry, no case.

Consignor tag: OLWL