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 powder coated 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, and is 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: 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
ca. 1910 Howe-Orme Style 3 Mandolinetto : This is a sweet and rare treasure from the past. The instrument was first patented as a "guitar strung in pairs", later advertised in the company's brochure as a mandolin. But afficianados of all things vintage know them as a mandolinetto (sometimes mandolinetta). They are however unique in that they were perhaps the first departure from at bowl back mandolins of the era. Shaped like a ukulele, ladder braced and highly ornate, with a "cylinder" Spruce top and Brazilian Rosewood back & sides, this example is particularly unique in that it comes in its own little black coffin case. $1000 Stock#UMB31390 photo
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 MF: For those seeking a Florentine style mandolin and thinking that they need to find a pre-war museum piece that costs zillions of dollars, let us relate the story of two recent visitors to our mandolin department. One had in his case one of the hallowed pre-war Florentines that you so often hear about. His friend was looking to get something that sounded almost as good, but didn't have a king's ransom to spend. As they went down the line of various instruments, the owner of the treasured mandolin had the smug look of someone who knows that what they have is superior to all others. When they came to the first of several Collings mandolins, the blood quickly drained from the look of superiority. The Colllings was certainly louder than his mandolin. The Collings had better chop. And as for that all important quality: tone, the hands down winner again, was a Collings MF. They left, one, the proud new owner of a Collings mandolin. The other, a somewhat crestfallen owner of a museum piece. Moral of the story: Collings makes 'em right. The design, the craftsmanship, the playability, the tone, all are superior in a Collings. This MF model has the added features of a high gloss finish top and ivoroid top binding. With hard case. BuffaloBros. price: $4275 Stock#NMB31088 photo
New! Collings MF-O: Over the years, the Collings folks have been besieged with requests to mak an oval hole mandolin. Dealers were greatly impressed at the annual show of new products to see this offering from Collings. Beautiful selection of Spruce for the top, and Maple for the back & sides, and exquisite appointments throughout. Then, you hear it, and the desire to own one of these treasures overwhelms you and you've gotta have one! With hard case. BuffaloBros. price: $4545 Stock#NMB31027 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
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
Used Collings MT2-O: (Exc) Collings' fantastic oval hole design in an A style body. Carved Spruce top, Maple bavck& sides and an overwhelming amount of pure tone. For those who love the older, early 20th Century A style mandolins, here is a modern version with a decidedly more playable neck. With hard case. BuffaloBros. price: $3000 Stock#UMB31032 photo
New! Eastman MD515 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 (msrp: $1250) BuffaloBros. price $999 Stock#NMB28952* 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
1921 Gibson A Jr. : These all Mahogany, truss rod-less A styles were intended by Gibson to be their entry level student model. And indeed they were in the early 20th Century. But in these days, the A Jr. proves to be a wonderful instrument, proudly taking its lace in the pantheon of fine mandolins. This particular example benefits from upgraded tuning machines and is otherwise original and perfect. With orig. hard case. $1150 Stock#UMB31353
1901 Gibson A: A real vintage treasure. From the label inside featuring Orville Gibson's countenance, to the decorative tailpiece, this is a real desirable early Gibson mandolin. We received it from the great grandson of the original owner who purchased it new in 1901 (according to the family) so he could join the Cleveland Mandolin Orchestra. The carved Spruce face shows evidence of past repairs, but the tone is certainly still there. A real prize just waiting for some lucky player or collector to appreciate it. With hard case. $1250 Stock#UMB31400 photo
1915 Gibson A: If you love that warm, funky tone that the early Gibsons have (and who doesn't), then this 1915 Gibson pear-shaped A should be just right for you. No modern manufacturer has figured out how to build aged tone, so here is your best bet to get the sound that everyone loves. With hard case. $1600 Stock#UMB31287
1928 Gibson A: A well cared for, post Loar era, black topped A model mandolin from Gibson that has the highly desirable truss rod in the neck and the killer tone that only comes from 80+ year old wood. The devotees of the eight stringed wonders will surely gather 'round in amazement at the pure tones emanating from this beautiful sounding black faced A style. With hard case. BuffaloBros. price $2750 Stock# UMB30156 photo
1918 Gibson A: One of the most difficult things to do is to figure out the age of an older Gibson mandolin. The serial numbers were written in pencil on the label which over the years usually faded into obscurity. We have squinted our eyes, taken the instrument under a bright light and determined that in all likelihood it was made in 1918. However, sharper and younger eyes than ours may prevail. One thing is certain, no other instrument on earth is the equal tonally of these revered oval hole, pumpkin topped treasures. With chipboard case. $1250 Stock#UMB30910 photo
