Lyon & Healy Style A Carved Top Mandolin , c. 1919

Lyon & Healy Style A Model Carved Top Mandolin, c. 1919, made in Chicago, natural top, dark stained back and sides finish, flame maple back and sides, spruce top; laminated mahogany neck with ebony fongerboard, original black hard shell case.

These elaborate and beautifully made mandolins were the only really serious competition Gibson ever faced in the high-end carved top 8-string market. Lyon & Healy launched this line in a blaze of publicity in the late 1910's and they were built (both under that brand and subesequantly "Washburn") well into the depression years. Using the finest materials and a thoroughly original design Lyon & Healy created a timeless classic in the Style A. The violin scrool headstock is immediately distinctive, but the 2-point body, shaped pickguard and engraved tailpiece cover are all signature features.

The sound of these instruments is more delicate and lighter than most Gibsons, with a nicely rounded top end and less "bark". They have been considered since the 1920's to be the best instruments for classical mandolin playing, but have not been much known or used by old-time or country musicians. We are always impressed by both the sound and craftsmanship of the Lyon & Healy mandolins, and Style A-the top of the line model -is an extremely fine instrument worthy of any player's or collector's attention.
 
Overall length is 25 in. (63.5 cm.), 10 in. (25.4 cm.) width, and 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 13 3/4 in. (349 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.). A truly spectacular example of Lyon & Healey's top-of-the-line mandolin. Appears all original-some light finish wear most noticeably some scratching on the bass side. There is a small stress crack on the rim by the internal heelblock joint, solidly repaired but visible. There is also a very small V-shaped stress crack on the back of the neck, off the center laminate on the bass side behind the nut area, cleanly sealed. Apart from these small repairs, this is overall extremely clean for an instrument of this vintage. Set up classical style with flatwound strings; very fine sound. Includes an excellent OHSC. Excellent + Condition.

Item # 5266
 
This item has been sold.


 
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