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View Full Version : c.1890s RWB Bowlback Mandolin


Jake Wildwood
Oct-11-2009, 12:25pm
Here's an oldy I just finished most of the work on. I'm going to have to move the tailpiece over towards the bass-side just a hair, but everything else is done -- including two top cracks, two brace reglues, and a bunch of bowl reglues. The usual suspects.

Mahogany and rosewood bowl, mahogany neck, spruce top with subtle purfling and maple binding, nice ebony pickguard, and a cool string dampening tailpiece design. The bowl is unlined inside, which is also totally cool (I think).

More shots available at:
http://antebelluminstruments.blogspot.com/2009/10/c1890s-rwb-bowlback-mandolin.html

Also, if you'd like to see a bit of new bowlback surgery, check out:
http://antebelluminstruments.blogspot.com/2009/10/around-shop-again.html
billhay4
Oct-12-2009, 8:38am
Nice, Jake.
The tailpiece alone was worth the effort.
As usual, I'm going to ask for sound clips.
Bill
EdHanrahan
Oct-13-2009, 8:52am
... if you'd like to see a bit of new bowlback surgery...:
http://antebelluminstruments.blogspot.com/2009/10/around-shop-again.html

Hey, that one sure looks familiar! And it looks like some nice work is happening! BTW, I called it German because that's what the seller said it was; I failed to mention that it was shipped from Germany, not that shipping point means a lot.

Yes, it was really good meeting you over the weekend. And getting to play a some of the instruments that I now see on your website!
Jim Garber
Oct-13-2009, 9:04am
I am not 100% certain but I believe that the monogram is actually RBW and it which stood for Rembert B. Wurlitzer and sold by them.
Jake Wildwood
Oct-14-2009, 7:43am
Bill: I'll try to get a clip soon. ;)

Ed: Definitely good to meet you, too. Next time you stop in there should be a couple of Vegas on the rack alongside a number of other juicy instruments. I managed to find a lot of nice stuff in the past week!

Jim: Thanks so much for the info. I had been trying to figure out "RWB" for a while as it wasn't coming up in any of the historical information I've gathered on the comp. I think you're probably right.
Jake Wildwood
Oct-17-2009, 1:38pm
Here's a clip!

It has a peculiar, almost zithery tone to it... which I like.