ANTIQUE 1930s BLUE COMET ARCH TOP RESONATOR MANDOLIN

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Offered here is a fine, clean example of a totally original condition BLUE COMET mandolin which looks to be from the 1930s to the 1940s, and possibly manufactured by the Regal Musical Instrument Company (1908-1954) of Chicago, Illinois, or Paramount, and was apparently sold by the Montgomery Ward catalog.

DETAILS: This acoustic arch (arched) top and back "resonator" type mandolin guitar features a mahogany top and back with oval sound hole, 16 small holes (with metal grommets) around the edge of top, cream painted "purfling" around the top edge of the instrument, an original green pearloid pick guard, and a silk screened "BLUE COMET" original logo on the head stock. The body sides, neck and head stock look to be maple with a mahogany toned finish. The fingerboard looks to be a solid slab board constructed of rosewood, but of this we are uncertain. The tuning pegs are 4 on a side inline with original black buttons and are original. The nut is constructed of wood.

MEASUREMENTS: The instrument measures approximately 25 5/8" long, 9 3/4" wide at the lower bout, 7" upper bout width at the sound hole and 2 3/16" deep. The neck from the nut to the body measures 9 3/8" long, 1 1/4" wide at the 1st fret, 1 9/16" wide at the 10th fret, 1 3/4" wide at the 18th fret 15/16 deep at the 1st fret, and 1 1/8" at the 8th fret. The nut measures 1 3/16" long by 1/8" wide by 1/4" deep.

String height is 1/16" at the first fret and a bit less than 1/8" at the 10th fret. The neck features 18 frets and the frets exhibit light wear. There is some minor discoloration along the treble side of the fingerboard from the 2nd to the 10th fret. The head stock measures 6 9/16" long, 2 7/16" wide at the top, 1 1/4" wide at nut, and 5/8" deep.

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION: The neck features mother of pearl dot markers at the 5th, 7th and 10th frets. The bridge is some type of hardwood, perhaps poplar. Unfortunately there is no case present with this instrument.

THE INSTRUMENT WEIGHS APPROXIMATELY 1 LB., 12 OZ. The shipping weight is approximately 8 lbs.

FUNCTION, CONDITION & PLAYABILITY: This instrument was recently inspected and set up by DiPinto Guitar and Luthiers of Philadelphia, PA. The instrument was re strung with brand new mandolin strings, the bridge and string action was lowered, the nut was repaired and the nut slots were cut, some of the fret edges were filed and dressed, one loose tuner was repaired and some wood on the body which was loose was stabilized. So, this baby is totally ready to be played immediately! There are obviously some wear marks on the instrument, as it is 70 plus years old. There looks to be what looks like a crack on the back on the rear bass bout, but upon close scrutiny, it is not a crack, as it does not go through to the front of the sound board. The metal tail piece shows some light oxidation, and can be cleaned up. Absolutely nothing has been done to the finish, so there are some light signs of usage and surface dirt. The metal grommets are very clean without rust or abrasion, and the original pick guard is in excellent condition, without marks, chips or cracks. All of the joints are tight and without damage. The top bass side tuner is slightly bent but still functions as it should. All of the tuning pegs work easily, although one may wish to have the gears lubricated. There also exists some oxidation and corrosion on the back plate of each side of the tuning pegs. This could also be cleaned up fairly easily. Overall, this mandolin is in very good to excellent condition, in our opinion.

This is a 2nd owner instrument and came to us from a local estate, as do most of our items. The sound of the instrument is nice and full, but the "resonator" holes do not truly add much to the overall depth of sound in our opinion. Although it is considered to be a "resonator" type of acoustic mandolin, it actually is not, in our opinion. You can be the ultimate judge. This instrument is immediately playable & will give a special someone many years of infinite enjoyment, either as a daily playable instrument, for recording or for performing.

And it is time to move it along to another special person, as this is a very special instrument. It is for a collector, a player, a professional, etc. Obviously, this is being sold as is, where is, with no implied warranties or guarantees of any kind whatsoever. Here is your opportunity to purchase a wonderful, semi antique quality instrument.

Shipping insurance is included.

QUESTIONS? CONTACT US 856-854-6346

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