A super-rare custom built Mandocello by one of the most highly regarded Archtop Guitar builders on the planet. Early in his building career, Steven Andersen (not to be confused with Tom Anderson Guitars) built over 100 mandolins, mostly in Idaho before moving to Seattle. His F-5 style models are sought after gems and quite pricey. His top-of-the-line archtop guitars sell for five-figures and have a bit of a "wait" time for completion.
This is one of only a handful of Mandocello instruments he built and we are betting the others don’t have a magnificent Rose on the headstock. Thus we named her “Rosa”.
This exquisite master-built high-end instrument employs a hand-carved solid spruce top with beautiful grain structure, carved f-holes and a vintage Loar-like sunburst color. Highly-figured maple back, sides and neck. Multiple layered binding throughout and a F-5 Gibson-esque heel-to-body joint. "Andersen" logo inlaid in pearl in the peghead along with an intricate flower of mother of pearl inlay we assume is a ‘Rose’. We assume he used Gold Schaller tuners with a beautiful engraved pattern. Custom made tailpiece and incorporated pickup system (input jack is on butt end of tailpiece). Ebony fingerboard.
The scale length as we measure it is 24” (inches). The overall length is about 38 1/2”, 14 1/2” across the widest part of the top and 3 1/4” wide. Eight-strings. Label inside of body says Steven Andersen, Sandpoint, Idaho, Feb 25, 1985, #81. We assume this is the 81st instrument Steven made under his name as a builder.
The three decades since this was made has settled the wood nicely and produces huge 3 and 4 note chord sounds as well as a very crisp attack with well defined single/double notes. Excellent condition with some marks from use. Well maintained. Hard case included.
If you are a Mandocello player or collector, this special instrument created over 30 years ago by a true Master-Builder should capture your attention as it has captured ours. Can you imagine a Bach Cello Suite played on this one-of-a-kind Mandocello? Or maybe Cheap Trick is more your taste?
We love to trade. We will consider vintage, used or newer guitars, basses, amps, etc… and jewelry in trade. All offers considered.
