Electric Mandolin Dreaming

posted by Jason Verlinde

I’ve seen a lot of amazing musical instruments, both in-person and through the pages of the FJ. Pre-war ‘bones, ’59 Bursts, Blackguard Teles, Selmer gypsy jazz guitars, you name it. But for some reason, the instrument I keep daydreaming about owning one day is an electric mandolin. In our Fall issue, Sam Bush shows off the two he owns: a ’56 Fender and a newer Custom Shop model made just for him. In that same issue, Deke Dickerson also pens the definitive story of luthier Jim Harvey and his creations—some of which were very Bigsby-esque electric mandolins. And I keep noticing them elsewhere, too. I’ve seen cheap imported electric mandolins all the way up to an amazing Joe Yanuziello model that was showcased at the Montreal Guitar Show. Like that vintage Tootsie Roll commercial, I’m seeing electric mandolins everywhere! The funny thing is: I’m no Tiny Moore. I have yet to hit the limits of my beloved, beat-up Stradolin. I’m not even sure what I’d do with an electric mandolin! But, mark my words, one day I’ll get one. Like so many fish tales, the thrill may very well be in the chase on this quest. Should it become a wall hanger, at least it won't take up too much room.