Vintage Flat-back Mandolin

Suzuki

(Suzuki Violin Co.Ltd.) Nagoya, Japan

 

A flat backed version of Suzuki mandolin is quite rare as most Japanese brand mandolins available on the market are bowl-backed. The model as per label is No.605 and dated 1972, there's also a stamp on neck heel 720807. Suzuki with flat back isn't the only unusual thing about it, it is also the only instrument I've seen that has rosette made of real wood (rosettes in this style are usually just a label not a wood inlay).

The instrument was mostly intact and only following work was done – a knock damage to soundboard repaired, soundboard finish removed and replaced with Tru oil, Fretboard reconditioned, Frets levelled and crowned, tuners lightly cleaned and lubed- work very well, new rosewood bridge.

Mandolin has been converted to suit Nylgut type of strings but standard strings can be fitted as normal if preferred. It is fitted with new set of strings – Aquila Red Series M1

(G string shows a little wear as the mandolin was being played)

 

Instruments measurements are as follows:

- total length 62cm

- body width 22.2cm

- from nut to 12th fret 167mm (total scale length 334mm)

• Neck width at nut is 27mm, at 10th fret 36.5mm