Meet “Mando” Calrissian (or the Landobass). A sexy, smooth operator from the 30s that takes the brute force of the the old Gibsons and gives it a more elegant edge with the arched top and the f-holes.
The Kalamazoo line was one of the “discount” lines made by Gibson through the 30s. Apart from the top, it is largely indistinguishable from the Gibson J.
Calrissian comes to the Home from the Harrisburg Mandolin Ensemble in amazing shape. The top has that gorgeous spiderwebbing of the finish, the seams are tight and there are several expertly repaired cracks that are completely un-noticeable.
The KJ has both (replacement) end-pins. Both pins are cello pins so the extension is not quite what it could be to play it standing up. Sitting down, the side-pin works just fine to play guitar style.
There is a curious (and somewhat massive) X-brace inside that attaches to the sides and doubles as a guide for the side-pin win retracted.
One of the tuners had snapped off and the Home engaged a welder to mend it. Frets were dressed and a setup done to decrease buzzing. And last the end-pin can rattle if not fully extended if you thump the low notes (which of course you would be inclined to do). A brace was reglued recently.
Has a double-bass bag for transport.
$6500
