1916 MARTIN STYLE 000 MANDOLIN - VERY RARE "TATER BUG"
Martin got into the mandolin market in 1885, and early on, they were all "bowl back" style (until 1925). That's what people played. This is an amazing "period piece" and would be fantastic for the right music.
Now here's a find! This has serial number 4948 (it is both stamped inside by the neck heel, and also hand-penciled under the top), and it took me some research. Because of the 9 mahogany ribs, Martin says it is a Style" "00" bowl-back Mando made only a very short time (some sources say only 1 year, but I think it might have been available a couple years). So it is extremely rare! 9 ribs, mahogany with spruce top, inlaid (totally smooth to the top) tortoiseshell pickguard in unusual shape; Rosewood bindings as well as headstock veneer; simple small dot-inlay; per Martin Customer Support, only 30 of these were made in 1916 sand it was only listed in the Martin catalogue one year (1914) and cost $12! It has the awesome original good-condition soft canvas case, with handle and 3 metal closers still intact (yes!) Obviously, there is some play-wear (this is good!), but it is in remarkable condition for being 105 years old!! As far as I can tell, it is all original, including the finish, the ivoroid tuners and ebony bridge and clamshell tailpiece. But it is tough to know about or guarantee originality of tailpiece and bridge.
It tunes up and stays in tune. It has a straight neck and good frets. As you can see, as many from this period, this mando has a "bent" or "canted" top. The bridge is placed for intonation at a slight angle, just above where the break is. To my ear, it plays in tune, has good action, and a bright resonant sound. No doubt it could use new strings. Inside, the braces are all tight. There is some kind of fabric glued on top the ribs, as was the practice. There are no cracks or even repairs, and the neck has never needed a reset. They might even be original frets. These were made VERY well, hence how stable it is held up.
It weighs all of 1.29 pounds. Seriously!
I saw only one like this, years ago now, less nice, on EBAY for $1300. It is partly how I determined the model #, along with calls to Martin Guitars.
