Actually this model and vintage, 1975, signaled a great period for the Suzuki violin company which made this mandolin. Made of the finest exquisite woods, spruce top, maple, rosewood and ebony, along with nickel tuners, the same that are found on Gibson mandolins. They sound wonderful and are expertly designed and built. As you guessed I own one along with a dozen are so mandolins. I paid 4oo at the haight street music store and feel I stole it!!!