Help identify older Mandolin - "FESTIVAL" on headstock

[bpiersall]

30 years ago I picked up a Mandolin as a first instrument. I soon moved to Florida and got interested in guitars. Last week I pulled out the Mandolin on a whim and was going to replace the bridge and tuners (not very accurate and plastic knobs broke when restringing) prior to taking on finally learning the instrument. No label inside. It has a solid top and back w/ a natural finished top. The only marking is "FESTIVAL" on the headstock,

bp

[MikeEdgerton]

It's always good to post a picture if possible.

[bpiersall]

Here is a pic of the Mandolin. Should have included this with the original post.

[bpiersall]

Sorry Mike. Realized that after I posted. I have added a pic.

[MikeEdgerton]

These were imported into the US under dozens of brand names. We had a thread running where we were adding the different brands. Let me see if I can find it.

Here it is.

[bpiersall]

Thanks Mike

Is it worth investing in the new tuners and bridge?

[MikeEdgerton]

Only if you're doing it to please yourself, and that's OK. Value wise it won't do anything for the instrument.

[bpiersall]

Not looking for value. Playability was my goal.

[MikeEdgerton]

Go for it. That's what it's all about.

[bpiersall]

Mike

Thanks for your quick replies and help identifying the instrument.

Bill P

Breedlove C25 12 string (main player)
1978 Epiphone 12 String
1975 Epiphone 6 String
Fender A/E 6 String
Ibanez Talman A/E (son's rocker)

[mrmando]

A new bridge and tuners will cost as much as the mandolin is worth.

[bmac]

It is a low end instrument but is certainly worth repairing.... New tuner buttons are available at instrument suppliers and that is all the instrument needs... You can buy cheap tuners though, which work fine. I use them on a couple of my low end instruments.

A cheap adjustable bridge is available, but probably yours is just in the wrong position on the mandolin. Before you buy a new one make sure it is in the correct position. often they are not.

The nut on a cheap mandolin almost certainly never was adjusted. Normally it is quite a bit too high making playing painful and intonation impossible.. You can learn to adjust it yourself. frets.com tells you how to adjust nuts and bridge position, etc.

For just the cost of the tuner buttons, a new set of strings and a little work you are set to go.

It is not difficult and it will be cheap to restore. It will be a good learning experience. If you have questions on installing tuner buttons just ask. There is no reason why it can't be a starter mandolin... and if you take to mandolin, just upgrade in a few months and keep it as a spare. A good project.

[Willie Poole]

Take some measurments of the spacing of the tuner post and bushing to make sure what ever you purchase will fit that style of mandolin, not all tuners have the same spacing between posts....

Good luck, some of those mandos were OK to learn on and sounded pretty good with a proper set up....

Willie