1920 Gibson A-2 Sheraton Brown: Apparently, if you wanted a Gibson mandolin in 1920, it was available in Sheraton Brown. This is the third of these A-2 models we have had recently. They have that great, mellow sound with that woody Gibson tone. No wonder they sold so many. With hard case. $1650 Stock#UMB30729 photo
1919 Gibson A-3 white face: The A-3 is not often found these days, especially in the white faced version. If you are seeking the warm, rich tones of an early Gibson A model, but have a flair for something a little more rare, here is is. With original hard case. $1800 Stock#UMB20728 photo
ca. 1950’s Gibson A-50: 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
1920 Gibson F-4 Cherry Sunburst: 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. $5500 Stock#UMB23584 photo
1918 Gibson F-4 Cherry Sunburst: Another fine example of this Florentine style, oval soundhole Gibson. This one shows signs of use with several repaired top cracks and some pick wear on the top finish, but it also delivers that warm vintage tone you expect from instruments that have been regularly played instead of squirreled away in the back of the closet through the years. This mandolin is a great player - well balanced, with warm overtones, a crisp treble delivery, and quick, easy action. The F-4 is a welcome instrument in classical, ragtime, old timey, jazz or bluegrass ensemble. With original pick guard and original hard case. $5500 Stock#UMB28196
1905 Gibson F-3 This rare instrument with the "Orville" label is among the earliest F models. It has the 3 point body style, inlaid tuners, inlaid pickguard with pearl around edge, bound fretboard with some fancy detailed inlays, ebony and pearl top edge "rope" binding, oval soundhole with 2 rings of alternating black and bone "rope" encompassing a center ring of pearl, and "The Gibson" headstock. The back & sides of this treasure were carved from one solid piece of wood. (they did that in the old days). It has the "old timey" sound that is typical of the older three point body style. The tone is nicely balanced with a bit less of the overtones than you find in the later two point F-2s ands F-4s. Originally a black top with cherry back and sides, this example has been refinished on the back and sides making it an all black instrument. The top appears to have some newer finish sprayed over the original. It plays beautifullly and is in solid structural shape. With newer rectangular hard case. $6000 Stock#UMB30312 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 NMB30521, NMB31119, NMB31120, NMB31121, NMB31122, NMB31118*,
Used Kentucky KM-150: A very nicely maintained example of the quality available from Kentucky at an extremely reasonable price. With foam core hard case. $200 Stock#UMB30627*
Used Kentucky KM-150: Thanks again to our generous upgrade policy, a student who meticulously cared for this instrument now has a beautiful new Kentucky KM-505. And you can get in on the ground floor on your journey to mandolin heaven for an extremely reasonable entry level price. With case. $200 Stock#UMB30099*
New! Kentucky KM-150: We are always pleased to see a truck load of Kentucky 150s arrive at the loading dock. Rick and his crew hustle from the moment they arrive to get them to the showroom, because more than likely, the boys upstairs in the mandolin department are sold out. Where else can you find a solid wood, carved top mandolin at this price? BuffaloBros: $225 Stock#NMB31124
New! Kentucky KM-505: This is Kentucky's professional-quality A-model mandolin. Every feature of the KM-505 was specifically chosen to meet, not only the demands of the beginning player, but also the demanding requirements of working professionals. Fine solid spruce and solid flamed maples are hand-selected at this level to assure that every instrument looks as good as it sounds. $525 Stock#NMB31309*, NMB31308
New! Kentucky KM-630: This is the Kentucky Florentine model with the carved Spruce top and carved Maple back & sides that has the tone and chop that the Bluegrass players love at a price that everyone loves! $679 With Featherlite case. Stock#NMB30737 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*
Used Michael Kelly “Elegante”: This excellent quality F style mandolin is the top of the Michael Kelly 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
ca. 1920s Beltone: 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
New! Breedlove Quartz O-F: Here's a beautifully simple design: the A style mandolin with the f holes. A little more bark than the oval hole version. Presented here in a natural finishthat shows off the beautiful grain of the Maple back & sides. With hard case. $1099 Stock#NMB31536
Used The Bulldog Florentine: Barry Kratzer quietly builds his superb mandolins in his shop in Savannah, Georgia. This example which is #37, completed just a little shy of a year ago, is just starting to open up and should be a tone monster with just a little more playing. It is right now on the verge of living up to the expectations heralded by his other instruments. The Bulldog mandolins all have a single feature in common: i.e. they have a very 'musical' quality to their tone. The notes just seem to roll forth enveloped in the sweetest envelope of overtones of any mandolin we have heard both in the recent or past history. The fit and finish is beautiful too, from the flowerpot which decorates the pegead to the tailpiece, a very fine instrument. With hard case. $1850 Stock#UMB31361
ca. 1939 Epiphone Rivoli: In all the furor over the Gibson Florentine models with their rapidly escalating prices, some truly great instruments often get lost in the shuffle. Witness the Epiphone Rivoli, a fine sounding mandolin with plenty of tone for not only Bluegrass pickers, but also for the Ragtime enthusiast. Crisp and clear, and definitely well used, this one has a lot of notes to offer a waiting world. With chipboard case. $900 Stock#UMB30911 photo
