Mandolins For Sale

13. Old German domeback (655) @ 120 euros new

Old German dome-back mandolin

This is an old, German-built, dome-back mandolin, perhaps from mid to late C20th. It is in good condition after restoration. It has a relatively wide fretboard, so would be ideal for larger hands. There is no makers label, though this is typical of old mandolins built during the communist era ....

This instrument is now fully cleaned and playable. The top is sound with one repair under the bridge. It has a multi-piece domed back in maple and ebony, with several seam repairs. It has the original fingerboard and relevelled brass frets. The tuners and tail are originals, the bridge and tensioner new. It has been refinished throughout with shellac and Tru-oil. It has been restrung with ultra-light GHS bronze wound classical strings, and is now playing well with a good, strong sound with good sustain and volume. It has an easy playing action.

Other than cleaning, I have repaired as follows; 1) repaired some damage to open back seams; 2) repaired splits in one side and re-enforced inside; 3) repaired a strange hole under the bridge; 4) fitted new brass alloy frets, 5) refinished throughout with shellac and Tru-oil; 6) fitted a new bridge and tensioner; and 7) strung and set up.

Mandolin Specifications (In Millimetres)
Overall Length of Mandolin	630mm
Width of mandolin at widest point	270mm
Approx. Depth of mandolin	95mm at bridge.
Finish	Completely refinished with Tru-oil varnish, replacing old distressed varnish.
Belly wood	Close-grained, book-matched spruce top. Edging and purfling in good repair. One repair to a hole beneath the bridge.
Scratch plate	In good condition.
Sound hole	Ovaloid. 60 x 35mm. Approx.
Back and sides	Maple and ebony back, and maple sides. Repairs to damage on top side and around the heel, re-enforced inside.
Neck and Head	Single piece neck and head in good condition.
Fingerboard	Original, 17 new brass alloy frets. New bone nut. Position markers at 5, 7, 9 and 12
Machine heads	Original tuners with original buttons. All working.
Tailpiece	Original steel tail, 8 string hooks and a strap loop.
Bridge/tensioner	New rosewood and bone bridge fitted with a tensioner to offset the low string profile.
Scale Length Bridge to nut	Scale of 330mm
G string height at bridge	5.5mm
E string height at bridge	5.5mm
12th fret to bottom of G string (Action)	2.25mm
12th fret to bottom of E string (Action)	2mm
Width of fretboard at nut	29mm
Width of fretboard at widest point	40mm
Sleeve guard	*N/A*
Case	*I have some gigbags available for purchase.*

Larger photos are available on request.