beyond bummed
Attachment 162710
Well maybe I can convince my wife a new Weber F Mandocello would ease my sorrows
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beyond bummed
Attachment 162710
Well maybe I can convince my wife a new Weber F Mandocello would ease my sorrows
Ouch!
I don’t suppose that’ll buff out.
Bad luck. But an arch top would definitely be a more sensible investment. ;)
You could consider a tailpiece and a new bridge... nah.
Beyond that I'd love to know the brand and the circumstances behind that. That would be an educational experience for all of us.
That looks Ovation-ish.
There are cheap Ovation copies you can get for $150 on eBay, though ... it might be one of those.
Yes it does, and even if it not an Ovation the problem is the same. A pin-less bridge epoxied to the top over the finish. That works pretty well with guitars, and perhaps it usually works with mandocellos, but the pull of 8 big steel strings directly on a pin-less bridge can obviously overcome the strength of the top wood. (A more "standard" guitar bridge with holes through to a bridge patch inside, and string balls bulling up under the top beneath the bridge has much more mechanical strength than a pin-less bridge.)Quote:
Originally Posted by mrmando
No longer a mandocello.... Can you play TOAST?
Well I wish we could all commiserate at bar near a mandolin shop, but I do believe it is a genuine Ovation. I've had it for 6 or 7 years.
I recently put on John Pearse baritone guitar stings , which have somewhat lighter gauges than regular mandocello strings ( which i have had on before), or it could also be due to temperature, but it hasn't been that cold here ( or extra hot because of heat), damp, but not that cold.
I was out of the house most of the week and just found it today, I suppose someone could have knocked it over or something, and hasn't confessed yet.... I have been playing it a lot - I think this Sunday was the last time.
I thought the Ovation factory in CT was back open? I hope so maybe can contact them.
Serious bummer.Quote:
Originally Posted by tmsweeney
Original owner would have lifetime warranty, but it sounds like you bought it second hand.
You could have it repaired and replace the bridge with a through the top pin bridge. The top would have to come off and a backing plate would need to be added. Not sure if it is worth the trouble.
Edit- From looking around, it appears that used these go for about $1500, so maybe could be worth it
There was an article a few years ago in a magazine I think about a guy that was replacing Ovation tops. I'm not totally sure where I read it, I just remember reading it.
Here's one luthier that admits to having retopped a few.
Frank Ford's fretsnet has this message thread. Look at the last message on this page. Those are 7 year old phone numbers and names but they might help you out.
IIRC, Ovation tops are epoxied (heavily) to a ledge around the bowl. I've heard of Ovations being re-topped, but not with the original top because it couldn't be removed without being destroyed. Looks like this is one of those Adama-style small soundhole types, so you can't go in and add a reinforcing plate and cleats for the break through the soundhole.Quote:
Originally Posted by colorado_al
If the intent is just to make it playable again and not worry about the cosmetics, you could try doing a surface cleat and glue of the cracks. Then add a trapeze tailpiece to carry the string load... and hope the down-pressure didn't cause further cracks or top sinkage. Ovations are somewhat famous for sinking tops.
Maybe you can make an offer on this Eastman Mandocello
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Eastman-MDC...2/332465127048
I emailed Ovation and they did give me ball park quotes for replacing the top - or just repairing that and not worrying to much about aesthetics.
They were reasonable but, I will probably just bring it to someone local to repair for a few hundred or so.
Colorado Al, thanks but I've played those Eastman cello's and wasn't sold on them.
What the heck I can skip a few mortgage payments and order a Weber.
Oh that's a bummer! I have an Ovation 12 string and an old Applause 6 string. I always loved not messing with bridge pins, but always worried about this in the back of my mind. One crazy idea is to fix it from the back - cut a hole opposite the bridge to allow for a conventional pin bridge with plate? I don't know if the existing bracing would even allow it.
Now that I look at those online they likely have Adamas Bracing. Not really suitable for a pin through bridge
Attachment 162750
I guess I'm calling it toast, but I do have parts if anyone is looking, neck and back are good as are the electronics and the decorative sound holes.
thanks for all the input
Might be a good candidate to list AS IS on Squeebay or Treeverb.... Someone might want it, and that would fund your next purchase.
That sucks but yes. Get the Weber F! I have a Gallatin and love it to death.Quote:
Originally Posted by tmsweeney