Topic: Lyon-Washburn Mandolin
A few years ago I purchased an old bowl-back mandolin from an antique dealer for $75.00, had it "restored" (new nut, restrung and professionally cleaned). Total cost for a playable mandolin was about $140.00. The luthier who did the restoration informed me that it was a 1903 Lyon-Washburn, and he was drooling a little.
Any ideas as to its value? Not that I'd sell it, mind. I've learned to make music on it, and it plays well, holds its tuning and has a remarkable "ring", unlike a few old bowlbacks I've played since. It has none of that muddy resonance typical (I think) of bowlbacks.
Having a blast with it, though, when several guitar friends show up for my pub nights, I pick up the mando to open a whole new sound dimension to our little jams.
Anyway, I am curious to know if I've made a good purchase. Anyone know the value?
Hank repleis, after a short pause: "Well, what else is there?"