Antique Musical Instruments/Early 1900's mandolin

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Expert: Jim Garber - 9/6/2009


Question
I have an mandolin that the label inside says carl fisher 4th ave cooper square n.y. It is in nice condition. I am looking to sell it. I only need a ball park figure for a price. Can you help me? Thank you

Answer
Carl Fischer was a music dealer/store in New York and is still in business tho I don't believe that they sell instruments any more and most publish music. http://www.carlfischer.com

It is very difficult to tell the worth of your mandolin much of it depends on condition. You don't even say what type of mandolin it is -- bowlback or flatback.

Generally the Carl Fischer mandolins I have seen are middle to budget grades, so unless it is an esp fancy one, I would say value is maybe $75-250. The problem is usually that there may be work that needs to be done to make it playable and very often it is not worth it to have the worth done professionally on an instrument that is not worth all that much.

best
Jim

Antique Musical Instruments

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Jim Garber

Expertise

PLEASE NOTE: I will not be able to answer any questions about antique keyboards, accordions, concertinas, woodwinds, brass and percussion.

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.

I have decided to no longer evaluate instruments -- it is very difficult without the instrument in hand. For guitars and some other American fretted instruments, I recommend the Vintage Guitar Price guide. Also, be aware that most insurance companies want written appraisals so my valuation would not work anyway.

ALSO PLEASE NOTE: it is near-impossible to accurately appraise a violin or bow remotely. If you truly want to find out what you have, you will likely need to take it to a reputable local dealer. Many of these folks will at least give you a verbal assessment of what you have after an inspection in hand and, if it is indeed worth something, can write you up a formal appraisal, usually for a fee.

If you have any questions about zithers please check the following sites:
http://www.fretlesszithers.com/ or
http://www.fretlesszithers.net/
Between the two of them, they have it all covered for any zither-like instrument.

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,

Education/Credentials
BA, Brandeis University

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