I have a couple of questions about L&H mandolins. Firstly, does anyone have any idea what species of Spruce they used in those days. I have a symmetric model A made around 1918. The back is obviously Rock Maple, but I have no idea what the top is. Unlikely to be Sitka or Engelmann, so that leaves Red and European. Impossible to tell even without varnish, but I would guess European since these instruments do not have a big dynamic range. But then again I could be wrong.
Second question is how is the pickguard attached in the later assymmetric models. Mine screws into the point, but I can't see any screw in pictures of the assymmetric models.
Next question is I have seen some pictures with adjustable bridges. Are these original, or have the original one piece bridges been replaced. My bridge is only 14mm high, so would be a squeeze to fit an adjustable bridge. Is the bridge height higher on the later models?
Reason for asking is I am starting work on a new model of mandolin to be based on my L&H. I would also like to be able to offer an assymetrical mandolin with a 13" scale length. Unfortunately I can't just drop into a vintage music shop because these mandolins are virtually unkown here in Australia. Quite a few decisions need to be made on how closely to copy the original. I think I have found someone who can reproduce the tailpiece cover, but the scroll headstock is a bigger problem because the tuners are different, and it is a heck of a lot of extra work. Cost needs to be a consideration as well so I am thinking of passing on the scroll headstock and the leg pin. There is no point in making an instrument that costs a lot more than an original. Still have not decided what I am going to do about the headstock. The style B headstock is a possibility, but the tuners are worm under and it is still quite a bit more work than a small snakehead (i.e. same shape as the original but no scroll). Exact copies I think I will leave to Rigel and the folks who can afford to pay the premium for all that extra work. Reproducing the sound should not be too hard since my smaller bodied long necked oval hole does sound surprisingly similar to the original L&H.
Any thoughts?
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