Have you ever altered a mando?

[jim simpson]

The other thread about the Ebay mando designed by a Gibson employee inspired this thread. On that thread it seemed a lot of folks didn't care for the non-traditional headstock.
I have a friend who owns a Kettler which I would love to own as it just has THE sound. The one thing I would be tempted to change on it is the pointed fingerboard extension. I think if I owned the Ebay mandolin, I would re-cut the headstock or cut, re-glue ears, then re-shape the headstock. I think the Morris mandolin is built plainly with a square/rectangular headstock. It would be easy to glue ears on it then re-shape. Am I being too anal or does anyone else entertain these thoughts?

[JEStanek]

Jim,

I'm kinda with you. I don't like the faux headstock scrolls. I do, however, like an A style headstock on an F shaped body. Paris Swing, Weber Galatin, etc. I like those headstock body combos. I think my favorite headstock shape is the Monteleone style one (also seen on the Eastman A style mandos). There is enough space for interesting inlays (pity on the Eastmans!) and I would worry less about the fragility of the scroll. I like the way Big Mon and Thile's Dude looked with the damage but I don't play well enough to warrant that kinda gig damage.

Jamie

[mangorockfish]

Elvinwood has a model called A/F Elf that has an A body with an F neck & head on it. I think it looks really cool.:D

[Moose]

Years ago - after "over-indulging" - I was gonna' put my Flatiron Artist "F" in the microwave!!## - I hated that mando - lost my a####s!!($$) - it NEVER "opened-up"!. Anyhow...,luckily.., someone stopped me before I did it! - PHEW!! - http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[stevem]

I thought about adding a flowerpot to my f9 for a while. I was thinking it would be the last mando I would ever own so it would be worth a little cash to pretty it up. Everyone advised against it though and I'm glad because that money can now go to fund my custom build...

Moose, your posts never fail to make me smile.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[allenhopkins]

Bought a birthday present for a friend of mine: a custom MOP truss rod cover, with his initials engraved, for his Flatiron Performer F. (Think that's the designation..?) A nice personalization and esthetic upgrade, and reversible if he ever desires to sell it.

[John M. Riley]

I remember a year or so ago when I saw another mandolin on ebay by the same guy and it had the same or maybe a similar headstock design as the one mentioned above. I actually bid on the mandolin and I thought if I had won, then I would have take it to someone to do the headstock like a tradional f5

[mandroid]

Made a new #MOTS > black plastic plate/ pickguard on my EM61se.. 8 string electric?
# #changed pickup, control pot, and a better jack too. #that count?
as much a better parts change as it was making plasic pearly top go away.

[8ch(pl)]

I ran my El Degas A through a bandsaw in a moment of sheer hatred. Didn't improve the tone one bit but I felt better.

[cooper4205]

i might mess around with one of those $350 MKs at the mandolin store. i got a shop in my basement and two other main mandos so i'm not too worried about messing it up (got it as a camper mando anyway). anyone got any suggestions to un-MK it?

[JEStanek]

Finish thinner...
http://www.mytoolstore.com/makita/9403.jpg

Jamie

[Darryl Wolfe]

I turned a 70's Ode A-model into a The Gibson flowerpot A-5. That's the one where I caught the old finish on fire removing it
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Eric F.]

A previous owner tried to pretty up a 1915 Gibson A I own by redoing the back and sides in fire engine red. It's hilarious. I'd undo it and re-refinish it but the thing sounds so good I'd hate to mess with it!

[cooper4205]

well if the MK catches fire that'd be free distressing at least http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[arbarnhart]

Elvinwood has a model called A/F Elf that has an A body with an F neck & head on it. #I think it looks really cool.:D
I have a Washburn oval hole A that has an F headstock. At first I wasn't sure I liked it and even considered altering it, but I have grown to like it. Mine is grand piano black with ivory colored binding. I use a gig bag at jams and I have to admit it's kind of fun to watch reactions when I slide it out as the F headstock comes out first and people expect to see the scroll or at least F holes. I love that mando so I am biased about its appearance now. Reactions are generally at both ends of the spectrm with very few in the middle.

[Willie]

I converted an F-12 into an F-5 and made a bundle when I sold it, put on a new fingerboard with the extension on it and inlaid a "Thr Gibson" fern design on the head stock, changed the tuners...Left the original stickers inside so as not to fool anyone into thinking it was something it was not..Willie

[cooper4205]

wasn't that pretty common (f12 to f5 convert) before the advent of the small shop luthier, when it was pretty much only gibson?

[pickinpox]

15 replies and not one mention of Breedlove. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif