DeArmond
DeArmond Model 500 Mandolin Pickup 1950s Needs New Cable
- Regular Price
- $200.00
- Sale Price
- $200.00
- Regular Price
- Unit Price
- per
No sales tax for US customers outside California.
This 1950s DeArmond Model 500 mandolin pickup is a highly sought-after piece of vintage amplification history, originally designed to electrify mandolins without permanent modification. Built by DeArmond in Toledo, Ohio, the Model 500 is revered for its warm, clear response and unmistakable vintage character—making it a favorite among collectors and players alike.
This example retains its original pickup assembly and classic design but will require a new cable, a common and straightforward service on vintage DeArmond units. Once serviced, these pickups deliver excellent string balance, strong output, and a smooth, organic tone that works beautifully for swing, folk, early country, and roots music. The pickup does read output, so we do know that it just needs the cable. The spring-clamp mounting system allows secure attachment to most mandolin bodies while remaining fully reversible.
Excerpts from real end user reviews of the DeArmond Model 500 pickup in online forums:
- “Nothing sounds like an old DeArmond—pure vintage magic.” – The Gear Page
- “The benchmark for vintage acoustic pickups.” – Mandolin Cafe
- “Warm, balanced, and incredibly musical.” – Reddit r/VintageGuitars
- “A must-have for vintage mandolin players.” – Acoustic Guitar Forum
At Mahar’s Vintage Guitars, all vintage electronics are carefully inspected and honestly described.
We buy, sell, and accept trades.
Related pages to explore include our Ukulele, Mandolin & Banjo collection. Also see our Vintage Martin Guitars.
Shipping policy:
Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions. If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com. Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.