Hall of Fame: 1975 Suzuki M-218 Bowl-Back Mandolin
Vincent BarrasShare
The 1975 Suzuki M-218 Bowl-Back Mandolin is a beautifully crafted traditional Neapolitan-style instrument featuring a spruce top, ribbed rosewood bowl back and classic 8-string configuration that produces the bright, articulate tone mandolins are known for. Its elegant rosette, floating bridge and vintage styling make it well suited to folk, classical and traditional music while offering the warm resonance typical of bowl-back designs.
Built during a period when Japanese makers were producing exceptionally well-crafted orchestral instruments, Suzuki mandolins from the 1970s are valued for their craftsmanship and their role in keeping traditional mandolin design alive for modern players.
Specifications:
|
Year |
1975 |
| Made in | Japan |
| Body Style | Bowl-back / Neapolitan-style mandolin |
| Body Material | Solid spruce top, Rosewood bowl-back with multiple ribs |
| Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Scale Length | ~13.3–13.5 in (340 mm) |
| Nut Width | ~27 mm (1.07 in) |
| Fret Count | Approx. 20–24 frets (12 to body) |
| Bridge | Floating maple / rosewood bridge |
| Tailpiece | Decorative metal mandolin tailpiece |
| Tuners | Open-gear strip tuners with pearloid buttons |
| Rosette | Decorative inlaid rosette |
| Dimensions | Depth: Approx. 130 mm, Length: Approx. 64 cm |
| Date Sold | 15/04/2026 |
| Sold For | $420 AUD |