New! Tone-Gard: The best thousand dollar improvement you can make to your mandolin for only $74! We don't usually feature an accessory so prominently, but these things really work. By keeping the back of your instrument off of your body, the Tone-Gard allows the back to vibrate and contribute to the instrument's resonance. You'll get more lows, more highs and more volume - all good things to have in a mandolin. And as a bonus, the Tone-Gard helps protect against the odd button scratch and keeps you from sticking to the mandolin when the pickin' gets hot and sweaty. Try this test at home (but close the curtains so your neighbors don't think you're a total loony): Face a wall about two or three feet away so you can hear the sound of your own instrument and chop a couple of chords with your mandolin held against your body, then chop them again while holding the instrument an inch or so away. You'll be amazed at the difference. Used by David Grisman, Ricky Skaggs, Mike Marshall, Roland White, and many other great players. Black powdercoated lightweight steel "sunrise" frame with rubber and leather at contact points. Not recommended for soft varnish finishes. Fits most mandolins. Usually fits in the case while on the instrument. Models for Rigel and customs available. BuffaloBros. price: $74. PHOTO
Please note: All instruments that have stock numbers followed by an asterisk (*) are in stock at our San Diego store. Please call Tom @ (619) 280-9035 for further information.
New! Corrado Giacomel J-5 Natural: These superb tone monsters from the shop in Genoa, Italy are both unusual in appearance and outstanding in tonal quality and projection. And why not? After all, the mandolin got its start in Italy and every mandolin maker since the early days has paid homage to the land of pasta either by naming their instrument a "Florentine Style" (in honor of course of Florence, Italy), or faithfully copying the early designs of the bowl back or "tater bug" style. Giacomel was discovered, endorsed and played by David Grisman who has, perhaps more than anyone in history, promoted mandolin players, makers and mandolin music. The Giacomel is his (Grisman's) ultimate discovery. The sound is almost unbelievable. Certainly extremely impressive, especially when you realize that you're not playing a 1920s or 1930s vintage instrument with the benefit of years of age. The tone and volume are incredibly mature for a new instrument. The voice is throaty, the tonal range has a richness that belies its newness, and the highs have that bell like quality that makes your hair stand on end. Almost a contradiction to what one might expect. If you want to discuss the visual aspects, they are stunning. The body design is very Avante-garde, almost trapezoid shaped, with a stylish art deco influenced "hook" scroll. The gorgeous, hand-applied varnish finish allows the true beauty of the Fine grained European Spruce top as well as the incredibly flamed Maple back & sides to be easily admired. Perhaps the most perfect mandolin being offered Today. If you can't stop by to audition one in person, try to catch Tim O'Brien or Dawg in concert playing their Giacomel J-5s. A real treat for your ears. With hard case. $12,500 Stock#UMC29356 photo
Used Andersen F-5: (exc) A superb offering from Steve Andersen who is instantly recognizeable as the maker of the Emerald City archtop guitar he creates in his workshop in Seattle. The Florentine style mandolins he produces are no less treasured than his hallowed guitars. This example, the 100th that Mr. Andersen has produced, was so special to the maker that the peghead is amblazoned with the number 100 etched into a banner that appears just below the Andersen name. The physical beauty is astonishing, incredibly figured Quilted Maple for the back and sides and exquisite appointments as well. The tone is world class too, plenty of 'chop', lots of volume, and rich tone that is easily at home with classical interpretations. A beautiful, well rounded mandolin. With hard case. $9500 Stock#UMB29513 PHOTO BUY NOW
New! Capek F-5 Basic: Hand built, hand carved, master wood selection, yet devoid of frills players don't really want to pay extra for. Just pure,sweet tone, and professional playability. Rostislav Capek has researched the rest of the mandolin world to come up with this design created for the modern player. A very toneful instrument, much richer tonally than any other. With hard case. LIST: $3450 Our price: $2950 Stock#NMB28981*
