C. F. Martin Style A Flat Back Mandolin (1953)

C. F. Martin  Style A Flat Back Mandolin  (1953)
Loading
LOADING IMAGES
This item has been sold.
Item # 12088
Prices subject to change without notice.
C. F. Martin Style A Model Flat Back Mandolin (1953), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # A-21035, natural lacquer finish, mahogany body and neck, spruce top, rosewood fingerboard, black tolex hard shell case.
 
Overall length is 24 in. (61 cm.), 9 5/8 in. (24.4 cm.) width, and 3 in. (7.6 cm.) deep. Scale length is 13 in. (330 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.).

The Martin Style A mandolin was the company's most basic 8-string offering, a plain but very effective design that remained in production for many decades with only minimal changes. This one is very nicely preserved overall, showing not much play time for 70+ years on the planet. The original lacquer finish shows some checking and light wear. There are small handling marks and dings overall, but no really serious wear. This mandolin retains all original finish and hardware including the strip Waverly tuners, carved ebony bridge and remains complete including the oft-missing tailpiece cover which shows very light corrosion. This Style A plays as well as any we have ever seen, with the bright bouncy tone typical of these flat-back Martin As. A very nice example and an excellent old time or recording mandolin, complete in a later HSC. Excellent Condition.