mandolins
The “Electro Mandolin” was introduced in 1932. These were manufactured by the Harmony Company, Chicago. Initial advertising featured a flat backed model with oval sound-hole, but more commonly seen is the “curly maple” arch-top version. This featured a rosewood fingerboard, integral horseshoe pickup and volume control.
Rickenbacker launched a solid-body electric mandolin in 1958. Four, five and eight string options were offered (models 5000, 5001 and 5002 respectively). The 8 string version was re-issued in the mid 1990’s, as the 5002/V58 model. As the original, it was constructed from maple and walnut and it sported a rosewood fingerboard, single toaster pickup and a single volume and tone control.
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