1968 Suzuki No. 228 Bowl Back Mandolin w/ Original Hard Case Japan

Up for sale is a vintage Suzuki No. 228 bowl back mandolin built in Nagoya, Japan in 1968.

Suzuki produced a wide range of fretted instruments during the 1960s, and this No. 228 is a great example of the classic bowl-back mandolin design that traces its roots back to traditional European instruments. The instrument features a spruce top, decorative rosette, rosewood fingerboard, and a beautifully striped bowl back that gives it a distinctive vintage appearance.

We recently cleaned and inspected the mandolin here at the shop. It remains a fun and inspiring instrument to play, producing the bright, chiming tone that bowl-back mandolins are known for. Whether you're looking for a traditional folk instrument, something unique for a collection, or simply an affordable vintage mandolin, this is a neat piece of Japanese musical history.

Cosmetically, the instrument shows normal signs of age and use throughout. There are scattered scratches, dings, finish wear, and play marks consistent with a vintage instrument. The tuners show some age-related wear but continue to function as intended. Overall it presents nicely and retains a great vintage look.

The original hard case is included. The case shows cosmetic wear from decades of storage and use but still provides protection for the instrument.

Please review all photos carefully for a complete understanding of the condition.

Features

• Made by Suzuki Violin Co., Ltd.
• Nagoya, Japan
• Model No. 228
• Dated 1968
• Traditional bowl back construction
• Spruce top
• Decorative rosette and binding
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Original tuners
• Includes hard case

Case: Hard

Scale Length: 13“

Nut Width: 1.1“

Fret Wear: 9.5/10

Action at 12F (6th): .1“

Action at 12F (1st): .1“

Weight: 1lbs 7oz

Overall Condition: 9/10

Sound Factor: 11 out of 10

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Internal Use (Bin) - PA-6-2