1979 Richard Massey “Winfield Special” Mandolin — David Harvey Prize Instrument

An extraordinary piece of bluegrass history with personally confirmed provenance.

This one-of-a-kind 1979 Richard Massey “Winfield Special” mandolin was custom-built for the 8th Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, and awarded to David Harvey, who placed second in the 1979 National Mandolin Championship.

Harvey subsequently won the National Mandolin Championship in 1980 and went on to become Gibson's Master Luthier and head of its mandolin department.

Provenance — Confirmed by David Harvey

In October 2026, I contacted The Mandolin Store, whose representatives were attending the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) convention with David Harvey.

They showed Harvey photographs of this mandolin, and he personally recognized it, remarking:

“That's pretty cool, first thing I ever won.”

The official Walnut Valley Festival winners archive independently confirms that Harvey received a Richard Massey Special mandolin for his second-place finish in 1979.

I purchased this instrument approximately ten years ago in Denver, Colorado, not knowing its remarkable history until recently.

Instrument Features:

• Handcrafted by Richard Massey, June 1979
• Custom A-style body with oval soundhole
• Handwritten interior inscription identifying the maker, date, and Walnut Valley Association
• Beautiful custom-illustrated pickguard commemorating the 8th Walnut Valley Championship and featuring “The Winfield Special” lettering
• Decorative Massey headstock inlay
• Unusual custom-fitted wooden case with burgundy lining, storage compartments, and built-in humidity gauge

Condition — Fair / Playable

This is a 47-year-old instrument showing noticeable signs of age and use.

Known condition issues include:

• Some sagging/deformation of the soundboard
• Oxidation and wear on the frets
• Finish wear, scratches, and other cosmetic imperfections
• Age-related wear to the hardware and case

Despite these issues, the mandolin remains playable and holds tune.

Please review the photographs carefully. The instrument is being sold in its present condition, with the custom-fitted wooden case pictured.

A Unique Piece of Bluegrass History

Beyond its value as a handcrafted American mandolin, this instrument represents an early milestone in the remarkable career of David Harvey, one of bluegrass music's accomplished mandolinists and luthiers.

It was the first prize Harvey remembers winning, awarded one year before his national championship victory and decades before his distinguished career with Gibson.

The combination of its documented competition history, distinctive custom artwork, handmade construction, unusual wooden case, and Harvey's personal confirmation makes this a particularly interesting collectible for bluegrass enthusiasts, Walnut Valley Festival fans, and mandolin collectors.

A nearly half-century-old instrument with a remarkable story and a direct connection to one of American mandolin making's notable craftsmen.

Reasonable offers welcome.