New! Capek F-5 Old Era: Rostislav Capek studied violin making at one of the oldest established schools in Europe. His mandolins are gaining in popularity by leaps and bounds, being found in the hands of such players as Radim Zenkl. This Florentine style is called the Old Era because it's construction is based on instruments produced in the US during the "Golden Era" of the 20th Century. A European Spruce top with gorgeous flamed Maple back & sides, along with impeccable workmanship are the hallmarks of Capek mandolins. With hard case. LIST: $4950 BuffaloBros.price: $4450 Stock#NMB28984 photo
New! Capek A Mandola: A rich and warm sound is what you find in this gorgeous European Spruce and flame Maple mandola. Master maker Rostislav Capek makes all his instruments by hand, from start to finish. No assistants, no digitally driven machines, just old world craftsmanship, producing the finest tone you will find in mandolin family instruments. With gig bag. LIST: $3850 BuffaloBros. price: $3450 Stock#NMB28983 photo
New! Collings MT-2: This gorgeous A style from the folks at Collings is another superb example of what can be accomplished when traditional design, the finest materials and modern construction techniques all come together under the watchful eye of a highly skilled craftsman. A red spruce top, maple back and rim, radiused fingerboard and a beautiful gloss sunburst finish come together to make this a great playing and sounding mandolin. With hard case.LIST: $3500 BuffaloBros. price: $3150 Stock# NMB28835* photo
New! Collings MT-2: The terrific sounding top bound Collings A style with boat loads of tone. Carved Adirondack Spruce top mated to a highly flamed Maple back & sides. Strong, rich, full tones with plenty of bark, in a glossy sunburst finish. With hard case LIST: $3500 BuffaloBros. price: $3150 Stock#29410 photo
Used Collings MT-2 Black Top: This gorgeous study in black and white has a highly figured, one piece maple back and a straight grained red spruce top that is finished with gloss black lacquer. Its tone is heavenly and its fit, finish and setup are pure Collings. With hard case. BuffaloBros. price $2600 Stock#UMC22292 PHOTO
Just In! New! Collings MF-O A new satin finished oval hole beauty to add to the Collings line up. Built with the same Red spruce top and figured maple back and rim as the MF5-O, the MF-O is a cosmetically simpler version with an unbound back and a satin sunburst finish. On this fine example the top has been upgraded with ivoroid binding and a gloss finish. These new oval hole mandos from Collings have a warm woody tone and TONS of volume! With hard case. List $5050 BuffaloBros. price $4545. Stock# NMB30132 photo
New! Eastman MD 515 Classic : This entry level F style mandolin from Eastman shows the same quality and attention to detail as their more expensive models. Built without binding on the back and peghead, this model has the same hand carved spruce and maple construction and the same loud, open sound that Eastman has become known for. With hard case List $1250 BuffaloBros. price $999 Stock# NMB28953 photo
New! Eastman MD515 Classic: With hard case (msrp: $1250) BuffaloBros. price $999 Stock#NMB28952* photo
New! Eastman MD515 Classic Sunburst: With hard case (msrp: $1250) BuffaloBros. price $999 Stock#NMB28951*
New! Eastman 615 Sunburst: These all solid wood, carved top mandolins from Eastman are amazing! Built with a tight grained Spruce top and highly figured Maple back and rim, this well made F-style mando sounds, plays, and looks like instruments that are twice its price. It is made in Beijing, China by the Eastman String Co. who have been building Violin family instruments since 1992. Their workshops are organized in the European tradition using mostly hand tools and highly skilled craftsmen. Whether you are an amateur player looking for a reasonably priced instrument or a professional looking for something to take on the road, this fine F-style mandolin from Eastman is an excellent choice. With hard case. LIST: $1550. Our price: $1240. Stock# NMB27087*.
