Stars Guitars Mandocello 1970 from the state of Glenn Quan

STARZ Guitars Hollowbody Mandocello — San Francisco Built, ex-Glen Quan Estate.

For your consideration is a rare hollowbody electric mandocello manufactured by STARZ Guitars of San Francisco. This instrument comes from the estate of Glen Quan, an important Bay Area musician, luthier, inventor, collector, and longtime figure in the Northern California music scene.

Glen Quan began his career in the early 1960s as an apprentice to renowned luthier Hideo Kamimoto at Stu Goldberg’s Marina Music. He later became head repair tech and luthier at Bananas At Large in San Francisco, working alongside Fred Waxler and Billy “Banana” Stapleton. Glen was also the co-designer of the famous Badass Bass Bridge, developed with Leo Malliaris of Leo’s Music in Oakland. The success of the Badass bridge eventually allowed Glen to purchase the Bay Area music store Satterlee & Chapin in 1979. He remained a respected player, collector, builder, and innovator until his passing in 2018.

This particular instrument is a hollowbody STARZ mandocello fitted with a K&K Big Twin pickup. The exact construction materials are unknown. It shows honest cosmetic wear throughout, including scratches, dings, finish checking, and general signs of use. There is also a typical mild depression at the bridge area, which is commonly seen on many mandocellos of this type. That said, the instrument is exceptionally playable and has the kind of character one hopes for in a vintage, handmade, small-shop instrument.

Measurements are approximately: 14.75” body width, 18” body length, 38” overall length, 2” body depth, and 25” scale length.

A rare and intriguing Bay Area-built mandocello with excellent playability, estate provenance, and real-world vintage character. A wonderful piece for players, collectors, or anyone interested in the creative San Francisco instrument-building scene of the 1970s and 1980s.

This item is sold as-described. I do not accept preference-based returns, trial-period returns, or returns for buyer’s remorse. If the item arrives damaged or materially different from the description/photos, please contact me through Reverb within Reverb’s required window and provide clear photos/video so we can resolve it through Reverb’s process. Item must be returned in the same condition received, with all original packing and included items.

Please review all photos and ask any questions before purchase. Vintage and used gear may show normal cosmetic wear, aging, oxidation, scratchy pots, or other minor signs of use unless specifically described otherwise.