Restoration

[Gibsonman]

Anybody out there do restoration of old vintage mandolin cases? If so please let me know. Thanks John Dudeck.

[garryh]

check out http://www.vintageinstruments.com/

Garry

[Ken Waltham]

I've fixed tons of them, but mostly pretty simple stuff, like making the lid stand up again, and gluing separated seams.

[Rob Anderson]

Hi John,
I make custom cases and am currently in the process of restoring an original Gibson A-style case. Basically it's not worth the trouble,I can make a new case much easier. This is a very cool arched top and back, shaped case that I wanted to bring back to life mainly to see how it was constructed and to see if I could do it.
I would estimate that it will take me roughly twice the time to redo this case as it it would to make a new one! The good news is that it is possible. This case was taken down to bare plywood, gutted,reglued,recovered and is currently in need of the appropriate hardware.
If you just need a catch or hinge replaced you'll probably be able to find a local music store repair person who could do that.
Give me a call if you like,

Rob Anderson-Dunamis Designs 920-470-2767

[Django Fret]

I have an older case from the teens or twenties that is currently being held together with electrical tape. Replacing it would probably be the easiest thing to do, but I would like to try to re-build it if I can. Are there any books, courses, or articles that anyone can recommend that might help me understand what would be involved in this type of project?

One thing I am concerned about is the type of glues to use that won't run the risk of damaging the mandolin that will eventually be back inside of it. Any suggestions for the type of glue to use (or avoid) for the interior or exterior coverings?

[greg boyd]

Hi,

On many "all-leather" cases, or "sleeves"... the problem is only that the old cotton thread has deteriorated away. If this is the problem, you only need to re-stitch it with good waxed thread.

But many times the old leather is also dried-out to the point of being crumbly and new stitching won't help.

We have never had success with boot-makers, etc, repairing these latter cases correctly. I would love to be able to send fine old leather cases off to someone who will do correct replacement of the right diminsions of leather, etc.

If anyone wants the job, and can do it right, we have one or two nice old leather cases to send them for repair.

On old composite cases (especially leather veneer over pressed paper), I don't know if there would ever be a good way worth the money to repair them.

On old wooden hardshell cases like old Gibson cases, etc, that are "coming apart at the seams", I agree that sometimes they can be more trouble than they are worth to do complete regluing... But!...

We have found that good 'ol black Duct Tape can be very nicely applied all around the edges to provide a great repair that lasts for years. That great sticky tape with the cloth webbing in it works better than you might think.

We have gotten quite good at it, and have sent many a customer on their way satisfied with brown Duct Tape holding their old Gibson L-5 case together at the seams, or Black Duct Tape on old Gibson A or F cases.
There is a trick to applying the tape straight to the SIDES, and letting an equal amount hang out over the back or top. Then make splits every so often in the tape so that it lays nicely as you bend around the case surface. *Bend each separate split piece at a time for nice results.
(Why do I suddenly feel like Martha Stewart?)

For gosh sakes - DON'T listen to "Red Green" and use the silver Duct Tape!

- Greg Boyd
House of Fine Instruments

[jim simpson]

Greg,
When I lived in West Virginia, we called the silver Duct tape chrome!
Jim

[Doug Edwards]

Duct tape is not so bad. It's even available in designer colors such as red, blue, black, blaze orange, and my favorite, camouflage. If it can't be fixed with duct tape, it's broke.

[OdnamNool]

Django Fret...

Howdy! The glue that I use for many craft projects is called, "Tacky Glue." (I think that's how you spell it...) It is very easy to work with, and I think it's quite safe (and strong.) You can find it at craft shops or hobby shops. If they don't have it where you are at, let me know and I'll send ya some...

Take care!