mando accident

[kevin_o]

I had someone open a guitar case and let the hinge lid fall squarely on my mandolin. It is a newer x braced oval hole K shaped breedlove. There are no cracks or dents or ANY visible damage. But, it has a buzzing in the wound strings when played hard that it never had before. I changed strings, adjusted the bridge a little higher, felt the braces the best I can and can't figure it out.

Any help on where to look or what to do before I take it to a shop to be looked at?

Thank you.

KO

[pathfinder]

The impact may have caused one (or both) of the crossbraces to partially separate from the underside of the top. #

Slacken off the strings, get your fingers inside the oval hole, and gently feel for any wobble. #You may need to insert a small mirror and flashlight, to visually verify if there's any separation. # #

If this is the problem, get it repaired ASAP. #Don't re-tune the strings, because you'll risk causing the top to start caving in under the full tension of the strings. #Good luck.

[kevin_o]

Thanks pathfinder.

Good advice, I am sure, but bleak prospects for my mando if that is what it is. #I cannot feel or see any wobble or looseness in the braces, but can't get back all the way. #I am leaving the strings loose. #There is absolutely no deformities in the top at this time. #So, you may have helped a lot by advising me to not leave tension on it.

Two questions remain:
1) Any other things to check or is a repair shop definitely in order?
2) The guy who did this has been a friend for 26 years .... is he still my friend?

I know the answer to number 2. #

He is!

I guess I could smash his guitar and make it even, though......#Nah.

Thanks again
KO

[pathfinder]

It could be something else. #Check for a hairline bridge crack. #Gently torque up all screws on the tuners, the truss rod cover and the pickguard. #Carefully inspect the nut. #But if the buzz persists, you're more or less obliged to take it in to a good repairman, so as to protect your investmen by preventing any further possible damage. #

It's not a big a deal. #With the right equipment, a good eye and a good ear, a luthier will diagnose the problem in no time flat.

[sunburst]

It's not impossible that all you have is a coincidence. There may be no damage, and it would have started buzzing anyway.
Pathfinder's right. Thoroughly check, or have someone check the braces, thoroughly check it over for any other damage, (you've already done that), get it fixed if anything's wrong, and keep on playing it.

A repair person can check the braces with lights, mirrors, pallete knives, whatever. If you have loose braces, don't worry, just have them glued. It's not that big of a deal.

[Magnus Geijer]

Not knowing the Breedloves at all, it seems to me that most buzzes are in the tail piece. If yours has a cover, try taking it off and see if that makes a difference. Just an idea.

/Magnus

[kevin_o]

Thanks to all.

KO

[douglas2cats]

I guess I could smash his guitar and make it even, though...... Nah
At least wait til your on stage. An acoustic version of a Pete Townsend/Who destructathon is just something you don't get to see every day.