Seeking one who can repair an antique mandolin in DC/Metro area

[Yogi Judy]

I have a 1920s German Mandolin with a multi-piece back (like a puzzle - very pretty design) It plays well, but I noticed today that the pieces are beginning to get loose and can move (like cracks along the seams) - and I'd like to have it looked at and repaired before they get worse. I tried one local luthier who really beat it up and didn't seem to know how to restore old instruments. Looking for one who has worked with older instruments and can give it the care it deserves. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated (anywhere in US would be great)

[MarkELynch]

I’ve had some fine work done on my vintage Gibson mandolin collection by Marc Glickman in Frederick, MD. I’m sure he’d be happy to look at your instrument and give you some good advice.

https://www.facebook.com/Glickman.luthier/

Best Regards,
Mark

[Tom Wright]

The guitar-repair shop at Washington Music Center (Wheaton, MD) is well-run by Andrew Holland. Very fine work on crack repair, neck resets, frets, etc. (Disclaimer, Andrew is a long-time friend of mine.)

https://www.chucklevins.com/

[Paul Busman]

I’ve had some fine work done on my vintage Gibson mandolin collection by Marc Glickman in Frederick, MD. I’m sure he’d be happy to look at your instrument and give you some good advice.

https://www.facebook.com/Glickman.luthier/

Best Regards,
Mark

Thanks for posting that! I had no idea that I had a luthier living only a couple of miles from me.

[dmcginnis]

Here is another endorsement for Marc Glickman...fine repairs from a fine person.

Dave

[Joe Bartl]

Fine work done for me by Marc Glickman on my Gibson F4 and my 1921 Calace. Recommended without reservation!

mandogio

[Jim Garber]

Yogi Judy: why don't you tell us approximately in what area you live?

It is always better to meet with a luthier in person. You may not want to ship all the way across the country to a fine luthier and then decide that it will cost too much to fix it. Many of us have their favorite folks they like but it is better to go local, of possible.

I don't know about yours, but most of the ones like the one you describe are not high-end instruments and depending on the work it requires you may not want to spend more on the repairs then what the mandolin it worth.

[allenhopkins]

Sounds like you have a laminated back in which the outer lamination includes marquetry -- pieces of different colored wood in an ornamental pattern. Marquetry backs were often found in German instruments.

If that's the case, a competent instrument repair shop, like the two suggested above, should be easily able to glue down the pieces that are separating. And the mandolin's overall structure will not be too seriously compromised.

Good luck!