Repair: 1914 Martin Style B Flatback Mando

[Jake Wildwood]

Click here for the blog post w/full pictures and soundclip.

This one was brought in by a customer who got it from a friend who picked it up free at the dump! SIGH. I love the non-standard pickguard shape.

[Ron McMillan]

From trash to treasure. Great job, Jake.

[brunello97]

Very nice, Jake. I love the spruce / rosewood combination on these old flatbacks.

Funny thing, I've got a 1914 bowlback in my files with the same shaped pickguard. Do you thing that smurge below the pickguard on yours follows the profile of the classic kidney shaped Martin pgs? Or is that just a coincidence?

Mick

[Jake Wildwood]

Just coincidence -- lotsa pickwear! I've seen this pickguard on alternate-branded Martin flatbacks -- maybe a Grinnell one? Can't remember -- before -- and, like you said, on the bowlbacks. It's a nice look, though, I think.

[MikeEdgerton]

Now I find out that not only do I go to the wrong garage and estate sales, hang out at the wrong flea markets and antique stores but I also don't frequent the right dumps.

[jdchapman]

This is really lovely, Jake. The blog is a constant source of temptation.

[your_diamond]

Now I find out that not only do I go to the wrong garage and estate sales, hang out at the wrong flea markets and antique stores but I also don't frequent the right dumps.

Too funny!

Mike,
Be glad you're not that guy. I heard the guy who originally found this (at the dump) still roams that dump (& he will for the rest of his days) looking for the missing tailpiece cover.

[Russ Donahue]

Nice work, as always Jake!

[resse]

What a beautiful instrument!

[Brian560]

That certainly is nice. I have one similar though in Koa. Can I ask what strings you use?

[Jake Wildwood]

That certainly is nice. I have one similar though in Koa. Can I ask what strings you use?

Gorgeous mando, Brian!

I usually use the GHS A240 set which is 32w, 20w, 13, 9 and approximately the tension of period strings. They sound good, play easy, and are safe for most old mandos. 34w-10 is a hair heavier than gauges I've seen from antique extant sets.

The ones on the instrument in question, however, are made-up from singles I had on hand so they start at 30w instead.

[Brian560]

Jake thanks for the string recommendation. I will check them out. I have checked out your shop page and music. Great stuff on both sites !