Guitar Studios
Franzke A-5 Commemorative Mandolin #100 2019
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Franzke K-5 Mandolin, made in 2019 #100
Engelmann spruce
Maple back and sides
Maple neck with center laminations
Carbon fiber neck reinforcement
Schaller Grand Tune tuners
Pearloid headstock and fretboard
James gold engraved tailpiece
Gloss nitro lacquer finish
Ebony, bone topped bridge
Mother-of-pearl nut
Crossrock brown Hardshell Case
Built in 2019 as a showpiece by Mark Franzke in Prairie Village, Kansas to commemorate the 100th instrument built. A unique one-of-a-kind mandolin, patterned similar to the KayKraft mandolin, but using typical F-5 mandolin bracing and dimensions. White top with gold glitter inlayed into the pearloid headstock, pickguard and around the top and on the fretboard. Pearloid binding with side rope-style purfling around the sides. Decorative center neck laminations, and fixed twin carbon fiber neck reinforcement for stiffness and sustain.
Mark Franzke; Artist, Luthier
Mark Franzke, artist and luthier, built his first mandolin in 1978 while a Fine Arts student at the University of Kansas. After graduation, Mark began a career in graphic design and illustration, creating some highly detailed airbrushed illustrations.
In 2005, Mark decided to focus seriously on mandolin building under the name "Flinthills Mandolins." After several requests from customers for mandolins with Mark's signature in place of the Flinthills logo, Mark decided to replace the Flinthills name with "Franzke" to emphasize that each instrument is hand crafted by an individual luthier, not mass produced in a factory setting.
Each instrument is a unique artistic expression based on the whims of the artist and desires of the customer.
Mark Franzke; Artist, Luthier
Mark Franzke, artist and luthier, built his first mandolin in 1978 while a Fine Arts student at the University of Kansas. After graduation, Mark began a career in graphic design and illustration, creating some highly detailed airbrushed illustrations.
In 2005, Mark decided to focus seriously on mandolin building under the name "Flinthills Mandolins." After several requests from customers for mandolins with Mark's signature in place of the Flinthills logo, Mark decided to replace the Flinthills name with "Franzke" to emphasize that each instrument is hand crafted by an individual luthier, not mass produced in a factory setting.
Each instrument is a unique artistic expression based on the whims of the artist and desires of the customer.