This instrument is not supposed to exist.
In all my research about Mandobasses the only mention of a mandobass crafted by Lyon & Healy was the sub-brand Leland, which looked nothing like the typical Lyon & Healy/Washburn Style-A models of the late teens and twenties.
When I saw this beauty come up for sale, I was immediately skeptical. There was NO MENTION AT ALL, anywhere of one of these. The only definitive call to Lyon & Healy is a stamp on the tailpiece. So after some research and some consultation with Lyon & Healy mandolin owners to compare the general appointments of the bass, I went to see it in person.
Everything about it screams, Lyon & Healy. The shape. The headstock scroll. The detailing. The tone is very mandocello, but, obviously, deeper. The flamed maple sides and back.
It is about as deep as a Gibson, but noticeably smaller in height, but interestingly with a longer fingerboard. Top is carved spruce joined at the center, and the back is a single piece of carved maple (just think of how big that tree was). Overall it is in amazing condition. The tuners work well, the frets are in great shape (since it probably wasn’t played all that much). There are several cracks on the top repaired, seemingly, with hide glue. They’ll be reinforced soon. There is also a small crack top near where the neck joins the body.
After speaking at length with Tom Crandall I learned that the instrument was found some time in the 1970s in a violin store in western Massachusetts. The previous owner had no knowledge of its provenance beyond that. Either it was made as one-off for someone who wanted one, or, more likely, it was made for a trade show/exposition to gauge public interest (apparently, none).
After a very friendly negotiation, it was safely packed in my car and headed home.
Pretty sure that this one needs to be called ‘Moby’.
Everything is for sale, theoretically, but you’ll need to really knock my socks off to get this one. 🙂
