1952 Martin Style A Vintage Mandolin 100% Original w/ Case

Up for sale, a 1952 Martin Style A mandolin in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with a chipboard case. Crafted in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, the Style A served as an entry-level staple in Martin’s Post-War catalog at its time of production, featuring a spruce top, mahogany back and rims, and a mahogany neck capped by a Brazilian rosewood fretboard.

Tonally, this mandolin is chiming and immediate, with a woody chop and great natural breadth when notes ring out. There’s an overall smoothness to the sound with ample projection on tap, easily holding its own in ensemble situations. This Style A has been professionally set up here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with bronze 10-38 strings and easy-playing action.

Neck Specs:

• Wood: Mahogany
• Shape: Slender V, measuring .795” 1st fret, .870” 5th fret
• Fretboard: Brazilian rosewood, pearl dot inlay
• Frets: Slender, no wear
• Scale Length: 13”
• Nut: 1 3/16”, ebony
• Tuners: Strip, lollipop buttons

Body Specs:

• Wood: Carved spruce, mahogany
• Hardware: Compensated Brazilian rosewood bridge, “wavy top” tailpiece
• Plastics: Tortoise pickguard
• Marquetry: Multi-ply rosette
• Serial: Five-digit stamp dates to 1952

Crack-free and very well-kept, the original gloss nitro lacquer finish on this Style A exhibits tight checking, with wear limited to various dings and scuffs consistent with decades of careful use. The gloss on the neck profile is clean and smooth with just a couple shallow marks.

A chipboard case is included.