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Posted By: Noah Cline (+43) | Rate Member
Vintage Kalamazoo by Gibson Oriole Mandolin. Early 1940s from what I’ve read.
~ Open to reasonable offers ~
This mandolin has been restored and plays well and sounds quite nice with lots of sustain. The work I’ve done to it includes replacing the broken braces with new pine braces that I made and installed, as seen in the last photo before gluing the back on. I’ve also glued and cleated a few cracks in the top and back among the numerous others that had been previously repaired by someone else. One brace had been cracked near the cross point and glued back, but allowed the top to sink in under the bridge. At one time someone had added posts between the top and back to support the top, which cracked the thin back as can be seen in two distinct spots in the middle. I also re-fitted the bridge to the top once the brace repair was made.
I believe the tuners, tailpiece, and cover are original to it. It had a pickguard at one time but was not with it when I obtained it. The action is currently a 1/16” at the 12th fret. Some wear to the first few frets. The nut is an older replacement, with the spacing a bit wider than the wear in the frets indicate. I worked a few of the slots down a bit to get it playing easier. Not sure if the bridge is original to it. Currently has a set of light D’Addario strings (.010-.038”) on it. Comes with a chipboard case that came with it.
Video of me playing it here: youtu.be/IwOVO9-_vow?is=dREOeELFMwUY41rx
Any questions, feel free to ask.
Thanks for looking!
Location:
United States, Burlington, WV, 26710
Shipping:
$50 via UPS. Lower 48 only.
Payment Methods:
Check/Money Order, Cash (in person)
Return Policy:
Returns not accepted.
Condition of Item(s):
Used - Very Good Condition
Category:
Ad Status:
Active
Listing No:
115716
Page Views:
302
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