1911 Martin Style 5 bowlback mandolin

Martin bowlback mandolins are rather on the rare side and this Style 5 from 1911 is right up there in the trim options.

I love how extravagant it is compared to fancy Martin guitars — it has oodles of pearl trim and inlay all over the place.

It also sounds a lot better than any of the other Martin bowlbacks I’ve played — it’s lush, has plenty of volume, lots of sustain, and a clear, velvety voice. I’m used to Martin bowlbacks having a more “spidery” sound to them so this was a huge surprise.