Used Givens A3: The name R.L. (Bob) Givens is legendary among those who know high quality mandolins. Those instruments are highly desirable not only from a players, but also collector's standpoint. All hand carved, using hand select Sitka Spruce tops and Northern Maple, the tone is simply amazing, with complex subtleties that set it apart from the majority of instruments produced over the last century. The attack is excellent with a depth of tone that fills the area with melodic and lyric tonal beauty while being able to be clearly understood even at remarkable distances. With hard case. $2450 Stock#UMB31153*
ca. 1960s Harmony Monterey: 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 Ibanez MF22S: Here's a budget priced, very nice playing Florentine style import mandolin that's perfect for the student or for a player who doesn't want to take their vintage instrument to a festival and run the risk damage or theft. There is a goodly amount of tone to be had with this unassuming F style. With gig bag. $250 Stock#UMB31261*
New! Larrivee A-33: Jean Larrivee has been involved in a lifelong pursuit for perfection. His mandolins, which he started building a few years back, have now evolved to a point where they are serious contenders for the favorite sounding instrument for the 8 string cognoscenti. Big sounding, with plenty of the old bark and bite that the Bluegrassers desire, yet sweet enough to please the classical player too. Meticulously crafted from Master Grade Flamed Maple for the neck and back & sides , and Master Grade Sitka Spruce for the top, this is one to consider for your next 'really, really good' mandolin. With hard case. (msrp: $2270) Stock#NMB30921 photo
New! Loar F600: The name Lloyd Loar is synonymous with superb mandolin building. As an acoustic engineer employed by Gibson in the 1920s, the instruments with his signature now command prices approaching a quarter of a million dollars. Today, many luthiers have tried to emulate the Loar tone with varying degrees of success. This version is perhaps the best value in a Loar style instrument. Created by the legendary Greg Rich, and made overseas, the same carved Spruce top and carved Maple back & sides of the original Loar instruments are evident here, at a far more affordable price. With hard case. $999 Stock#NMB30851*
1919 Martin Style B: Martin developed its earliest 20th century mandolin designs from the days of the tater-bug or bowl back designs. So when they started making the flat backed models, certain filigree work, such as the cutout peghead remained. This adds a unique and attractive design to this beautiful creation. For some, the beauty lies in the Brazilian Rosewood back & sides, but for most of us, it is the pure, sweet tone that's perfect for Celtic, classical, or old-timey styles. With original hard case. $1500 Stock#UMB31050 photo
1919 Martin Style C: From the same collection as the 1919 Style B Martin , comes this Style C. The style C was inded quiea a bit fancier than its less expensive brother. The style C features inset engraved tuning machines, superb Brazilian Rosewood back & sides, and multi-colored marquetry around the top border. With original hard case. $3000 Stock#UMB31109
Used Ramsey F-5: Very nicely made Florentine style mandolin made by John Ramsey of Colorado Springs, Co.. The neck is made with some of the prettiest curly maple we’ve seen that is rivaled only by the gorgeous one piece, curly maple back. The headstock is inlayed with a traditional fern pattern and the whole instrument is finished in an attractive tobacco sunburst finish. This is a great player with a loud, round, woody tone. With hard case $3000. Stock# UMC16147
New! Red Line Traveler 1: Steve Smith of Cumberland Acoustics is dedicated to producing the most sound for the least money. Just like his resonator guitars, the Traveler series of mandolins sound really great, are easy to play, and don't cost a fortune. Based on the early 20th century Gibson Army-Navy models, this version has a Spruce top and Mahogany back & sides. The tone is sweet and fits easily into the Bluegrass or Celtic ensemble. $599 Stock#NMB30731*
New! Rover RM-25: A terrific value in a student grade instrument. The most important feature for an entry level mandolin to have is playability with good, low action. This Spruce top Rover has incredible action at an even more incredible price. $99 Stock#NMB31191, NMB31193*
New! Rover RM-25S: Here's the fantastically priced Rover student model mandolin. Upgraded with a solid Spruce top. Same great playability and even better tone! $119 Stock#NMB31195, NMB31196, NMB31197
Used Rover RM-75: Huey Lewis said, "sometimes, bad is bad." But we say, "sometmes cheap is good". This budget priced Florentine style mandolin has a Spruce top and Maple back & sides, plays real easily, and has that hand carved tone. You'll look a long time to find its tonal equal. Especially for the price. With gig bag. $400 Stock#UMB31029*
New! Rover RM-75: This is a terrific mandolin for either a player who wants to step up to their first good mandolin, or for an experienced player who hesitates to take their $10,000 instrument to a jam. Carved Spruce top and nicely figured Maple back & sides in the classic Florentine style. With gig bag. $575 Stock#NMB30909
ca. 1940s Strad-O-Lin A-Style: 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 including 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 play a unique piece of Americana? How about a Strad-O-Lin? With chipboard case $350 Stock#UMB28956 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!