I can answer most questions on fretted instruments, my main area of expertise is in vintage mandolins, guitars and ukuleles. I also know some things about old banjos as well.
Many questioners ask about the market value of their instrument without much information. Please give me as much information as possible including the condition of the instrument. It also truly helps if you can includes a clear photo of your instrument. I think the site will only allow for one photo, but you can email me additional ones to jimg@paperclipdesign.com. I will try to evaluate but sometimes it is very difficult without the instrument in hand
PLEASE NOTE: I will not be able to answer any questions about antique keyboards, woodwinds, brass and percussion.
Experience I have been buying, selling, collecting and playing old and antique instruments for over 30 years. My recent specialty has been in European mandolins and classical and Italian mandolin music.
Organizations Classical Mandolin Society of America, active participant on the Mandolin Cafe
Publications Guild of American Luthiers, Sing Out Magazine,
Expert: Jim Garber Date: 7/14/2008 Subject: c. bruno mandolin
Question i have a baroque style c. bruno mandolin from the early 1900's.
it is numbered 0 1/2. while still playable it is worn, with a slight
crack in the bowl, and one of the frets is chipped.
would you have any idea what it would be worth?
Answer Hi Tim:
Bruno's were decent factory-made instruments. I assume when you say "baroque style" you mean bowlback? I don't have any info on the styles of Bruno's but most likely it was a budget model. In any case, unless it was in excellent structural condition or a very ornate, high-end model it would not be worth all that much.
Many of these old bowlbacks were not taken care of and were subject to dryness and/or too heavy strings which is why so many of them have cracks on either the top or the bowl or both.
Hard to tell you a value on this but these old bowlbacks, with few exceptions of the better-made ones) are not worth all that much on the market.
On the other hand, if it is still playable, thgen string it up with some ultra light gauge strings -- GHS makes a set called the A240s that are meant for these instruments and there are more expensive imported strings also available from Dogal and Fisoma -- and enjoy it.
