Radiotone Mandolins

Subject: BS: Radiotone Mandolins
From: vindelis
Date: 27 Aug 06 - 07:57 PM

A friend has purchased a Radiotone mandolin, beleived to be made in the 1920's. It is NOT a resonator instrument and has been made in the style of a Gibson A model. It has a raised neck and fingerboard. The headstock would indicate that it is probably American. the word 'Radiotone' and the Radiotone logo are on the headstock, along with the words 'foreign made' stamped into the wood, between Radiotone and the logo. I cannot find anything on the internet regarding this brand, other than either resonator instruments, or Radiotone as a National brand name. Did it exsist along side National in the early part of the 20th century?

Subject: RE: Radiotone Mandolins
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 28 Aug 06 - 02:56 AM

Ask at the Mandolin Cafe, it's a great source of info about all things mandolin.

eric

Subject: RE: Radiotone Mandolins
From: vindelis
Date: 28 Aug 06 - 03:56 PM

thanks I'll send him back for another look.

Subject: RE: Radiotone Mandolins
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 29 Aug 06 - 04:10 AM

Hi vindelis, I've posted a request for info on the Mandolin Cafe message board, see what happens.

eric

Subject: RE: Radiotone Mandolins
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 30 Aug 06 - 03:43 AM

vindelis, go to www.mandolincafe.com click on message boards, scroll down to 'looking for information about mandolins ' you will find some info and a picture about Radiotone mandolins, apparently they are from Germany.

eric

Subject: RE: Radiotone Mandolins
From: GUEST,Ancient Briton
Date: 30 Aug 06 - 12:48 PM

I had a Radiotone archtop guitar for a while from 1970. I bought it as a wreck from Kitchen's in Bradford and had it repaired by Arthur Hunt of North Street in Leeds. It was a good loud instrument but like most 30s jazzers, heavy to play. I sold it to a swing band player for £25 in 1973. I believed at the time that the Radiotone brand was something to do with the Selmer company.

AB

Subject: RE: Radiotone Mandolins
From: vindelis
Date: 30 Aug 06 - 01:20 PM

Eric,

thanks for posting the message. I've been back to mandolin cafe myself (at your original advice)and have probably found the same message (made in Saxony). I've also suggested that 'Himself' contact a Geman mandolin society listed there. It just seemed so strange that there is so little information, immediately to hand.

Thanks AB, a company name could be that vital 'needle in the haystack'

Vindelis