Thumb Mandolin Japan Mandolin - Natural - Neck Heel Repair

Up for sale is a vintage Thumb 8-string mandolin made in Japan.

This traditional arched-back mandolin features an attractive amber finish, floating bridge, tortoise-style pickguard, pearl-style position markers, open-gear tuners, and classic eight-string construction.

We recently cleaned and restrung the instrument and it remains fully playable.

Please note that this mandolin has had a significant repair performed where the neck heel joins the body. The repair appears to have been completed by a previous owner and does not appear to be professional work. Evidence of glue, finish disturbance, and separation around the heel joint is visible in several areas and has been photographed in detail.

As a result, the action is higher than we would prefer and the instrument would likely benefit from additional repair work if a buyer is seeking optimal playability. We are selling it as a functional vintage instrument with known structural repair history rather than as a collector-grade example.

Cosmetically, the mandolin shows scratches, dings, finish wear, oxidation on the tuners, and other signs of age and use throughout. Please review all photos carefully.

Despite its issues, it remains an attractive vintage Japanese mandolin with plenty of character and would make an interesting restoration project, folk instrument, decorative display piece, or casual player.

Includes the hard case and strap shown in the photos.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Case: yes

Scale Length: 14“

Nut Width: 1.2“

Fret Wear: 9.5/10

Action at 12F (6th): 9/64“

Action at 12F (1st): 9/64“

Weight: 1lbs 11oz

Overall Condition: 5.5/10

Sound Factor: 11 out of 10

USA Seller, check my feedback to see how I value my customers and see my other listings for more rare Japanese Guitars and other unique gear! I use recycled packaging for reduced environmental impact and ship all items 100% insured against loss or damage.

Internal Use (Bin) - PA-6-2