Used Eastman 615 Classic: (exc) Very nicely maintained example of the best buy in a Florentine style mandolin available Today. Hand carved Spruce top and carved Maple back & sides. The Eastman mandolins, play great, sound wonderful and don't cost the proverbial body appendages that others might. A very exceptional value in a well made instrument. With hard case $1000 stock#UMB25082 photo
Used Eastman 615 Classic: (exc) These hand carved Eastman Florentine style mandolins really do offer the most sound for the money. Especially this nicely maintained example which in addition to sounding great, also saves you money. (a worthwhile goal to pursue). With hardcore foam case $1000 Stock#UMB19867* photo
New! Eastman 814: (F style Oval Hole) Way cool oval hole F style mandolin. Eastman has got this one right. Based on the old Gibson F-4, this well made import from China is built with a carved Tibetan spruce top and figured Chinese Maple back and rim. It has a radiused Ebony fingerboard that is inlaid with blocks of Mother of Pearl. This one is finished in a Cremona sunburst finish. While this isn't your Grandfather's F-4, it is a seriously good sounding and playing mandolin for a fraction of the price. With hard case. LIST: $1950. Our price: $1560. Stock# NMB21339. photo
1959 Gibson EM-150: (exc-) A unique mandolin from Gibson's past. 'A' style with a single P-90 pickup that produces a great tonality when plugged in. For years, these fine instruments went unnoticed in stores as players wanted pure acoustic tone. But over the last few years, with guitars and even banjos being amplified, players have come to realize that there is no better electric mandolin than the Gibson EM-150. Do you think it's because we're all going deaf from ipods, rock concerts and increased sound levels? Or is it just that the P-90 looks so cool up near the mando neck? With original hard case. $1250 Stock#UMB28220 photo BUY NOW
IN TRANSIT!! 1920 Gibson A-2: Sheraton Brown. With hard case. $1500 Stock#UMBITRC
1953 Gibson A-40 Natural: (exc-) One of the often overlooked models in the Gibson line of vintage mandolins. While most folks get all steamed up over the Florentine models and the A style instruments with the little flowery inlaid tuning machines, players know that the 'plain Jane' A-40 offers a lot of playability and plenty of tone at a bargain price. this example is especially nice due to the original natural finish Spruce top. With hard case. $1250 Stock#UMB28923 photo BUY NOW
1956 Gibson A-40: (exc-) An excellent sounding over 50 year old Gibson A style, f hole mandolin. One thing 50 years of age certainly does is to allow an instrument to reach its full potential.This example is certainly there. Impressive amounts of volume and an incredible amount of bark in this A style delight. With hard case. $1250 Stock#UMB28986*
ca. 1950’s Gibson A-50: (Exc-) This is the A style for Bluegrass players! Cool vintage Gibson sound and vibe. 10” wide body with maple back and rim and a spruce top. Two small repaired top cracks by the treble side f hole and a missing pickguard and tailpiece cover, otherwise in excellent original condition. With soft case. BuffaloBros. price $1250 Stock# UMB27711 photo
1917 Gibson F-4 Cherry Sunburst: (VG++) As fine as they come. This Florentine style, oval soundhole Gibson has a rich tone that sets it apart from all other vintage mandolins. Well balanced, with overtones that enrich every note on the fretboard, the F-4 is a welcome instrument in classical, ragtime, old Timey, jazz or bluegrass ensemble. With original hard case. $6500 Stock#UMB23584 photo
New! Kentucky KM-140: Thanks to a recent upgrade from Kentucky, the newest KM-140 now has a solid carved Spruce top, whereas the older version was a Spruce laminate. Leave it to Kentucky to continuously improve an already great instrument. $CALL NMB29821*
New! Kentucky KM-505: Built in the traditional style with a hand carved spruce top, maple back and rim and dovetailed neck joint, the Kentucky 505 has a loud woody voice. This new updated version even has a radiused ebony fingerboard making it an easy player and the perfect festival companion. With Travelite case List $695 BuffaloBros. price $525 Stock# NMB29318 PHOTO
