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I was sold this as a B and J Serenader mandolin, although I can find no identifying marks anywhere on the instrument. B and J was a distributor who bought instruments from multiple supplies over the years including Oscar Schmidt and Regal among others, then sold them under their name. It appears to be a laminated birch mandolin with a rosewood fingerboard, original tuners, nut and bridge with checkerboard binding. It is fully restored and set up. I and "guestimating" it is a 1950-60s era instruments based on style, condition and finish.

 

The last two pics show its original condition. The back was coming off, and the body was quite out of shape. Looking inside, all the braces were solid. All the original parts were there except for the pick guard which had been removed before I got it. I slowly re-shaped the body and re-glued the sides and back. Once the body was together, I removed the neck. It is poplar and was quite a mess! Over the years the dove tail wings had broken off inside the joint and it needed to have the "wings" rebuilt. Once the dove tail was re-built, I re-set the neck to the correct angle, polished the frets and fretboard and lightly buffed out the body. 

 

Once re-assembled, I did some minor finish touch up, buffed out the tailpiece, and re-assembled the instrument. It came together quite nicely and plays very well and in tune with no buzzes anywhere up the neck. Being a birch instrument and it is loud, clear and bright! 

 

If you are looking for a good vintage instrument at a working man's price, check this out. It would be a great choice for any old time music, particularly with its unique color!

 

No case but will be carefully packed and fully insured.

B and J Serenader Mandolin 1950s - Green Sunburst, Fully restored and set up

$375.00Price
Quantity

    Chris Vallillo

    GIN RIDGE MUSIC

    309-224-8210.   |   ginridge@gmail.com  |  PO Box 144, Macomb, IL 61455

    ©2023 by Chris Vallillo. 

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