Washburn Model 5283 Deluxe Carved Top Mandolin , c. 1930

Washburn  Model 5283 Deluxe Carved Top Mandolin ,  c. 1930
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Item # 11191
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Washburn Model 5283 Deluxe Model Carved Top Mandolin, c. 1930, made in Chicago, natural laquer re- finish, maple back and sides, sprice top; Laminared mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.

This Washburn mandolin is a heavily repaired and refinished later production example of the elaborate and beautifully made mandolins Lyon & Healy originally introduced in 1917. These were extremely high-grade instruments, the only really serious competition Gibson ever faced in the carved top 8-string market. Lyon & Healy launched this line in a blaze of publicity in the late 1910s and they were built (first under that brand and subsequently "Washburn") well into the Depression years. Using the finest materials and a thoroughly original design, Lyon & Healy created a timeless classic in what was originally named the Style A. The violin scroll headstock and carved, 2-point body are immediately distinctive, and were imitated be later builders including Martin and John D'Angelico.

The sound of these instruments is more delicate and lighter than most Gibsons, with a nicely rounded top end and less "bark". They have been considered since the 1920s to be the best instruments ever made for classical mandolin playing, but have not been much known or used by old-time or country musicians. We are always impressed by both the sound and craftsmanship of the Lyon & Healy mandolins. Even this re-finished and heavily repaired Deluxe -- the top of the line model -- is still a fine player's instrument with an excellent sound.
 
Overall length is 24 3/4 in. (62.9 cm.), 9 15/16 in. (25.2 cm.) width, and 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 13 in. (330 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.).
This lovely mandolin has seen a lot of work over the last 90 or so years; it is not fully original but is still quite playable and an attractive instrument. It has been re-finished in natural lacquer overall, somewhat more heavily than the original but not to an obnoxious degree. This is an old job and has checked somewhat over time. It actually shows off the beautiful burl maple on the back and sides better than the original shaded look did! There are some dings, dents and flaking spots along the seams, and one deep ding to the top

There is an old top crack running from the front edge to soundhole rim under the pickguard, and a deep ding, small crack and some minor distortion to the bass edge of the soundhole. There are solidly sealed but visible. A small crack has been resealed on the back off the rear edge. The oddest repair is a small bolt set through the neck heel into the block, covered by a dot on the outside; this was actually a common thing to do to secure neck joints 50+ years ago. Some of the side/back/top seams show signs of regluing but all are solid.

The original pickguard is still intact, but the elaborate and oft-missing tailpiece cover is indeed gone; the "clamshell" tailpiece cover mounted is period but not the original style. The in-headstock tuners are also period but not original, the cover over the headstock face is a nicely done repro, as is the ebony bridge. What appears to be a label under the soundhole on close inspection looks like a Washburn-logo'd piece of fabric, possibly removed from an old case lining!

The fretboard shows evidence of work and at least one refret with some chips and patches to the ebony; the frets show some wear but are still quite playable. Despite all these points this is a good player's example of one of the loveliest mandolins ever built, with a checkered past but much to offer musically in the future. It resides in a well-worn but functional original HSC. Very Good Condition.