Mark Simon Mandocaster, sunburst, 1977. $3,500.
I admit I dont know much about Mark Simon, but he has a pretty
impressive resume as a luthier, which you can read all about at his
website, and has been at it
for almost 50 years.
This 5-string Mandocaster hails from 1977, when hardly any such
instruments were being produced, by either custom luthiers or large
manufacturers. Theres a
photo of a similar Mandocaster on Simons site.
It is in remarkable shape for a 44-year-old instrument. Ash Tele-style solid body with dark tobacco sunburst finish. Flame maple steel-reinforced neck. Underneath the white plastic pickguard is a handwound custom pickup with adjustable screw poles—so if you need, say, the E string to be a little hotter, you can turn the screw counterclockwise to move it closer to the string. Tone and volume controls; bridge with individual saddles. The neck is on the narrow side for a 5-string but should feel familiar to acoustic mandolin players. Theres a Fender "Original Contour Body" decal on the headstock, which is a bit of a joke since the mandolin has a slab body with no contours to speak of.
This is a rare, rare find in very nice condition, a once-in-a-lifetime instrument. Standard gig bag included, or upgrade to a custom gig bag or hardshell case. See more photos, call 425/772-0231, or for more information.
It is in remarkable shape for a 44-year-old instrument. Ash Tele-style solid body with dark tobacco sunburst finish. Flame maple steel-reinforced neck. Underneath the white plastic pickguard is a handwound custom pickup with adjustable screw poles—so if you need, say, the E string to be a little hotter, you can turn the screw counterclockwise to move it closer to the string. Tone and volume controls; bridge with individual saddles. The neck is on the narrow side for a 5-string but should feel familiar to acoustic mandolin players. Theres a Fender "Original Contour Body" decal on the headstock, which is a bit of a joke since the mandolin has a slab body with no contours to speak of.
This is a rare, rare find in very nice condition, a once-in-a-lifetime instrument. Standard gig bag included, or upgrade to a custom gig bag or hardshell case. See more photos, call 425/772-0231, or for more information.