in over my head

[tarheel]

I have promised a friend to try to repair his mando if possible. The top has collapsed -the top brace (Bass bar?) has come unglued. It looks like it has been dipped in fiberglass resin the finish is so thick. I guess I need to take off the back to do this repair. Can anyone tell me the best way to do this besides the strategic placement of a quarter stick of dynamite? Also, what type of glue and finish am I dealing with here? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, tarheel

[Jim Hilburn]

There's an article in , I believe, the second issue of Stew-Mac's Trade Secrets about how Randy wood removes backs with a fine blade saw instead of trying to unglue it. He follows the bottom of the binding, and after the repair, just glues it back together.

[Michael Lewis]

What kind of instrument is it specifically? If the top has collapsed it may be better to remove it and replace it with a new one instead of removing the back. I know it's a bit more work than removing the back, but if the back doesn't have to be taken off it would be better to leave it in place. Lots to consider here before you do anything.

[Yonkle]

If all else fails....You have a pretty Canoe paddle!

[tarheel]

This is an old Hondo A style mandolin; with a mirror I can see the top brace has come unglued for a couple of inches from the tailpiece area. Should I scrape the finish off and maybe heat the binding to take it off?
Would it be better to take off the top or bottom? I realize this mando is probably not worth fixing. I agreed to do this more for experience than anything, but I would like to do it right.
Thanks for all the replies so far.
Tarheel

[Michael Lewis]

I'm guessing the top is laminated. If so, it may survive with a quick remedy. Get glue into the area that let go, then wedge the brace back into place. This is more difficult than it sounds, but possible. Do a dry run before applying any glue, just to make sure you can get the parts back in place. If you can't get everything back in place you will have to remove one of the plates, your choice.