For almost 20 years, Girouard Mandolins - which are a husband and wife headed team - have been making top quality Mandolins and folk instruments in their native Rhode Island, personally sourcing the wood locally that they use for their instruments.

This mandolin in particular was made in 2015 and is a Studio A5 Model, but the wood used is slightly different to their standard.

I personally emailed Mr. Girouard to ask if he had any info on the wood used/where it's from, orany other spec he may be able to give me.

He emailed back mentioning that the top is a local Red Spruce they like to use, and the back/sides & neck are a unique 'Krinkle' Red Maple that he sourced and chose himself for this mandolin!

The mandolin itself has an amazing ringing, chiming tone to it, with great woody undertones that come through when struck.

Since being made, it has been used and has had a K&K pickup fitted professionally that when plugged in highlight the build and tonal quality of the instrument.

The mandolin is in very good condition overall apart from some damage that has been filled and touched up next to the bridge that has probably occurred through pick use.

The frets are in good shape with height left for the future, and it plays perfectly well after we performed a setup on it.

Comes with a square canvas semi-hard square case. (not original)

Here's what Girouard say about a standard Studio a5;

Our Studio model was designed to be a simplistic instrument in terms of appointments.  As much care and effort goes into the build of our Studio model as one of our higher appointed instruments.  The focus of our studio model is playability and tone.  Top body bound only, single color black or ivoroid, non engraved Rubner tuning machines with black or ivoroid buttons, James tailpiece, sunburst top with rich brown back sides and neck, and varnish finish.