Other Instruments
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Brand New Forster 10 String Guitar Bouzouki, Bubinga/European Spruce
Nigel Forster packs more into his instruments than you can shake a pick at. Here we’ve landed a brand new Guitar Bouzouki from him that is set up for extended range, playability, and power. Sweetly figured Bubinga back and sides pair with a European Spruce top that’s been engineered in the Howe Orme cylinder style–meaning the center section of top is cylindrically arched. The result is a very stiff top at about 40% the usual mass, and lighter makes louder in this case. Add to that the extended range afforded to a course of low C on the bottom of the 10 string setup, and you have an instrument for just about every application. Nigel further enhanced playability with a cutaway, subtle arm bevel, EVO frets, and a zero fret nut.
Other keywords: lutherie, sobell, robin bullock, mandolin, mando, guitzouk, gouzouki
SOLD Read moreScale Length 24.625 in Nut Width 1.625 in String Spacing 1.925 in Woods Spruce - European, Bubinga 
2010 Forster Guitar Bouzouki Camatillo/Italian
The Irish Bouzouki is the result of constant evolution. What began as a bowl-backed, three-course instrument from Greece has undergone a series of transformations in the past 40 years to become the flat-backed, four-course (or more) instrument we now find in Irish and Folk scenes across the world. A select few luthiers have taken the instrument one step further, by experimenting with using guitar bodies instead of the accepted teardrop shape, in an attempt to create a more dynamically-voiced and easier to play Bouzouki. Nigel Forster, former apprentice of famed luthier Stefan Sobell, is one of these pioneers–and the territories he’s exploring are deep and resounding.This, his Guitar Bouzouki (or Gouzouki, or Gitzouki, if you prefer), is a specialty of his, and this one in particular stands apart from his standard Guitar Bouzouki model with a removable neck, which the original owner conscripted Forster to include, in order for him to remove the standard four-course neck and swap it for a fretless version, or a different profile, or whatever caught his inspiration. Alas, this Guitar Bouzouki only comes with the one neck, but the possibility is still there.Tonally, this 2010 Guitar Bouzouki is fearsome. With a voice characterized by its clarity and depth, and a projection capable of shattering windows, Forster has built an exceedingly loud and expressive instrument. This Guitar Bouzouki is louder than an instrument this size has a right to be–honestly, it can achieve volumes most instruments need to be electrically amplified to achieve. Forster has written extensively on the particulars of his building style which result in this magnificent voice, and you can read his own thoughts on the subject below: http://www.nkforsterguitars.com/blog/loud-acoustic-guitars/ Forster’s use of a “cylindrical top,” based on a Howe-Orme design from the 1800’s, allows the Italian Spruce top to be incredibly light (literally: check out the photos below which show light passing warmly through the top)–and all of that lightness translates into dynamic voicings, projection, sustain, and a well-defined top end.This Guitar Bouzouki, with Camatillo Rosewood back and sides and a Cuban Mahogany neck, has an otherworldly voice, at once persuading, ecstatic, thoughtful yet confident, moving but focused.
New Forster Guitar Bouzouki Camatillo/Italian
Nigel Forster has hit a homerun with this Guitar Bouzouki! The tone is simply magical and had us all smiling from ear to ear. Nigel has taken his 15 years experience with Stefan Sobell and expanded on it finding his own voice for his instruments. Guitar players will find the Bouzouki easy to learn and irresistibly fun to play. It is often tuned to GDAD or GDAE, etc. In no time you’ll be adding this wonderful voice to your solo and group work.But make no mistake this is a pro level instrument so if you are a serious Bouzouki player this is for you as well. Just listen to the sound clips and treat yourself to a little joy in these troubling times.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.6 in Nut Width 1.44 in String Spacing 1.88 in Woods Spruce - Italian, Rosewood - Camatillo 
1923 Gibson F-5 Lloyd Loar, Maple/Spruce
Amazing. This is among the rarest, and finest, Gibson mandolins we’ve had the pleasure of hosting: a 1923 F-5 Lloyd Loar. All original, right down to the virzi inside, and still in great playing shape today, 100 years later. That in itself is amazing–this beauty is still going strong! This ’23 Loar comes to us with serial number 72857, carved body of Maple body with Spruce top, light sunburst finish, smooth tuner operation and weighs in just over two pounds.
The Loar era has forever changed the definition of the American mandolin, and here we have a pristine example of his early magic that’s inspired so many generations of builders and players.
Check out this link through Mandolin Central to learn more about the provenance of this piece of Gibson history: http://www.mandolincentral.com/lloyd-loar-mandolin-zeibarth
Other keywords: loyd, f5, f 5, verzi, drew matulich, f-style
SOLD Read moreScale Length 13.937 in Nut Width 1.063 in String Spacing 1.531 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Maple 
1920 Gibson F4 Mandolin, Maple/Spruce
A gorgeous, mostly original Gibson F4 from 1920. Figured Maple body with Spruce on top and a Varnish finish throughout, Ivoroid bindings and half rope rosette trim, original inlaid tuners and pickguard—it’s a sweetheart. Gibson wasn’t using adjustable bridges until the 1920s, so we believe this bridge was added afterwards, although the footprint of the bridge matches the impressions in the top finish. If it is replaced, it appears to have been done very early in its life. Our repair staff recently went over it from tuner to tail and have given it a clean bill of health (and refretting it for a killer setup).
