Re: Acquired a Strad-O-Lin
Wow. that's a nice looking one. Yes, the bridge should be adjustable. Wonder if the prior owner just wanted really low action? Am sure others can help you figure out where to find the hardware if you want to try to put it back to stock. The Rubners look really nice on that one. And bet it tunes better
Cool that it has both the pickguard and tailpiece covering. Nice touch.
Am sure you've already looked, but some of these have a date stamped inside on the back often near where the fingerboard overhangs.
Enjoy!
Re: Acquired a Strad-O-Lin
That is kind of an odd looking bridge, isn't it. It almost looks like the bottom was sanded down at one time, as there appears to be the suggestion of feet.
Sue
Re: Acquired a Strad-O-Lin
Thanks Eric for the response. Yes it looks good, there are a few marks here and there, but nothing to complain about. The action was very low, it could be played softly, but a firmer stroke and the strings would touch the next frets, I couldn't play it comfortably like that. Now I just relax, play loud or soft and it's all good.
I did look inside, but I think I should look again, in my initial inspection I was just very excited, might have missed something. :)
Re: Acquired a Strad-O-Lin
The original tuners would have helped date it but I take it for earlier than the 50's. The bridge needs looks like somebody took an adjustable bridge and glued some pieces together then had to stack some veneer under it to raise it, at least I hope it's veneer.
Re: Acquired a Strad-O-Lin
Mike, I put the veneer there myself on the day I got it. It was intended just as a "proof of concept" to give an idea of what was needed. I can only assume the previous owner hadn't played it much 'in anger' recently. Maybe the top or neck shifted over the years, though it looks in solid condition and the neck is ok.
Re: Acquired a Strad-O-Lin
Looks like the original, adjustable bridge that has indeed been glued together which would explain the low action. Nice looking mandolin, right Eric the matching pickguard and tailpiece cover are a nice rare touch.
2 Attachment(s)
Re: Acquired a Strad-O-Lin
Re: Acquired a Strad-O-Lin
Good looking Strad-O-Lin. I would think that if a well fit adjustable bridge were to be installed, it would sound much better then it might currently.
Re: Acquired a Strad-O-Lin
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Charles E.
Good looking Strad-O-Lin. I would think that if a well fit adjustable bridge were to be installed, it would sound much better then it might currently.
Yes, that's an interesting thought. When I first got the instrument various ideas such as replacing the bridge with an adjustable one, or having one custom made, occurred to me. But in the short term, I just spent five minutes hastily putting something under there so I could tune it. And you know what? It sounds good. At the moment, all I'm planning to do is to try to do a tidier and cleaner-edged job - but since it sounds so good, I'm not feeling any need to hurry. My main concern is whether anything I do might damage the top of the mandolin. I don't think there's any immediate problem there.
As to the difference in sound between an adjustable versus a one-piece bridge, I guess that's been debated endlessly already. It's not something I feel strongly about.
1 Attachment(s)
Re: Acquired a Strad-O-Lin
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MikeEdgerton
The original tuners would have helped date it but I take it for earlier than the 50's.
I think mine is similar to the Stradolin of forum-member Spruce. Here's the tuners:
https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/a...chmentid=55532
https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/a...chmentid=55526
Photo credit:@Spruce
Note: above photos are NOT of my mandolin, they are shared for reference/comparison only.
Another feature which I thought might help with categorising and possibly with dating, is the shape of the fretboard. This is a photo of my own Stradolin:
Attachment 187887
Re: Acquired a Strad-O-Lin
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Cobalt
Yes, that's an interesting thought. When I first got the instrument various ideas such as replacing the bridge with an adjustable one, or having one custom made, occurred to me. But in the short term, I just spent five minutes hastily putting something under there so I could tune it. And you know what? It sounds good. At the moment, all I'm planning to do is to try to do a tidier and cleaner-edged job - but since it sounds so good, I'm not feeling any need to hurry. My main concern is whether anything I do might damage the top of the mandolin. I don't think there's any immediate problem there.
As to the difference in sound between an adjustable versus a one-piece bridge, I guess that's been debated endlessly already. It's not something I feel strongly about.
That bridge looks like a 2X4. I can't believe, no matter how good it sounds, that a bridge with less mass would sound better, more volume , more open and clear notes!!
Re: Acquired a Strad-O-Lin
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mandoplumb
That bridge looks like a 2X4. I can't believe, no matter how good it sounds, that a bridge with less mass would sound better, more volume , more open and clear notes!!
Well, I can't read the mind of the previous owner(s) of this instrument, but by removing two metal bolts and two metal adjusting-wheels, then gluing, the bridge itself has indeed been made lighter and more rigid than a typical Stradolin bridge. The empty screw-holes are visible from under the base of the bridge.
1 Attachment(s)
Re: Acquired a Strad-O-Lin
Anyway, I thought I'd add a quick sound sample, doesn't cover all the capabilities of the mandolin, but it's something. (mistakes included free of charge)