Septemeber has been a month of in between mandolin batches, so I've been working on this 1930 ALCOA bass. #149, after 5 weeks of continuous metal working restoration; 'starting to remind why I do this!
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Septemeber has been a month of in between mandolin batches, so I've been working on this 1930 ALCOA bass. #149, after 5 weeks of continuous metal working restoration; 'starting to remind why I do this!
Machine age arrives 90 years ago! Shiny! So is there going to be a protective finish, just a wax, or nothing at all? Also, did Alcoa make a press tool for this, or just rely on the (many) skilled ‘panel beaters’ from the automotive world? Interesting object.
WOW! That is pretty awesome looking!
You should powder coat it... and put some hydraulics and some spinners on it. It's already got the bass.
Looks kind of steampunk. 1930's? Amazing. I've never seen anything like that before. Can't wait to see what it looks like when it's done.
I am only a part time builder. I am pleased by the results of my latest effort. It is a vintage Mid Missouri Mandolin Company Nylon Four String Conversion
1999 or so MO model. This mandolin came back to the factory for repairs after having been sat upon. Rather than repair it Mr. Dulak sent the gentleman a new one free of charge. Later it was hastily repaired and strung with nylon strings at the request of another customer. It was not impressive as it was still braced for eight steel strings. She did not follow through. I saved it from being discarded.
I have changed the braces and some other things. It sounds very sweet and pure even before the strings are broken in. It has an unusually tall saddle which I imagine contributes to its being surprisingly loud. It plays so nice and easy perhaps even I can learn to play. If I can come up with a presentable audio I will post on Fans of Big Muddy / Mid MO
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I am really falling in love with the tone and play-ability even as I wait for the Nylagut strings to stretch and stretch. Do others have any experience with Nylagut?
MrMoe, I looked on the Big Muddy Group page and didn't see your recording... mind sharing a link?
No recording yet It has only been strung up for 20 hours and is just starting to hold tune. The break in on the Nylagut is said to be several days. My playing wont do it justice but I will try, or get some help from a player. Thanks for your interest, Maurice
Here's a shot of my F-4 with strings off. Had to reglue lateral brace. Fortunately didn't seem to be any sinkage. Hanging to dry in the background is my F-4 inspired build.
Nice!
You've got one of the old fold out peghead posters from Pickin' Magazine in the background. I had the original one on the wall for decades. I always wondered what was the connection that decided to add Guild to those??? Perhaps pressure from one of their advertising accounts....
They have a reproduction back in print now:
https://straightupstrings.com/produc...r-reprint-2400
The rim assembly of a new F-5 style mandolin. The oddly shaped tail block is for a pickup socket to the side of the tailpiece.
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I have the repro poster in my shop. The carved neck heels too.
This is better
https://soundcloud.com/user-39425458...o-convertercom
Neck fitting on an Imperial. There is something very satisfying when the joint snugs up tight.
The mallet is there to help me "un-snug" it.
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Lots of email guidance Re finishing from the exceptionally helpful Mr. Hamlett!
Just have to wait a bit to cure before I set it up.
Looking great!
The quilted big-leaf back for the mandolin, the rim of which I posted a week or so back. The second pic has had a little water sprayed on. Any suggestions about hardening/stiffening the maple?
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