Vintage Martin Guitar

Here is a vintage J.F. Stetson mandolin attributted to Martin or Larson Brothers.

Martin and Larson Brothers manufactured instruments under a variety of names, many of which referred to the distributor or store that ordered them.  Martin and Larson Brothers both made insturments under the name J. F. Stetson.

I found this mandolin at an estate sale a few years ago.   I took it in to a 3 music stores and luthier who specialize in early or American made insturments.  Three of them said it is a Martin, and the other thought it might be a Larson Brothers.

This mandolin is in good shape for its age, but has a few small issues. 

There was no bridge on the instrument when I got it so I ordered a six dollar floating bridge off of Ebay.  I don't think it is the right style for this mandolin.  The ones I have seen on older mandolins are longer and thinner.

There is a thin crack about 4 inches long on the back of the mandolin, (see pic).  This would be an easy for any luthier with glue and cleats.

The wood has a small surface split where the top was bent back, see pic.  The luthiers I showed this to said that the crack has probably been there since the mandolin was make and not to give it a second thought.

There is no case.

There are signs of wear and tear, belt rash, strumming marks, some scratches, nicks, and dings, but overall still pretty presentable.

I was told that the top was Koa wood.

The neck is straight and the action is good and consistant along the entire neck. 

$24.00 flat rate shipping to the lower 48.  Well packed and insured.  I will ship internationally, please ask for a quote for shipping to your country before bidding. 

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