2000 Red Diamond Vintage F Model Mandolin

This beautiful example of the Red Diamond Vintage F Model Mandolin is numbered #128. It features a vintage-voiced red spruce top; hard curly maple for back, neck, and sides; ivoroid bound back and sides; pearl and abalone inlay; hot hide glue construction; and a hand-rubbed varnish finish. 

When we took possession of this instrument, it had a slight crack in the head stock near the flourish. So we contacted its maker, Don MacRostie, world-class luthier and maker of all Red Diamond mandolins. We sent him pictures and asked for his advice on the minor repair. Don was very responsive and recommended we work with Pete Hart, his friend and neighbor, also a world-class luthier and maker of Buckeye Mandolins (another high-end mandolin brand). We contacted Pete, and he very graciously agreed to take a look at the mandolin for us. We sent it to him in Ohio, and he did an incredible job on the minor repair (as he has built over 140 high-quality mandolins in his lifelong pursuit of the craft). Pete brought the instrument into his home where his family and friends played the instrument. He even even set it up for us. Before he shipped it back to us, he texted us and said, “Don came by this morning and was very pleased with the work.” (Also, interesting note, Pete told us that this mandolin is the twin of a mandolin owned and played by famous bluegrass musician Don Rigby). It’s an beautiful mandolin that plays and sounds as good as one could ever hope. It’s a true honor to have one in the store!

Red Diamond Mandolins are known for their playability and sound. Don MacRostie is the luthier of Red Diamond Mandolins. The name comes from the legendary 1732 Stradivarius. Don says his goal is to build legendary instruments. For the past 40 years he has studied how the mandolin works, and he has come to some realizations about how to control their tone and playability. A Red Diamond mandolin is the essence of all that study. It is beautiful crafts work and an instrument truly for the discerning player. There are on average about eight Red Diamond mandolins produced each year – each one created entirely by Don.

Truly a special instrument.