Vintage Martin Guitar

C F Martin 1920 B-Style MANDOLIN

Up for the grab is an beautiful 1920 C.F. B-Style Martin mandolin, serial number 8608. Not being a mandolin player, I cannot comment on issues of tone. It's loud. I acquired this instrument through various trades, and it should be in the hands of someone who can put it to proper use. I had it checked out by a luthier in Chicago who said it was in great playing condition and advised me to not sell it. The times for me dictate a sale.

Similar to the A-Style, this is the more desirable B-Style with a bound fingerboard slotted diamond inlays and decorative peghead cutout. This little feller has a lovely spruce top, Brazilian rosewood back and sides and a elephant tusk nut. As far as we can tell it is all original. The tuning machines are covered with engraved plates as is the tail piece and all work perfectly. The case is also in remarkably good condition and has two working keys. There is almost no fret wear. Leading us to believe this instrument sat in grampa's closet for decades. There is a small but stabilized and repaired crack on the top and a small crack on the side, also stabilized and not affecting play. They do not show-up well in photos. I was advised to not touch them in any way so as not to diminish the instruments value.