Ugly duckling

[monradon]

This started out as a accident while setting up a customers mandolin. I had a accident where a Dremel tool put a deep gouge along the edge of a customers unit and you know I never hit wood. So I traded him out of it and decided to find out how thick this finish was. I found out it was put on thick enough to cover all defects in sanding and cover up the edging to make it look narrow unstead of thick. Well along time later and much lighter mando its starting its way back together. The sound is amazing for a cheaper unit of course its going to have a montolone tailpiece . So I tried a leather dye recommended by a friend and now am sanding most of that off as absorbtion was far from even. So that figured I would scoop the fret board to learn how to do it . So here is where I am at now will post pictures when I finish this.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l271/monradon/strings0022.jpg

uneven finish

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l271/monradon/strings0012.jpg

scoop

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l271/monradon/strings008.jpg

any ideas on how to even the finish though its not a biggie this will be a knock around mando because its already souding better.

[fwoompf]

I don't have any ideas but you could call it the post-apocalyptic mando in its current state! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[JEStanek]

Black topped?

It actually looks kinda cool.

Jamie

[JHo]

That's what I was thinking, it does look kinda cool. You could seal it up and call it a day. Otherwise though, assuming you don't like it the way it is, it would seem like a prime candidate for a black top.

[monradon]

Are you guys talking a black Laquer or black dye than seal it ?? Been tempted to leave it like it is also.

[bikebum]

I kinda like the 'Fire Ball' flame job on the top.

[markishandsome]

It would certainly be more distinctive in it's current state than in all black. It got a "wow" out of me anyway.

[JEStanek]

The top doesn't look too much worse than this one...

http://i10.############/34506x2.jpg

Yours looks a bit like a smoky crystal ball... look into it and tell me my future... or at least the key of the next tune.

Jamie

[monradon]

I think you guys are right sand down to 600 grit and then put it together. I really like the look of the scoop over those tiny little frets my fingers would never fit and thanks to you guys I know how to do it now :cool:

[Antlurz]

Just got to looking a bit closer. After seeing the scroll, I get the impresion it is not a carved mando, but a flat one.

Izzat right?

Ron

[monradon]

Maybe not carved but not flat

[Rick Crenshaw]

Yeah, I was thinking about that scroll. Maybe some rhinestones in a pattern where the scroll carving should be. On a blacktop mandolin. Then add a wagonwheel or cactus in rhinestones on a pickguard. 60's country special.

[TeleMark]

Actually, it looks like a brindle coated dog...

[ajh]

Experiment the hell out of it. And if it comes out sounding "clear" at all before finishing, pm me.

[ajh]

oh....and if you do....please don't blacktop it.

Tony

Did anyone else listen....for about the umpteenth time to Arlo at noon today?

[monradon]

The sound is already 100 % better, of course the John Montelone tailpiece I had laying around is alot of the reason

[Antlurz]

Throw on a set of Waverly tuners and I'll bet it sounds dyn-o-mite! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif