Altman M-F5
2004 Altman M-F5 Custom-built Mandolin

Primo! This is #5 - an unbelievable instrument. Bob makes these amazing mandolins completely with his own two hands from start to finish. They are loud but sweet and have a tone that some say even surpasses the great vintage Lloyd Loars and Gilchrists. Bob uses a hand rubbed varnish finish that lets the top breathe and really project. They sound old and seasoned even brand new. #5 is almost three years old and sounds very seasoned.

Specs for #5: red spruce soundboard; hand-tuned top and back for maximum power and balance; curly maple back, sides, and neck; ebony headstock veneer; ebony bridge and flat fingerboard with ivoroid binding; fingerboard extension over body, scooped out for pick clearance, includes faux frets; back of headstock - burl walnut; ivoroid black ivoroid binding on front, back, and around peghead; fossilized ivory nut; engraved silver Bill James tailpiece; ebony end pin with MOP dot; tobacco-brown sunburst and shading on front and back; hand-rubbed gloss varnish finish, silver Waverly tuners with genuine pearl buttons; includes full size celluloid tortoise bound, Gibson-style pickguard, not installed; comes with Calton case.

A new Altman mandolin goes for $9,950 and has a 12-month waiting period. Today's low price - Contact me for price.