Although many fans of electric-guitar god Jimmy Page only know the mandolin as the high-pitched, plucky sounding background instrument in Led Zeppelin’s “The Battle of Evermore,” the mandolin was largely responsible for the spread of the guitar in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and was itself a major musical phenomenon. A higher number of ribs on the back indicates a higher grade of mandolin and can add to the value. Great deals on VEGA Vintage String Instruments. Vega Guitars Serial Numbers Average ratng: 3,7/5 6471 reviews.