Mike's Oud Forums

Opinions on this Greek mandolin

Jason - 9-22-2010 at 09:22 PM

A local pawn shop is advertising this Greek mandolin. I don't know much about this kind of instrument... any idea what it could be? I don't know how universal the general designs are.

The case looks quite old but the instrument itself doesn't look all that old. All of the white parts are still quite bright. Sorry for the small picture this is all they have provided me.


ibn sina - 9-23-2010 at 06:49 AM

It's very pretty. There's an old mandolin in my family that looks similar, esp. the edging around the soundboard and the silver clip at the bottom. It looks like it might have a big crack in the center front? Ours did and a luthier said it was not worth fixing. The face is very thin and you have to replace it, losing all the decorative trim. So, it might just be suitable for hanging on your wall as a decoration.

Jason - 9-23-2010 at 04:11 PM

I couldn't tell if it was a crack or if it was a 2 piece face. The grain obviously isn't bookmatched. At any rate, I think they are asking two much for this mandolin. They have it priced at $200

Label

spyrosc - 9-23-2010 at 05:34 PM

Can you have them look at the label inside to figure out the maker ? Look through the rosette hole.

It can make a huge difference in the price. At $200 you might be getting a huge bargain and not know it.

Spyros C.

Franck - 9-24-2010 at 08:20 AM

The face is two pieces of different woods, on the right it's spruce but on left, if it's spruce, it's a weird variety... strange.