Mandolin Repair

[Jim Garber]

The builder list is nice and large, but I was wondering whether there might be a use for a list of qualified repairers/restorers of mandolins. I have taken mine to various folks and there is a definite level of expertise necessary to deal with mandolins.

Perhaps a master list like the builder's list indexed to location etc.?

Thoughts?

Jim

[MML]

That sounds like a good idea Jim. Always looking for a good luthier. And wouldn't it be nice if they #turn out to be in your own backyard. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[LKN2MYIS]

Great idea!

[sunburst]

Thoughts?
Yeah.
What constitutes qualified, and who decides?

[ShaneJ]

I think there would be a LOT of overlap on the 2 lists.

[otterly2k]

I think this is a great idea...and sure, a lot of builders would also be listed for repairs, but I think there are repair folks who don't build.

Couple of ways to do it, I suppose. One would be to have cafe members send in the info of people they have used with good results. Another way would be to invite repair people to volunteer to be listed. Yet another would be to charge a modest fee for the advertising (which would support the site).

I'm sure there are lots of other ideas out there about how to do this well... but I definitely think this is a needed resource... witness how often people post questions about needing a good setup or repair person in E.Wherever.

KE

[Jim Garber]

I would be willing to compile the list from submissions if that would be a help to Scott. I think it would be a good resource.

As to qualifications, I would hope that people would recommend their favorite luthiers that did work they were pleased with. As to overlap, that would be all right., In fact, I have heard of some makers who no longer do any repairs, so the overalp would not bother me if it occurs. Also we may want to be specific as to what services these folks perform or will not do. You know, like mando-voodoo or voo don't http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Jim

[Eugene]

This was tried here a number of years ago. I can't remember which notable mandorepair luthier was working to compile it, but it seemed to fizzle out. I had submitted Matty's shop by virtue of housing Tom...for those who can afford it.

[signel]

I sure could use one in dallas this weekend.

[otterly2k]

It would be nice to include the range of services offered...e.g. some people do great setup work, but might not take on a major restoration project...that kind of thing...

[Avi Ziv]

I like the idea. I also think it would be cool if Cafe members could enter mini reviews, sort of like what you see on Amazon. That way, a repair person could develop a reputation over time, with some details, and potential customers could read about what others had gotten fixed by the luthier.

Avi

[Jim Garber]

What constitutes qualified, and who decides?
Good question, however I would think it large enough task just to compile a list at all. It seems that Scott tried this some time ago and decided it wasn't worth the time.

I am just gathering info. The builder's list does not have ratings on it or qualifications. I think that folks can ask on the boards about other's experiences with various folks.

I am not sure what the probelm is but it seems that people either don't know repair people or are not willing to divulge there whereabouts. I have gotten a few suggestions, but very few.

Jim

[Bob DeVellis]

I think this would be extremely useful. It took me a while to fine someone I trust and a list like this would have helped enormously. The cittern list's builder's section is a model that comes to mind. There are brief reviews or summaries for many of the people listed, along with contact information and a web link if appropriate. We might even encourage people to report on a few consistent things, like whether a person repairs full- or part-time, whether work was done well, whether it was completed when expected, breadth of experience across different types of instruments, etc.