2010s Martin Macica “Norman” F-Style Mandolin

Overview: My friend Tim bought this mandolin directly from the maker and put many years of loving play into it. It's got a "bluegrass" sound to a T -- bright, mids-forward, punchy, and with plenty of cut when dug-into. It also looks amazing, with its deco-ized scroll shape and elongated details. It's a very nice update in styling to the F-5-style body shape. The neck is very familiar to a Gibson fan and it has a steeply-radiused fretboard with bigger frets -- tres moderne! It plays like a treat. Per Macica's usual process, this does not have a serial number or model, but was rather named "Norman" when it was built. His instruments now run about $7500-8000 new for a similar model.

Repairs included: Tim recently leveled/dressed the frets and set it up. Sometime back we adjusted the bridge footing to give it a little more adjustment room up/down on the posts. It's playing spot-on and ready to serve.

• Weight: 2 lbs 7 oz
• Scale length: 13 7/8"
• Nut width: 1 3/16"
• Neck shape: medium C/V
• Board radius: ~6"
• Depth at first fret: 27/32"
• Depth at seventh fret: 63/64"
• Body width: 9 7/8"
• Body depth: 1 5/8"
• Top wood: solid, carved spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid flamed maple, carved back
• Bracing type: tonebar
• Bridge: ebony
• Fretboard: ebony
• Neck wood: maple
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 40w-11 mediums
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium

Condition notes: There's weather-checking to the finish throughout. There's light wear and tear (rubbing, scratches) here and there throughout as well. It's been played-in and opened-up over hundreds and hundreds of gigs but has been cared-for. The bridge is on the low side but it still has room to adjust.

It comes with: It has a nice hard case and I installed a K&K pickup with a jack at the tailpiece some time back for Tim -- it sounds good and needs no batteries.

Consignor tag: TPRI