It's always a treat to play one of Lawrence Smart's mandolins - picking this one up, it's easy to see why they've made their way into the hands of so many discerning players.

Why We Love This

This 2009 F5 mandolin from Idaho luthier Lawrence Smart recently made its way into the shop, and we're finding it hard to put down! It's always a treat to play one of Lawrence's mandolins - after playing this one, it's easy to see why they've made their way into the hands of so many discerning players. This particular F5 has an Engelmann spruce top and figured maple back and sides, a combination that seems to be particularly potent in Lawrence's hands, offering a unique voice that is warm and round while maintaining plenty of definition and projection.

Lawrence's in-house varnish finish offers a wonderful, handmade look that nicely complements his slightly modern take on the F5 design, while enhancing the overall responsiveness of the instrument. Playability is excellent, with a comfortable soft-v neck carve, superb fret-work, and speed neck finish. Overall condition is very good, with some light finish marks and minor play-wear typical of a varnish instrument that has been played over the years. Priced with violin-style Travelite case.