New! Kentucky KM-805: This Artist series f-model mandolin is hand carved and graduated from the finest mountain spruce and northern maple for the best tonal characteristics. The KM-805 has a radiused rosewood fingerboard for comfortable easy play and the traditional “torch-style” peghead inlay for those who like a more simple vintage look. With hard case. BuffaloBros. price: $899 Stock#NMB28581*
New! Kentucky KM-1000: The top of the Kentucky line, the KM-1000 is built with a hand carved Red Spruce top and figured Michigan Maple back and rim. This mando has a great vintage look and vibe right down to the nitrocellulose lacquer finish, matte nickel plated hardware and the carefully inlaid flower pot design in its’ headstock. With hard case. List $2115 BuffaloBros. price $1450 Stock# NMB28844 photo
New! Kentucky KM-1000: American spruce and maple, hand-carved and graduated for the tops and backs. Deluxe 14:1 reverse tuners, Pre-war style ebony bridge and side-striped w/b/w ivoroid body binding all reek vintage. Take a trip back to the early 20s on the Kentucky time machine...it is surprisingly affordable, too. With hard case. LIST: $2115 Our price: $1450 Stock#NMB28845*
New! Kentucky KM-1000: With hard case. LIST: $2115 Our price: $1450 Stock#NMB28846 photo
Used Michael Kelly F-style Blonde: (Exc) This natural blonde beauty was a 1999 NAMM Show prototype. The highly flamed maple back and sides are tastefully offset with ivory colored binding with bwbw fine line perfling on both top and back. The non-radiused rosewood fingerboard has the traditional extension and pearl dot inlays. There’s also a pearl dot inlaid in the scroll of the natural finished spruce top. Elegantly appointed with gold hardware and a cast Allen tailpiece. With hard case. BuffaloBros. price: $1000 Stock#UMB26143*. photo
Used Michael Kelly “Elegante”: (Exc) This excellent quality F style mandolin is the top of the Michael Kelley line. Assembled from all solid woods, it is made with choice spruce and maple and the top is carefully hand carved and voiced to give it a rich, woody tone. The maple neck is joined to the body with a traditional dovetail joint and the radiused ebony fingerboard and the top and back are bound with natural maple binding. With hard shell case $800 Stock# UMB20869* photo
Used Amada Mandola: (exc) Sweet sounding and very affordable mandola in the European style. Alpine Spruce top and dwwp bodied, so you know the tone is sweet and pure. With gig bag. $300 Stock#UMB6240 photo BUY NOW
Used Arlen F-5: (exc) It's quite likely that most players are unfamiliar with the Arlen name. The maker makes very few of these wonderful sounding hand made instruments and names them after members of his family. Thus, there is only one Arlen (named after his wife) and another named for his daughter and another for his son, and so on. But the entire family of instruments has one thing in common: tone! And plenty of it. The hand carved Spruce top and hand carved master grade Maple back & sides have been crafted to produce a superb tone, with lots of volume and great chop. A true Bluegrass mando-monster. With hard case. $2950 Stock#UMB9762 photo
ca. 1920s Beltone: (exc-) It's kooky, it's crazy, and just unusual enough to be a highly sought after collector's piece. This all Mahogany mandolin with its built in 'resonator' is one of the most unusual looking pieces we have ever seen, but very similar to the Paramount guitars that were built for Paramount by C.F. Martin in the 20s. It plays very nicely too! If you're looking to round out a collection, or just love things with that 20s & 30s flair, this could be perfect for you. With gig bag $950 Stock#UMB26611 photo
Used Breedlove Quartz 00: The search for the vintage tone continues. For years, the object of player's desire has been the tone associated with the early 20th Century Gibson A style instruments. But the necks of the older Gibsons were difficult to play unless you were in first position only. Entering the fray, is the slick playing and wonderful sounding Breedlove Quartz 00. Sitka Spruce top and flamey Maple back & sides combining to produce that tone that players dream of. Finished in a rich matte sunburst. With hard case. $850 Stock#UMB30024 photo
