Arches FT Oval acoustic mandolin, 2009. $1,800.
Arches mandolins were built in Moab, Utah, by Chris Baird. The name “Arches” refers to the nearby national park, not to this mandolin, which is a flattop model.
Each Arches FT mandolin was built from select, all-solid woods, “precision machined” using cutting-edge technology, acoustically tuned by hand, voiced for versatility, and made at a professional level of fit, finish, tone, and playability. This design lends itself to excellent tone, modern playability, and advanced aesthetics without the high price associated with a carved top and back.
Tragically, in 2018 Baird’s workshop burned and he stopped building. He seems to have moved on to other pursuits. There won’t be any more Arches mandolins, and they’re not easy to find.
This mandolin has a spruce top and a stunning birdseye maple back, both finished in blond. It received almost no play from its original owner, and is in near-pristine condition. Serial number FT-42209012, which I take to mean a completion date of April 22, 2008, the 12th mandolin completed that year.
Flame maple neck, ebony adjustable bridge and fretboard. Headplate looks like mahogany, with a matching rosette around the oval soundhole. Top and back are triple bound in black/white/black. Nickel hardware. Shaped tweed hardshell case. It will be shipped with a fresh set of strings.
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for more information. $1,800 plus shipping. 48-hour approval period.
Each Arches FT mandolin was built from select, all-solid woods, “precision machined” using cutting-edge technology, acoustically tuned by hand, voiced for versatility, and made at a professional level of fit, finish, tone, and playability. This design lends itself to excellent tone, modern playability, and advanced aesthetics without the high price associated with a carved top and back.
Tragically, in 2018 Baird’s workshop burned and he stopped building. He seems to have moved on to other pursuits. There won’t be any more Arches mandolins, and they’re not easy to find.
This mandolin has a spruce top and a stunning birdseye maple back, both finished in blond. It received almost no play from its original owner, and is in near-pristine condition. Serial number FT-42209012, which I take to mean a completion date of April 22, 2008, the 12th mandolin completed that year.
Flame maple neck, ebony adjustable bridge and fretboard. Headplate looks like mahogany, with a matching rosette around the oval soundhole. Top and back are triple bound in black/white/black. Nickel hardware. Shaped tweed hardshell case. It will be shipped with a fresh set of strings.
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