
Nadia Bellingeri
Sale Manager, Private Sales & Themed Sales
Sold for £51,200 inc. premium
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This is Rory's Martin Mandolin which he would famously play for live performances of the song 'Going To My Hometown'.
"It's a small folk-size mandolin but it joins at the 14th fret. It's got a mahogany finish and I have an Ibanez pick-up underneath the strings between the soundhole and the bridge. It works best there for me. It's got an extra pickguard on top because I was wearing it away too quickly. I was putting Gaffa (sic) tape on and it was getting a bit rough and ready looking. I just use standard mandolin strings."
- Rory Gallagher, International Musician, 1977.
Live Performance
Rory Gallagher, 'Going To My Hometown', from 'Irish Tour', January 1974, Track 5. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yjj05_PDFjg
Literature
Eamonn Percival, 'Rory Gallagher', International Musician, April 1977.
Martin:
Martin mandolins are highly regarded for their craftsmanship and historical significance in the world of stringed instruments. While Martin is primarily known for its guitars, the company's mandolins, made predominantly between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries, hold a special place among collectors and musicians. These mandolins are celebrated for their meticulous construction, featuring fine tonewoods and elegant detailing. Martin's mandolins, particularly the flat-backed models, offer a warm, balanced tone that appeals to players of folk, bluegrass and classical music.
Bonhams would like to thank Martin Guitars for their assistance in the research for this lot.