Instruments available now

David Bell is selling his C1990 small mandolin.  He brought it to show me and it’s in amazing condition.  Back and sides are Indian rosewood, the soundboard is German spruce and the neck is Brazilian mahogany.  Everything is perfect and unmarked, even the original Jack Clark case. It really is in ‘as new’ condition.

Sobell mandolins don’t often come up; this one is remarkable.

David says:

With great sadness I have come to the decision to sell my Stefan Sobell Mandolin.

The Mandolin is in “as new” condition, although it was made by Stefan Sobell in around 1990 (as confirmed by Stefan when I took it to him for his appraisal). It comes with it’s original Jack Clark fiberglass case (also in excellent condition).

I am reluctant to sell this unique instrument with it’s remarkable tone and sustain, however it is becoming difficult for me to play due to restricted mobility in my fingers, and most of the Mandolin’s life is spent in the case, when it should be played and enjoyed.

If I can provide any further information, contact me as follows.

My email is belld9525@gmail.com             Phone 07926009682

28 January update
Martin’s email has been unavailable recently, but is now restored.

Martin’s 2019 MS guitar had a finish problem from new, and a few months ago we arranged he should bring it to me for correcting. He also asked me to re-profile the neck, slimming it and giving it a gentle V profile.

In fact we completely re-finished the guitar and I took the opportunity to add my logos to headstock and soundboard, bringing it up to my 40th Anniversary Model appearance.

Dave Wilson’s finishing is simply the best, as here. And Martin pointed out how the soundboard logo contrasts nicely with the bear claw.

While delivering the guitar for me to work on the neck, Martin played a few of my later guitars.  He liked one in particular, a 40th Anniversary MS.  He played it for hours, and eventually suggested maybe he could borrow it for the album he was recording.  From there, I eventually said we could arrange a deal for him to keep it if he loved it enough to play it live. He agreed instantly.

When recently visiting again to collect the 2019 MS, he loved the newly profiled neck, the logos and Dave’s refinish, but having fallen for the Anniversary model, he is selling the MS.  It has a nice action, sounds lovely and plays perfectly.  If you are interested, you can contact him via his website martinsimpsonmusic.com

The guitar is currently with me in Hexham, but will be with Martin in Sheffield in the next few weeks.

2019 MS model guitar
Bearclaw European spruce soundboard
African Blackwood back and sides
Reprofiled Wenge neck
African Ebony fingerboard and bridge
Jescar Gold frets
Bone bridge pins
New Gotoh 510 tuners, 21:1 ratio
S logo on headstock and soundboard
Full refinish