extension cut off

[Kbone]

I've been looking at a nice mandolin with the extension cut off in a straight line, and the piece is still in the case. Will this change tone any and would it be feasible to re attach it and at what cost.thanks

[MikeB]

To paraphrase Sam Bush, yes, reattaching the fretboard extension WILL affect the tone; YOU WILL HEAR CLICKING WHEN YOU PLAY!

Can't speak to expense (or point) of reattaching the thing, but I cut one off once and never once regretted it, not even when I sold it. If this is a vintage Gibson F model, it might matter, otherwise, I wouldn't worry about it.:laugh:

[kudzugypsy]

i cut mine off a F5L. if i was to buy one from someone, i would dock the price for it, as it is an aleration. IMO, the use of the extention is long past its purpose of actually playing up there, and serves little purpose for 99.9% of us. as to the tone, it sounds the same.

[Lee]

If thine extension offends thee, chop it off.

[Jim Yates]

I'd opted for the scalloped extension. It retains a more traditional look, however I have been asked,"What's the purpose of that little piece of wood that sticks out the end of your fingerboard?" I haven't thoyught of a good response; maybe,"the same as the little scroll and point on Mr. Bill's mandolin."

[acousticphd]

I'd say the previous owner saved you the trouble by amputating something that just gets in the way. I've cut the extension off of several of my mandos. In one case I did my best to clean it up cosmetically by hand-filing scalloping the remaining bit. If you like the mando, you might invenst a few dollars into having a few more frets pulled and then having the remaining extension scalloped and cleaned up.

[Steven Stone]

I've found that just removing the frets prevents pick-click and doesn't butcher the looks of the mando.

I have Bryan Kimsey replace the frets with thin slivers of wood in the fret slots. It looks stock yet eliminates the problem. AND no loss in value if resold.

[mandroid]

matching neck binding, {on the end) if its sides are bound. should make it look better, EH?


Tone is a bit different playing closer to the bridge to avoid hitting the fretted peninsula, admittedly, so the if it hurts just dont hit it, kind of idea may not be what is wanted.

SamBushifying an adverb for this?

[Kbone]

Thanks for the reply all. What would be the cost to have it reattached and scooped - i just like the look I guess.

[jim simpson]

Doesn't cutting off the extension expose an unfinished area of the top? I believe I would want something other than a blunt end if I chose to modify or cut off an extension. I would have the fingerboard re-bound to look complete.

[Kbone]

anyone out there that does ( reattach/scoop)this type of work..cost?

[Moose]

Jim S.: You are correct! - I just had the "pick-click"/extension cut off(!) my newly-acquired Flatiron "A" Performer. Yes, something I didn't anticipate - the area under the extension!! - My luthier kept my mando 'couple extra days due to refinishing this area on the top. I'm very happy with both the "fix" AND the Flatiron - although it is not up to speed!! - evidently had not been played much - I'm wakin' it up! - it's workin'. No financial interest here, but I have ALL my "serious" work (2 mandos & 4 guitars) done by Sheats Guitar Factory in New Castle, De. He is strictly a repairperson - as was his dad. I trust NO ONE else with my instruments - 3 of my guitars (thin-electric/hollow body, a dreadnaut, and Jumbo(as in J200) are SHEATS GUITARS. I mention this as I believe you are close to my area - Wilmington, W. Chester...etc. Been dealin' with the Sheats' for 15+ years. Sorry to rattle on. Regards, Moose.

[GTison]

Every time I look at a mandolin picture and see that the extension has been scooped or lopped off I wince. I know yall say the click bothers you, but I can't get over the looks of it. It's your mandolin (for now). But if I'm purchasing it I will take off some value and I may not buy it at all. You can ask some sellers (if they don't currently have one in stock) what they thiink. If it's scooped or cut off, it is not original and it will not sell as fast and will not sell for quite as much.

[GTison]

ever see a mandolin with a removable fretboard extension? I have but I can't remember who the maker was. Duff?

[250sc]

Invest in a holographic extension. It's the best of both worlds.

[TommyK]

Depends:
If you want a museum piece to hang on a wall or for investment purposes. Take a pass.

If you want a player, then don't fret it, unless you fret up there, THEN fret it.

[mandroid]

I gather that OFF is the current condition, so pinning [steel pins, (wee nails will work), drilled holes, into both parts] will be required to re attach thinned down bit, so as to rejoin the functional fretboard.
the looks with filled slots of matching dyed ebony , post-fix should be reasonably invisible at a further than intimate arm length.