1920s Gretsch "Clarophone" Banjo Mandolin. Banjolin. Birds Eye Maple Closed Back

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Travel back in time with this vintage banjo mandolin. Made by Gretsch sometime in the (late, I think) 1920s, it's a Clarophone banjo mandolin. It in good condition (with the original hide head, I think, in good condition). It's all original and complete, except for the missing tailpiece cover (of course). 16 hooks. 10" pot. Interestingly (to me), it's closed back. Like a resonator, except the resonator does not come off. And the back is made from a foxy looking birds eye maple. 'Cause of the closed back, it's a bit louder than the typical banjo mandolin. The neck is good and appropriately straight. Action is good. At 12th fret, action is about 3/32". Good tight tuners with good intact tuner buttons. No case. Cosmetically, in general, though there is some wear, it's in quite good condition. The ridge between the two slots on the bridge for the two D-strings. I haven't had a problem with it, but if you play quite aggressively the D strings may move in the widened slot. Please see close up photo. (It's such a cool old bridge that I didn't want to replace it. The next owner may want to replace it, remedy it, or just leave it be (like me)). For USA orders, shipping is free. For shipping, it will be well wrapped with plenty of new ½" bubble wrap and shipped in a new 45" by 18" by 6" cardboard guitar box. Questions? Please check out my read more

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