1981 Paul Wooldridge F-Style Mandolin


Overview: This is a nice-quality, good-sounding mando with slightly-quirky features. I love the skewed scroll shape and hardware-store-style stain job reminiscent of the look of old violin varnish. It's even got a "picking scoop" at the end of the fretboard and someone has upgraded the tuners to proper Grovers. 


It has beautifully-figured maple used throughout the neck, back, and sides and the medium-red-brown stain really pulls the figure out. It appears to have been moderately used and loved for some time as there was a bit of fretwear on it when it arrived and there are a number of light scratches and scuffs here and there throughout the finish.


I haven't been able to find any information on Mr. Wooldridge, but he was obviously quite a capable maker and there are a variety of examples of his work online.


Repairs included: I gave this a level/dress of the frets, cleaning, and good setup. It plays spot-on and is ready to go. Note, however, that the neck and tailpiece are not "on center" with the top and F-hole cutouts, so the bridge skews closer to the bass F-hole than normal.

  • Weight: 2 lbs 3 oz
  • Scale length: 13 7/8"
  • Nut width: 1 1/8"
  • Neck shape: medium C/V
  • Board radius: flat
  • Depth at first fret: 0.78"
  • Depth at seventh fret: 0.91"
  • Body width: 10 1/4"
  • Body depth: 1 3/4"
  • Top wood: solid spruce (carved)
  • Back & sides wood: solid flamed maple (carved back)
  • Bracing type: tonebar
  • Bridge: ebony
  • Fretboard: rosewood
  • Neck wood: flamed maple
  • Action height at 12th fret: 1/16”
  • String gauges: 34w-10
  • Truss rod: adjustable
  • Neck relief: straight
  • Fret style: narrow/medium

Condition notes: It's got a few minor scuffs and scratches here and there. The bridge is on the lower side for an adjustable in terms of height overall but it has room to adjust the action. It appears to be original throughout except for the tuners, which are later '90s or '00s Grovers and an upgrade to whatever '80s tuners that would have been on it.


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


Consignor tag: SLAS























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