Mando Restoration Artist Referral

[Tom Rhodes]

I have two mandos that have major binding shrinkage/breakage problems causing all kinds of havoc.

They are not the most desirable mandos in the world, but belonged to my departed father, and I want them brought back to their former glory.

One is a mid-50s Epiphone strand with original DeArmond pickup. The other is a Harmony batwing electric from the late 60s, I believe.

They were both in excellent condition before spending the last several years in their cases where the binding disasters occured.

Does anyone know of a quality restoration artist in the Southwest they would recommend?

Thanks!

[mrmando]

It would be interesting to see these, particularly the Strand. The few vintage Epiphone electrics I've seen do not have DeArmonds as original pickups. I'm guessing the pickup was added later ... but without a photo, that's a pretty wild guess. Does your Strand have F-holes (pre-1954) or an oval hole (1954-57)?

I would dispute your claim that they are undesirable. The Harmony batwing electric is popular among blues and roots players. And the pre-Gibson Epiphone Strand was a high-quality, professional-grade mandolin. Well worth having the binding restored on both of these, methinks.

Alas, despite being an Arizona native I can't think of any restorers near Tucson. I can think of one in New Mexico, although I can't quite bring his name to mind right now. I'm sure a current Arizona resident will be better able to help.

[Tom Rhodes]

Well, I meant "desirable" relatively speaking.

In additiion to these 2 distressed maidens, I do have a 1914 Gibson F-4 in great condition (#19692), a 1924, December 1, Lloyd Loar L5 (with Virzi) also in great condition, and a Rev. Rolfe Gerhardt, 1977 Unicorn Master Model Jazz Custom.

I would like to find someone within driving distance who really has their mando restoration chops down to bring these 2 beauties back.


It would be interesting to see these, particularly the Strand. The few vintage Epiphone electrics I've seen do not have DeArmonds as original pickups. I'm guessing the pickup was added later ... but without a photo, that's a pretty wild guess. Does your Strand have F-holes (pre-1954) or an oval hole (1954-57)?

I would dispute your claim that they are undesirable. The Harmony batwing electric is popular among blues and roots players. And the pre-Gibson Epiphone Strand was a high-quality, professional-grade mandolin. Well worth having the binding restored on both of these, methinks.

Alas, despite being an Arizona native I can't think of any restorers near Tucson. I can think of one in New Mexico, although I can't quite bring his name to mind right now. I'm sure a current Arizona resident will be better able to help.

[jim simpson]

I wonder why shrinkage occurs? (George Castanza aside!) I picked up a Guild acoustic that I believe is from the early 90's. The top binding has shrunk away from both sides of the waist. I pulled the top binding off and found that I can re-attach the existing binding as the ends go into a routed channel under the fingerboard. There was enough extra length that it won't be too short. I do have to get new binding for the back as it was missing.

[Tom Rhodes]

The Epiphone has an oval sound hole.

I will post some pics this weekend.

[Tom Rhodes]

Pics

[maj34]

Tom:

Sorry for an off-topic post, but could we see pictures or your Unicorn? Those Gerhardt Unicorns are really great mandolins.

Marc

[Jill McAuley]

Love that Epiphone!

Cheers,
Jill

[Tom Rhodes]

Marc,

I will post one in the "Post a picture of your mandolin" forum a bit later.

It is a beaut.

Tom

[Tom Rhodes]

Marc,

I will post some pics a bit later.

It is a beaut!

Tom



Tom:

Sorry for an off-topic post, but could we see pictures or your Unicorn? Those Gerhardt Unicorns are really great mandolins.

Marc

[Tom Rhodes]

...in the "Post a picture of your mandolin" forum.



Marc,

I will post some pics a bit later.

It is a beaut!

Tom