Mandovoodoo

[Andrew Lewis]

Anyone know how Steve Perry does his Mandovoodoo adjustments? I just want to know if Steve removes the backs (or tops) to get in there and do the "minor scraping and burnishing". I own an Eastman 515 that Steve voodooed and there are minor catches in the finish where the back meets the sides. Did this come from the MV process or is it just a poor finish job on Eastman's part? (Steve, if you're reading this, please don't interpret this as a gripe. The mando sounds incredible and what I'm describing is relatively insignificant...just curious)

[Tim Saxton]

I would say based on the reasonable cost of the voodoo vs. the high cost of removing the back, that he does it through the F holes and the end pin.

[Greenmando]

Why not ask Steve directly?

[arbarnhart]

Steve explained in pretty good detail in this thread (click here) (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST&f=7&t=33407). No, the back doesn't come off.

[Stephen Perry]

Varnish cracking along seams is common, especially in thinnly varnished instruments.

I don't take the back off! It wouldn't work. Instrument has to be together and under playing tension, or it isn't vibrating the way it does when played.

Incidently, I tried burnishing on an assembled jazz guitar to eliminate noise in the sound and some response irregularities. Worked surprisingly well I think. Gordon was listening and said he could hear the difference. Used a pick. Didn't leave any mark at all. The more precisely the "bad spots" get located, the less manipulation is required. People keep wanting me to do guitars. Someday, shudder, someone will enter with a banjo. I hope the floor will support a banjo and its player! So long as he leaves the sheep at home, I'll be alright.

[Andrew Lewis]

Varnish cracking along seams is common, especially in thinnly varnished instruments. #

I don't take the back off! #It wouldn't work. #
I appreciate this. Been playing instruments for many years and, believe it or not, this is my first varnished one. Good to know it's common.

And yes, it didn't make sense that you would take the back off. Too costly. Inconsistent with entire point of your process. I just have to give you and other luthiers much admiration for doing what you do through small soundholes and <gasp> F holes!

Thanks a lot for the response Steve and everyone else. You have one more extremely satisfied customer of the voodoo. I'll be referring business to you...

[Jedclampit]

Send the banjo guys to me...My dogs can handle the sheep.
Tom in San Diego

[Red Englemann]

Did this come from the MV process or is it just a poor finish job on Eastman's part?

My 504 has two long irregular cracks in the finish, but plays and sounds like an oval hole is supposed to.

Something tells me that these Eastmans are going to age rather quickly with lots of finish checking especially in areas of various climatic changes.

Red

[Andrew Lewis]

[quote]
Something tells me that these Eastmans are going to age rather quickly with lots of finish checking especially in areas of various climatic changes.
I agree. Based on the descriptions I've read about their finishing process, this makes sense. But I'm like you; mine sounds great and that's what matters. A little character never hurts...especially when it looks like a vintage instrument!