Four new 527 models have been added to the database, with more on the way. Click the links below to see pictures of each of them. Many thanks to the generous owners who took the time to send in their pictures and share info.

Interestingly enough, all of the 527 models so far are from the first half of 1977. Update: we now have one from mid 1978!

B778034 http://ibanezmandolin.com/serial-numbers/B778034/
D778044 http://ibanezmandolin.com/serial-numbers/D778044/
F778027 http://ibanezmandolin.com/serial-numbers/F778027/
E788048 http://ibanezmandolin.com/serial-numbers/E788048/

F778027 was described in a much earlier reader email and now we finally have pictures from the current owner.

Steve has written in from the UK to share details of his original owner 523 model. Pictures are now in the serial number database. Here is what he has to say about his particular 1976 mandolin:

I have owned, since new a 523 serial no. J768023 in sunburst with the bug ( I think) headstock inlay , the truss rod cover is sharp. It does not have an inside label at all and the case interior was blue (case now long gone). I bought it new from Ivor Mairantes Music shop,London, in the early eighties but cannot remember how much it cost me. Originally I used a Barcus Berry bug on it but had a Fishman pick up fitted in Nashville in 1990. I play with The Kursaal Flyers and their Country Rock alter egos The Ugly Guy’s and now use a Breedlove, having retired the Ibanez a year or so ago. I had my portrait painted by Kursaal’s front man Paul Shuttleworth a few years back and it features me with my Ibanez.

You can find out more about Steve’s music by visiting The Ugly Guys and Kursaal Flyers.

Thanks to everyone who has sent in pictures and questions regarding Ibanez Mandolins. A long overdue update to the site is underway. We’ll start with some new additions to the serial number database… stay tuned.

Just added to the IbanezMandolin.com website, an entire section devoted to the specs and detals for every model of Ibanez Mandolin. The specs will be taken from scans of Ibanez Mandolin catalogs, with added details and editorial comments.

View the Ibanez Mandolin Models page.

A website reader has written in to share information on his Ibanez 527 mandolin, serial F778027. He says:

I am the third and proudest owner of Ibanez 527 #F778027. It has a crack on the top, one on the head stock,and a repaired crack in the neck. But it tunes up and sounds better than any mando I’ve had. I’ve been playing bluegrass mandolin since 2002, and I love this mandolin!

Pictures of a 1977 model 524 mandolin serial number H778014 are now in the serial number database. This is a one owner mandolin discussed in the interview with Dan Cole.

The second pre-serial number model 523 mandolin has been added to the serial number database.

It has the typical pre-serial number features of a torch inlay, bell shaped truss rod cover, and no label. The original owner says about it “No number, no paper or info inside. Nice mandolin, used to be mine before I bought a used 526. I bought this one new in the Netherlands after phoning all major and lesser musik shops in Holland. Found just one! was late 70′s, non original case when I bought it.”

This mandolin has been in the Spruce Pine Bluegrass Band. Here is a picture of the current owner playing it.

The 525 model was Ibanez’s F-4 style mandolin and featured an oval soundhole, no headstock binding, and a single ply truss rod cover.

Kevin has shared pictures of his early Ibanez 525 mandolin, which have been posted in the serial number database.

Kevin purchased this mandolin in about 2002 from Cripple Creek Music in Ashaland, Oregon, USA. There is no serial number and no label inside, dating it to about 1975, although the angled corner truss rod cover is normally seen on mandolins with serial numbers. The headstock inlay is also more typical of the 522 model. There appears to be an imprint on the back of the headstock reading Q10. This one appears to be a bit of a mystery!

A single picture of Bill Monroe’s A778085 mandolin has been added to the serial number database. This is the 527 that was auctioned in 2001. More pictures are needed and we are seeking contributions.

We’ve just published another exclusive article about the Ibanez mandolin auctioned by Monroe’s estate in 2001, complete with pictures and interviews. Read the details here. Credit to “f5loar” for generously supplying documents and memories from the auction day. We still need more pictures of this mandolin, and information on the current owner.