​$2599.00

​Joseph Bohmann 1890's Bowl Back Mandolin

A once in a lifetime opportunity to own a one of a kind masterpiece. Hand made by legendary Luthier Joseph Bohmann. Known for his flashy and eccentric builds, this mandolin is no exception. Additionally, this mandolin comes with history and provenance. Inside the mandolin is a name label "Geo L. Beach". Professor Geo L. Beach was a prominent teacher of music, musician and director of his own mandolin orchestra, quartet and more throughout the late 1800s until his passing in 1926. 

This mandolin is in incredible condition. A true testament to the craftsmanship and adherence to standards Luthiers like Bohmann held themselves to. The mandolin's bowl is comprised of fourty eight individual Brazilian rosewood staves, masterfully fit and still completely structurally sound today. The inlay and adornment on this mandolin is nothing short of stunning. Genuine Mother of Pearl, green and purple abalone is inlayed across the surface of the neck fretboard and headstock. Descriptions do little that pictures cannot for this mandolin. 

This mandolin is one hundred and thirty three years old and still plays and functions as it was intended to. It has past the test of a lifetime and is ready to begin another. The neck set is solid, neck is straight and the mandolin plays clean across the fretboard. There has been some repair to the top and rim due to some humidity cracks, which are now rock solid, stable and will not reopen. One string end pin, the nut and a couple small pieces of inlay have been replaced (pictures 6, 11, 15 & 19) all other parts and components are original. The mandolin has just been professionally setup, lightly cleaned and restrung with extra light strings. The original nut has been replaced with a professionally hand made Mother of Pearl nut. The original nut and two additional bridges for quick action height changes, hand made by Joseph Bohmann in 1891 are also included. The original tuners function and hold pitch, but have some play and tight spots as you would expect after 133 years. Overall the tuners function very well for there age and have the original Mother of Pearl buttons!

This mandolin has a beautiful voice, deep booming lows and crisp highs. The tone of centuries old Brazilian rosewood combined with a hundred years or more playing time is simply irreplaceable. 

Please view all the pictures carefully for a full aesthetic description. 

The mandolin comes with a very nice hand made hard wood case it is well made and in great condition.