Custom made Mark Franzke Comemmorative Mandolin from 2019 with case #100 Made

This mandolin is from 2019 but the condition is like new. It is perfect and ready to play, just as you can see from the photos in this post. What a wonderful instrument. 

Another beauty by luthier Mark Franzke across the state line from from us in Kansas. Beautifully voiced and a joy to play.  We aren’t mandolin experts so we are open to trades for guitars or a fair offer. 

Franzke K-5 Mandolin, made in 2019 #100

Engelmann spruce 

Maple back and sides

Maple neck with center laminations 

Carbon fiber neck reinforcement

Schaller Grand Tune tuners

Pearloid headstock and fretboard

James gold engraved tailpiece

Gloss nitro lacquer finish

Ebony, bone topped bridge

Mother-of-pearl nut

Crossrock brown Hardshell Case

 

Built in 2019 as a showpiece by Mark Franzke in Prairie Village, Kansas to commemorate the 100th instrument built. A unique one-of-a-kind mandolin, patterned similar to the KayKraft mandolin, but using typical F-5 mandolin bracing and dimensions. White top with gold glitter inlayed into the pearloid headstock, pickguard and around the top and on the fretboard. Pearloid binding with side rope-style purfling around the sides. Decorative center neck laminations, and fixed twin carbon fiber neck reinforcement for stiffness and sustain.

Mark Franzke; Artist, Luthier

Mark Franzke, artist and luthier, built his first mandolin in 1978 while a Fine Arts student at the University of Kansas. After graduation, Mark began a career in graphic design and illustration, creating some highly detailed airbrushed illustrations.
In 2005, Mark decided to focus seriously on mandolin building under the name "Flinthills Mandolins." After several requests from customers for mandolins with Mark's signature in place of the Flinthills logo, Mark decided to replace the Flinthills name with "Franzke" to emphasize that each instrument is hand crafted by an individual luthier, not mass produced in a factory setting.
Each instrument is a unique artistic expression based on the whims of the artist and desires of the customer.