Though C.F. Martin & Co are known today as the worlds foremost manufacturer of acoustic guitars, they were surprisingly well known in the early 20th Century as a mandolin manufacturer as well, making a series of short scale, oval hole, mahogany and spruce mandolins that sound more like little guitars than mandolins.

The Style B was made essentially to the same specs as the D-18 from the day: Sitka (probably, ‘53 was the changeover era) spruce top, gorgeous mahogany back and sides, rosewood peghead overlay and fretboard. The original tuners are a little sticky, but are totally functional.

This mandolin has a 1 3/16 nut, a 13 ⅛ inch short scale, and a clamshell tailpiece. The top has been drilled (probably in the 50’s) for electronics. It’s since been filled. Fair amount of wear. Probably has a replacement nut.

Comes with the original chipboard case.