Other keywords: f style, bluegrass mandolin, mando, chop, 565421, flamed maple
SOLD Read moreScale Length 12.875 in Nut Width 1.25 in String Spacing 1.5 in Woods Spruce, Maple - Figured 
2002 Gibson RB4, Walnut
Style 4 from Gibson! Here’s an RB4 from 2002 that’s well preserved and ready for action. Walnut neck and resonator with nickel hardware, MOP position markers, 26 3/8” scale, and original hardshell Gibson case. Comes with railroad spikes and original tuners, weighing in around 12.5lbs, and trimmed out in tasteful ambered Ivoroid at the resonator and neck.
Other keywords: bluegrass, al petteway, fingerpicking, r-b4, rb-4, rb 4, 4-0202-5
SOLD Read moreScale Length 26.375 in Nut Width 1.25 in String Spacing 1.69 in Woods Skin - Fiber, Walnut 
1962 Gibson RB-250 Mastertone Mahogany/Fiber Head
This Gibson is formal enough you could wear it around your neck for a banquet–or at least the bowtie inlays across the fretboard. It’s the real deal, all-original and playing like a professional: a 1962 Gibson RB-250 Mastertone. Other than the addition of a few railroad spikes, this Banjo remains untouched, and only bears light evidence of play wear on its head and frets. In case you were wondering, yes–this Gibson is fearsomely loud! But the setup feels so lovely it’s easy to miss the fact that you’re playing with the volume at 11.
We really can’t say enough good things about this Mastertone, except to marvel at its condition and soak up all the vigorous, juicy tone of this RB-250.
1959 Gibson A-50 Maple/Spruce
Here we have a very clean 1959 Gibson A-50 Mandolin. It’s all original with little wear. The voice is all vintage Gibson Mandolin, strong chop and clear and articulate single note lines. It’s in perfect playing condition as well. Here’s your chance at an extraordinarily clean 50’s Gibson A-50 Mandolin.
2001 Gibson Sam Bush Flamed Maple/Spruce
Here is the wonderful Gibson Master Model Sam Bush Signature F-5 Mandolin. This is an exacting replica of Sam Bush’s own 1930 Gibson F-5. Made with the finest Flamed Maple and Spruce and featuring a slightly wider nut and spacing to allow you more room to fly up the fingerboard. The tone is wonderfully vintage, rich and smokey with great chop and power. Single note lines ring out and cut beautifully. This one is in excellent condition and comes with the original case as well.
1910 Gibson F-2 Maple/Spruce
Here we have a very sweet Gibson F-2 Mandolin from 1910. FON #1191, and featuring Inlaid Handel Tuners as well as the original Tooled Leather Case with the ‘drop out’ bottom design. This one appears to be all original and plays beautifully. There is a label inside reading ‘Sole British Agent: A. de Vekey indicating this one has spent it’s life on the other side of the pond until coming back home to America now. Collectors and players alike will love this, nearly 100 year old, mandolin.
Gibson Earl Scruggs Mastertone 5-String Banjo Maple Resonator
Introduced in 1984, the Earl Scruggs Standard replicates Earl’s personal Granada model. Although Earl’s instrument originally had gold-plated hardware, the plating has long ago worn off, so the Standard features nickel-plated hardware to look just like Earl’s. This one is like new, lovingly cared for by it’s original owner. It even come with the resonator pad that’s been protecting it.
2005 Henderson A-5 Mandolin Birdseye Maple/Spruce
Some of the prettiest Birdseye Maple makes this Shaded Top Wayne Henderson A-5 Mandolin something special. Built in 2005 the aged Spruce top really sings like a bird. Great chop, punchy midrange make this Henderson Mando a great choice for Bluegrass, Old Time or Americana styles. The dark 1930’s style sunburst, classic torch inlay and ivoroid bindings give this one has a great vintage vibe as Henderson is known for. It’s mint condition and ready for someone to mark it up good…
SOLD Sale! Read moreScale Length 13.75 in Nut Width 1.063 in String Spacing 1.063 in Woods Spruce, Maple 
2002 Henderson F-5 Mandolin, Flamed Maple/Spruce
From the famed workbench of Wayne Henderson, we have another Henderson F5 Mandolin here to prove what an F-style mando is supposed to sound like! This 2002 F5 has a gorgeous sunburst finish, Grained Ivoroid trim, and custom-made brass tailpiece with a hinged cover engraced with Wayne’s own moniker. Lloyd Loar would be proud to call this mandolin a descendant of his own creations–quick response, stellar string-to-string separation, and impressive projection.
Weighing in at 2lbs on the nose, this Henderson F5 is a Maple-and-Spruce featherweight in the hands, but offers some meaty sustain, especially with the crystalline treble strings. Lots of chop for a Bluegrass session, but clarity and articulation enough for Jazz and experimental flavors, too. There are only ever a few of Wayne’s mandolins available on the market: jump before this one disappears!
New Hickler Old Time Walnut & Maple/Skin
This is a Hickler Old Time Banjo with a multiple piece tone ring crafted from Walnut & Maple. It features a Flamed Maple neck and Ebony fingerboard adorned with vintage style fret markers. There is a sliding capo installed, a well intonated bridge and the fretboard is scalloped for clawhammer. It’s a great custom made Banjo for any player in the old time tradition.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 26.25 in Nut Width 1.28 in String Spacing 1.59 in Woods Skin, Walnut & Maple