Fingerboard replacement and volume loss

[Maxwellt]

I got a Strad-O-Lin in 1972, and played it for years and years as my main mandolin. # After thirty years, I decided the frets were finally worn down enough to replace. #When the luthier started taking the frets out, the rosewood began to crumble, so he asked if I wanted to replace the fingerboard with an ebony one. #Well, I said yes, and he did it, and after I got it back, I played it, and it was great, for about 30 minutes. #After that the tone and volume went away. #The next time I picked it up it did the same thing: 20-30 minutes and the volume goes down. #In fact, every time I pick it up, it does that, so I almost never play that one anymore.

So, my question is, can the added mass of ebony vs rosewood cause this effect? #The mandolin plays very well, has good action, just a lot less volume.

[labraid]

Wow, and nothing else was touched? Were you there to watch the operation?
Volume actually, perceivably decreases while playing? A different fretboard wood would not likely have this effect. Were the two fretboards of equal thickness?

[david blair]

Was the new fretboard attached with hide glue?

[allenhopkins]

I'm at a loss as to what would cause a pronounced acoustic change only after a half hour's playing. Why would a fretboard start to dampen top vibrations -- but not immediately?

Halloween's coming -- perhaps it's haunted ...:p

[markishandsome]

Lots of instruments have ebony fingerboards. I doubt anyone has ever heard of any instrument behaving as you describe. Something got seriously messed up.

[Big Joe]

Changing fingerboards would not have that effect. If it made any difference it would be noticeable right from the start. That kind of change does make the instrument play quieter after playing for a while. Just the opposite should happen. I can think of nothing that could do what you are describing. I've seen lots of odd things over the years, but never one that lost volume after playing. The only thing I can think of might be the fingerboard was not glued properly, but even then the effect would be from the minute you start playing. It could be you are altering your playing style as you go. You may have some fatigue in your hand and not playing as clean as you did to start. That would account for the changes you are experiencing. If that is not the case, take it to a good luthier and let him check it out and watch you play.

[buddyellis]

I'm with Joe. Fatigue (action too high)? Worst case board separating from the neck? I'd sorta expect the opposite, good work considering. More mass on the neck = More sustain/ volume, at least slightly anyway.

Or perhaps, action too low with new board/frets? Need new bridge? Were larger frets installed? As brian asked, is fb same thickness? Bridge, as it was, might be too low after settling in, causing volume loss (the top will settle after stringing up after a time un-strung). Pull the bridge up a few wheel turns (drop the tension first)

[BlueMountain]

Try measuring the action as accurately as possible (more accurately than most rulers) before you start playing and after the volume decreases. Any change there? Low action can certainly decrease sustain, and that can be perceived as a loss of volume.

[Maxwellt]

I'll answer as many questions as I can without measuring anything yet:

I didn't watch the operation, but I trust this guy. #He built my guitar, and it's the best one in the world. (My opinion, but I haven't even looked at another flattop in years.) (Well, looked maybe, but just as a scientific curiosity.) #(I really don't have GAS/MAS.)

The ebony board is a little thicker.

I'm not sure about the glue…I'll have to ask him.

If it's haunted, it's by my spirit, as I'm the main person to play this instrument for the last 35 years.

I doubt it is fatigue, as I have another Strad-O-Lin that I play all the time and it doesn't do this. #Although I do get fatigued sometimes, I would think I would get fatigued on any of the mandolins.

The frets are the same size as before.

I usually set the action just a little high, but I'll check it and see if there is something going on there.

I had to cut a new nut after the fingerboard replacement, but the bridge has been on it for a while.

As far as anyone to take it to, does anyone know a mandolin specialist down in the San Antonio area?

I appreciate all the input. #I know this is a weird problem.