1984 Washburn M-5SW-SB Jethro Burns Vintage F-Style Mandolin Near Mint w/ Case, Hangtag

Up for sale, a 1984 Washburn M-5SW-SB Jethro Burns model F-style mandolin in near mint, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and hangtag. A collaboration with famed mandolin player, Jethro Burns, this well-crafted instrument leans on Washburn’s storied pedigree of folk instruments, drawing heavily from Gibson's Loar-era F-5 model. Not to be confused with later Korean-made iterations, the M-5SW-SB is an early Japanese-made example which easily competes sonically and structurally with upper-tiered F-style instruments. This Washburn features a quartersawn sitka spruce top, carved flame maple back and sides, and a flame maple neck capped with a bound ebony fingerboard boasting hand-cut abalone inlays. The response is loud and clear, with a crisp cut and prominent chime, perfect for solos and intricate chording. Professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, this M-5SW-SB is dialed in with brand new bronze strings and low action.The flame maple neck has a U-shaped profile, measuring .850” at the 1st fret and .878” at the 5th. The bound ebony fretboard features abalone inlay and pristine stock slender frets, with 12 clear of the body. The scale length is a full 13 7/8", while the original bone nut measures 1 1/16" in width. The bound headstock features the Washburn logo and floral inlay, with stock gold strip tuners with pearloid buttons that turn smoothly and hold pitch well. On the body, the adjustable ebony bridge features a compensated saddle, and the ornate gold tailpiece is inscribed “Jethro Burns,” with light surface patina on the forward edge. The top and back are framed by cream binding, and the original gloss Sunburst finish highlights the deep, dimensional figuring in the fiddleback maple. Cosmetic wear is limited to a few stray scuffs in the clear coat of the gloss finish, while the neck profile is pristine. The original Washburn hardshell case is included and equally as clean as the instrument with a Lifton-style brown exterior, clean leather trim, gold silkscreened Washburn logo, and original vintage-style latches and handle. The original hangtag also accompanies the instrument.