Need Expertise

[andaloucio]

Hello Mandofriends!

Anyone can tell me if I made a good buy or not?

I bought a new mandolin off ebay, $220. It's on the way, I haven't received it yet. Here is what the seller had to say:



"This vintage bowlback mandolin is in very, very good condition. I can find no marks on it as far as manufacturer. In the case came a receipt for the mandolin dated 1974, but I can't say whether the item was purchased new at that time. This mandolin has had very little use. The strings are most likely original, and they do need changed. The smallest set of strings (smallest in diameter) does rub on the first fret, but the rest of the frets are fine. I am not sure if an adjustment can be made to counter this or whether or not new strings would fix it. Other than this minor issue, I see no problems at all. The case is in fair to good condition. There are three latches on the case, one of them doesn't latch well, but can probably be adjusted.I was asked about the condition of the neck. On the 12th fret, the distance between the neck and the strings, on both sides, is a little less than 1/8th of an inch"

Here is a Pic.
http://www.members.cox.net/spencerkechi/222mando.jpg

[cutbait2]

from a distance, no not a good buy, even the good ones have limited appeal, will be fun to plink around with i guess, in the US those are called tater bugs and Orville Gibson has made them nearly extinct, except as novelties, and wall hangers for italian restaurants. internationally theres some beautiful music created on the better ones..........

"The smallest set of strings (smallest in diameter) does rub on the first fret, but the rest of the frets are fine. I am not sure if an adjustment can be made to counter this or whether or not new strings would fix it. Other than this minor issue, I see no problems at all."

That is a big problem. First set of strings rubbing on the first fret with no truss rod adjustment.

[jeffshuniak]

I am no expert, but I play this kind.

alright man, most important, the smallest set of strings you found are probably NOT SMALL ENOUGH ! ( I assume from the way you worded your post that you are inexperienced with these)

you have have, have, have to use classical guaged mandolin strings ONLY!
you can find them at just strings, GHS .09 to .032, there are other primo sets around you can find out , lezner, dogals, black diamond, I havnt used any of those YET. I have some dogals sitting around. I use greek silverwound .09- .031 you can get from danial mari strings, but you must order by the doz.

dont mess with anything until you put the correct strings.
FYI #99.99 % of luthiers in the states dont know how to work on these, and they will probably turn you away, or hurt your instrument. #for american maitenance, consult the classical forum.

[vkioulaphides]

[QUOTE]"in the US those are called tater bugs and Orville Gibson has made them nearly extinct..."

Ehm.. cutbait: Anywhere else in the world, other that is than the U.S., no other instrument but a bowlback (like this) is recognized as a mandolin at all... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

Now, then, as to this particular piece: Looks like a Czech/German instrument; good condition; 1970's may in fact be the accurate date of manufacturing (we are, after all, talking about a mass-produced instrument).

The fact that the E strings hit the first fret probably has to do with the height of the nut, which can be adjusted without much difficulty. I suggest that you take this to a reputable luthier and have a decent set-up. It should be all it needs.

Best of luck with your new baby!

Cheers,

Victor

[cutbait2]

Victor, you are probably correct, note I did give credit where it's due to those international players who favor this style of instrument as in the right hands bowlbacks are beautiful instruments......would also agree with Victor regarding the nut, it may be the cheapest place to start however if thats not it cost of repairs may exceed amount spent purchasing......

[vkioulaphides]

Of course, cutbait. And your remark about Mr. Gibson and his effect on the near-extinction of bowlbacks in the States is beyond dispute.

andaloucio, when you get this mandolin in your own hands:

A. As per Jeff's suggestion, take off whatever strings are on it immediately, perhaps order some GHS extra-lights ($5-or-so per set) and try those on.

B. See where exactly the buzz is happening. See if (as a temporary solution only) you can raise the string by propping it up in the nut's groove; see what that does to the entire string, not just at fret #1.

C. Most important: Once the strings are up to pitch, measure the clearance from the crown of the fret to the string at the 12th fret and report here. That critical reading will have much to do with whatever other information we can give you.

D. Enjoy your new baby! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[andaloucio]

Thanks for all your suggestions. But I don't know why soem people have a problem with bug mandolins. As someone said, they are what everyone around the world knows as mandolin. I play Moorish/Andalusian classical music and this type of mandolin works for me better than a F hole Gibson. Anyway,
I got my mandolin today. It's more beautiful than the it is on the pictures. It's a piece of art, beautiful than the $150 painting that my brother bought last week. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
I think some of you are right. The problem seems to come from the nut. The nut's grooves for E strings are way deep. I hope I can find a pro who can fix that for me. Other than that the neck is straight, no cracks no scraches,...the instrument is in a very good condition. Came in the case,a receipt of 75 Dollars, as payment for this mandolin, in 1974 from a music store in Colorado.

[mandodon]

andaloucio,

There are a lot of bluegrassers on this board with the opinion that the Gibson F-style is the be-all-end-all in mandolin design.

It is probably a uniquely American perspective, though not a universal one, even in America. #But I'd assume the majority of American mandolin players are bluegrass style players, and I'd also assume that the majority of posters on this board are American.

So take opinions with a grain of salt.

[mandolooter]

for a quick and temorary fix loosen the E string and put a peice of paper or two under the string in the nut slot and retune. #that might get rid of the buzz and give ya a playable mandolin until ya can get it in the shop to be worked on. #It worked for me once. #I ended up raising up the nut myself after reading thru some info found at Frets. com #Enjoy your fine looking mandolin!!!