Re: Replacing Missing Labels/ Advisable Or Not?
Having an identifiable reproduction label might call into question the authenticity of the instrument itself. And, since it's not relevant to the musical quality of the mandolin, why go to the trouble and expense of finding and affixing one? The only way that you would avoid the "repro" stigma, would be to have Gibson themselves put the label on.
I have a Gibson GB-3 Mastertone guitar banjo with a reproduction 5-string neck by Bernie Lehmann. But I also have the original 6-string neck, and when (and if) I sell the instrument, I'll include the original neck so it can be put back to "authentic," assuming the new owner wants to do it.
Restoring instruments to "original" condition, by finding and installing old tuners, tailpieces etc., is usually acceptable. But there are so many fakes around with repro labels, that using one of them can raise a red flag to the potential purchaser. And, as stated above, a clearly marked "repro" label defeats the purpose of restoration.
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
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