Tech: broken mandolin

Subject: Tech: broken mandolin
From: stevethesqueeze
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 04:37 AM

Hi folks.

can anyone advise me please.

I have a small bodied mandolin. Violin shaped with F holes. I put new strings on it and the pressure from the strings pushed the belly in and broke the brace that lies underneath the belly directly under the bridge. It just broke free of the glue. I can see it hanging loose if I peer thru the f holes. I have no idea of how to repair it as I can't imagine how you would get to the brace thru the small f holes.

Is this something that can be done at home? If not does anyone know of a luthier or instrument repairer in my area of glamorgan south wales, Cardiff, Barry that kind of area?

any help would be appreciated. I bought the instrument in asia from a reputable luthier but have lost his details!! stevethesqueeze

Subject: RE: Tech: broken mandolin
From: s&r
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 05:02 AM

Any decent repair shop should be able to fix this; it's not a job for the amateur though. The front will need removing, the brace re-gluing, and the front replacing. Taking the front or back off sounds drastic, but it's not uncommon - violins have weak glue that can be lifted with heat and a knife.

Stu

Subject: RE: Tech: broken mandolin
From: s&r
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 05:14 AM

you might try here

Stu

Subject: RE: Tech: broken mandolin
From: The Sandman
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 05:18 AM

Marcus music might be able to help.tredegar house newport gwent.animal glue or fish glue should be used,that allows for movement.

Subject: RE: Tech: broken mandolin
From: stevethesqueeze
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 10:19 AM

thanks for the advice people.

I will approach a repair shop with confidence now. stevethesqueeze

Subject: RE: Tech: broken mandolin
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 11:31 AM

Might be stating the obvious but, if you haven't already, take the strings off to remove any chance of the pressure deforming the top.

Subject: RE: Tech: broken mandolin
From: BTMP
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 12:23 PM

I had a similar problem with my old Gibson A-4 and I was fortunate to have Randy Wood look at it. His shop took the back off and replaced the old single cross brace with more modern X-bracing. I put a Brekke bridge on it and it sounds great. -btmp

Subject: RE: Tech: broken mandolin
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 12:26 PM

I would suggest Marcus Music too.
Scooby

Subject: RE: Tech: broken mandolin
From: GUEST,Davetnova
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 02:51 PM

if this is and Antonio Tsai or similar remember they ate made for Light strings. I have one similar and have never had any problems but I have heard of issues with some of these instruments.

Subject: RE: Tech: broken mandolin
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 08:53 PM

The luthier's label should be inside, with his "details"--best to contact him first--