Hi! I sold this thing in 1998... but, being the Webmaster myself, I left it up just because I like the page. See my web business at dawesbiz.net.
 

Banjo Mandolin

Listen to 50 second solo -- 89K Real Audio file

This banjo mandolin was made in Turkey! I picked it up at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul six years ago. The face and tension rings are cast aluminum, joined to a back of spun aluminum. The neck is attached by a large screw mechanism that also adjusts the angle of neck tilt, allowing custom action set up in minutes. Just loosen the strings and adjust the screw, retune, and that's it. The head is vellum. Tension is adjusted with seven screws. The upper tension ring design is similar to a dumbek head; the head tensions very evenly with a minimum of lugs.

The aluminum body has a closed back. There are some air vent holes near the rim under the head and tension ring, but the overall effect is to add a wonderful resonance, almost as if a little reverb was added from somewhere. Depending on your playing style this could be just a little extra tone, or a much more driving, almost electric timbre. Listen to a 15 second solo here.

This special tonal color also helps this mandolin stand out in a big session. The sharper tone cuts through and is thus perfect for those that like to hear themselves when they play. Of course, to bring out this full sound you have to be able to pick fairly strongly. Even so, a light picker would still be heard more easily on this banjo mandolin.

Another feature is durability. It is very hard to break, a perfect travel instrument - sturdy, small, light, and loud. 

The instrument is in almost new condition... there are a few small dinks in the spun-aluminum back. The original strings are in place; I used it with nylon strings, tuned like a baritone ukulele. Also, note that the dots marking the fret board are not inlays, but are simply painted on.

The winner of the auction will pay packing and shipping cost of $8. I will accept personal checks, please allow a few days for the check to clear. Outside the US, a money order or cashier's check may be necessary, and shipping costs higher.