c.1943 Strad-O-Lin

ARCHIVED • SOLD

c.1943 Strad-O-Lin

No Serial # or date stamp. Strad-O-Lin mandolins have always been fairly enigmatic to us vintage instrument folks. Very little information on this company is easily findable through internet searches or in the published reference books commonly available, and few of us have ever seen more than a handful of these instruments through the years. Some think Strad-O-lins were built in New York, others think they were a Kay product made in Chicago, yet some point at United in New Jersey. Fact of the matter is that your guess is about as good as ours, and we're Ok to admit it. The Strad-O-Lin mystery has led to the development of a cult-like appreciation for these instruments, though, so we're hopeful that someone amongst us will fill in some of the blanks for us.

This particular Strad-O-Lin was likely built in around 1943, as suggested by the style of its Kluson tuning machines. The instrument is in remarkably fine condition, and plays particularly well. Apart from a new replacement bridge that was installed in our shop, the mandolin is completely original. It's a great looking thing, and it works perfectly.

Laminate arch back and sides, A-style body, segmented f-holes, Bell Brand tailpiece, silkscreened logo, and a very cool not-sure-what-to-call-it pickguard. 1-5/32" nut, 13-5/8" scale length. It's a pretty sounding instrument; not particularly loud or cutting, but rather, warm and inviting. playability is really quite perfect, and it plays in tune. Frets are unworn and level, action is low.

With original chipboard case
c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin
  • c.1943 Strad-O-Lin

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