Mandolins at Forsyth Brothers Ltd, Manchester, UK

Mandolins
Here at Forsyths we stock a wide range of mandolins. From budget learner instruments to hand made British instruments. From Irish flatbacks to Neapolitan roundbacks from 'A' to 'F'. Starting from £75, we've got all your mandolin needs covered.

Eastman Mandolins - Sure, they're Chinese, but they're made from solid woods by individual Luthiers. They look amazing and sound better. I'm buying one next time I've got the money! All 600 series instruments and above come with a rectangular, fitted hard case, 500 series instruments currently include a shaped hard case. We always keep an excellent selection of Eastman mandolins in stock. You can have a look here
Miscellaneous Mandolins
Gibson A-1 c1940 If you’ve ever wondered why Gibson have such a good reputation for mandolin making then you really need to try this little fellow. No other major manufacturer has managed to capture that percussive yet melodious chime that old Gibsons do so well, and this little sweetheart has it in bucket loads. Generally the condition is very good: a couple of hairline cracks in the top, one of which is only in the laquor, but remarkably little crazing to the finish and a good healthy arch to the top. The celluloid scratch-plate has suffered some disintegration but has managed to cling onto the instrument, and is now tucked away safely in the mandolin’s original soft shell case. The case itself is usable but showing its age. £1095
Kalamazoo KM 11 c.1935 Kalamazoo’s are fairly thin on the ground over here, so we’re pleased to have found this one. Made in the Gibson factory using an A-1 mandolin mould but with a flat top and back, it’s basically an update on the Gibson Army & Navy model. We always rave about the sound of Gibsons of this era and, yes, we’ll say the same about this one. Beautiful condition, with a classic looking fire stripe pick guard and a deep, V profile neck. £499
International College of Music mandolin c1900s A nicely made, attractive mandolin made in Germany around the start of the century. College of Music mandolins are common enough sightings but most are bowl-back Italian instruments. This one follows the Portuguese pattern of classical mandolin, as well as predating the Celtic mandolin by several decades. The violin style purfling, ice-cream cone heel and half V neck join are all features most commonly found on Bavarian guitar making at the turn of the century. A sweet and delicate sound more suited to classical than bluegrass playing. £159
Maestro Bellini mandolin A classical mandolin made in Naples, we would guess from the 1910s. 22 Brazilian Rosewood staves make up the bowl, a Rosewood neck and fingerboard with what looks like Pearwood headstock. Fancy pearl inlays to the binding, rosette and in the tortoiseshell pick guard. Good quality inset machine heads which still work smoothly. There's a repaired table crack which won't cause any problems. The action is reasonable but there is a misalignment of the neck that the instrument has had since birth that is the main reason we've priced this one lower than usual. £150
Sicilmusica Banjo Mandolin Originally designed as a weapon of torture rather than a musical instrument, banjo mandolins thankfully disappeared from our shores many years since, and what we’re doing trying to reintroduce the things here I’ve no idea, but bear with us a minute... As a traditional mandolin they’re very loud and abrasive, but try a tremolo rhythm and they give incredible projection, cutting though the loudest of rhythm section. This one’s loud, chunkily made and full of character, and they’re a useful addition for the musician looking for unusual textures – or simply want to torture their neighbours. £120
1950's Framus Mandolin A cute and cuddly mandolin from one of Germany's most prolific guitar manufacturers. The back and sides are maple laminated onto mahogany; it's difficult to tell if the top is solid from the grain but it's very thin for a carved top, so we're guessing laminate. Judging by the size we reckon this fella had a couple of Gibson A-styles for breakfast, but that enormous sound chamber lends the instrument a fantastically jangly tone, perfect for strumming but with a nice clear picking tone. These Cat's Eye models are not common, and this one's immaculate without a scratch on it and even the original 50s hanging tags! A great looking and sounding mandolin, and we love it. SOLD
Fylde - As well known for their folk instruments as their guitars, hand made from solid wood these instruments look as beautiful as they sound. We are able to order any instrument from Fylde's massive range of folk instruments or we keep a small selection in stock:
Touchstone Mandolin £625
Moon
Moon Standard Mandolin £575
Buchanan Folk Mandolins
Flamed and Burled Walnut back and sides £599 OFFER PRICE £479	Quilted Mahogany back and sides £575 SOLD
Miscellaneous Mandolins
Stonebridge MFS 22 CM all solid Cedar and Mahogany, F-style mandolin, gloss finish £999 OFFER PRICE £899	Paris Swing all solid Spruce and Maple, F-style mandolin, gloss finish with F holes £499 OFFER PRICE £449
Hutchins Mando - prototype, currently the only sunburst Mando in the world! £249 inc. case.	EPIPHONE MANDOBIRD VIII £289 ONLY ONE LEFT!
EPIPHONE MANDOBIRD IV £169	Paris Swing all solid Spruce and Maple, F-style mandolin, gloss finish with D sound hole £499 SOLD

Call us for more information on 01618343281 x.606 or email instruments@forsyths.co.uk or better still visit the showroom and talk to any of our knowledgeable and friendly staff on the 2nd floor. We look forward to seeing you.

Gibson A-1 c1940