ca. 1920s Ditson A Style: (exc-) In the early part of the 20th Century, Oliver Ditson and Company, a fairly large sheet music concern in Boston, Mass. decided to go into the musical instrument business. Not having the facilities, nor the manpower to start up a factory to produce instruments, they contracted with C.F. Martin, Regal, Bay State and other manufacturers to make instruments under the Ditson brand. This one is a sweet sounding flat back A style of Spruce and Rosewood with the Ditson label pasted over a Sammo Mfg. label. The sound is sweet and pure and should please any passing Celtophile or folksinger. Very nice indeed. With chipboard case $700 Stock#UMB26747 photo
ca. 1960s Harmony Monterey: (VG+) For those who know of this ruggedly built 40 year old 'student' mandolin, they will be pleased to find it here in very nice condition, and every bit as playable as when it was new. The reddish 2 tone sunburst is still very evident as is the silk screened logo on the peghead. Step back in time and enjoy the best of the past. With chipboard case $200 Stock #UMB26476*
Used Jackson F Deluxe: (exc-) Mandolins are becoming the violins of the new millenium. By that we maen that just like viloins in the 15th Century, there are a great number of makers, most unheard of, who operate out of their small home workshops producing superior instruments made from hand select wooda and using the "one-man, one instrument" approach to the craft. One of the best examples we have discovered is here in the Jackson F Deluxe. If you can stop staring at the beautiful fern inlay on the peghead, you can play it and discover the wonderful tones it produces. A real hand carved treasure. With hard case. $2500 Stock#UMB29183 photo
1931 National Triolian: (VG) We are certain that Mr. Frank Vento loved his National Triolian mandolin. He was so proud of it in fact, that he painted his name on the back of the headstock and part of the neck. Also on the case. This is the ultimate signature model. Hand painted! Even if you are not the famed Mr. Vento, you can enjoy the sound of this instrument. Even if you're more than a mile away! The National all-metal body mandolin can be heard for miles in all directions. Definitely not for those who like to practice late at night and live in a quiet apartment. New cone and tailpiece With chipboard case. REDUCED! $1200. Stock# UMB16397. photo
New! Rover RM-75: How do they do it? This is an all solid wood F style mando with an adjustable bridge, rosewood fingerboard, and an attractive gloss sunburst finish. All this plus good sound and playability and a Featherlite case. BuffaloBros. price $499 Stock# NMB28810*photo
New! Rover RM-75: With Featherlite case. BuffaloBros. price $499 Stock# NMB29680
ca. 1940s Strad-O-Lin A-Style: (VG) One thing is for certain. NOBODY knows for sure where Strad-O-Lin instruments were manufactured. Some say New York, starting in the 1920s. Others believe they were made by Kay in the late '30s & '40s. Still others (including us), think they were made by United of New Jersey. Strad-O-Lin was just a marketing brand name and instrument making was contracted with various makers in cluding in the '60s a Japanese firm. In our many years of dealing in vintage acoustic instruments, we have often admired the Strad-O-Lins, even to the point of owning a few personally. But the facts about this one are as follows: it was definitely an early war era instrument, it has various "Kay looking" features, and sounds great. The Spruce top is in the original natural finish, and the entire instrument appears to be original. Want to own a unique piece of Americana? How about a Strad-O-Lin? With chipboard case $350 Stock#UMB28956 photo
Just In! 2003 Weber Sage #1 Octave Mandolin Everything you need to be a hit at the next Irish session. A maple back and rim, spuce top, mahogany neck and a 23 1/2” scale give this octave mando a loud balenced tone that blends nicely with fiddles and mandolins. With hard case $1000. Stock# UMB16498 photo
Please note: All instruments that have stock numbers followed by an asterisk (*) are in stock at our San Diego store. Please call Tom @ (619) 280-9035 for further information.
Looking for something special? We can't possibly list all we have so please ask!