2004 Arches A-Style Carved-Top Mandolin

Overview: This is a killer mandolin. It's got plenty of pop and volume and easily cuts in a jam. The handling is fast and easy and it's built to a very high spec. It's even aesthetically interesting but yet classic (the "redhead" headstock in contrast to the tobacco-burst body is eye-catching). The arched top and back have a down-slope recurve at the edges that's just tres cool and the flamed maple in the back and sides is lovely-looking stuff.

I'm going to be honest -- after I gave it a quick setup and restring and started playing, I had already decided I probably needed to make a deal for the instrument happen. I played-on for 45 minutes or so, though, because my hand has pretty specific requirements for mandolins as I learned on one with a ginormous, deep, front-to-back profile. This one's more in the Collings/modernist Gibson vein, however, so I just can't do it, though everyone else will be very familiar with this feel and appreciate it thoroughly. Dang for me!

As far as the maker? The name refers to the national park out in Utah near where the instruments were made -- by Mr. Chris Baird. He's no longer building as of about 2018 when his house and shop got severely damaged by wildfire. Yikes! It's a big loss for the community.

Repairs included: I gave it a restring (flats to rounds) and setup. It's playing spot-on and ready to serve.

• Weight: 1 lb 11 oz
• Scale length: 13 7/8"
• Nut width: 1 1/4"
• Neck shape: slim to medium soft V
• Board radius: 10"
• Depth at first fret: 0.8"
• Depth at seventh fret: 0.88"
• Body width: 9 7/8"
• Body depth: 1 3/4"
• Top wood: solid spruce (carved)
• Back & sides wood: solid flamed maple (carved back)
• Bracing type: tonebar
• Bridge: ebony
• Fretboard: ebony
• Neck wood: flamed maple
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16”
• String gauges: 34w-10
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: modern narrow/medium height

Condition notes: It's quite clean with only very minor usewear here and there (light scuffs/scratches) that are essentially invisible. The "violin varnish" look to the back of the neck is a nice touch, too. I'm not sure if that "speed-necking" of the finish is original or a later addition, but it looks good in a vintagey, violin way.

It comes with: It has a good, hard case.

Consignor tag: MKWZ