This 5-string Tele-style mandolin is a bit of a departure for Indiana luthier Andrew Jerman. With 20 years of experience in lutherie, Andrew builds mandolins, octave mandolins, and tenors in four standard models. But this isn’t one of those models, and may be a one-off.
     It starts with a maple 5-string truss-rodded neck that was built overseas, originally for JBovier mandolins. When JBovier ceased production I acquired some spare parts and supplied this neck to Andrew. The rest of the mandolin is all his. The Telecaster-shaped body is alder with a figured maple top in a honey blonde finish. The 5-string adjustable bridge and humbucking pickup were designed and built by Andrew himself. The maple fretboard has 24 frets and a 14-inch scale length. Tone and volume controls.
     Since it has a factory neck, this mandolin isn’t branded as a Jerman, but it’s brand new and thus far is the only one of its kind. It’s hard to imagine a better package for 5-string fun. Gig bag included, or upagrade to a custom gig bag or hardshell case. $1,100 plus shipping.
     See more photos, call 425/772-0231, or for more information. 48-hour approval offered.