Re: Help: bought a vintage mandolin
From what I can see, my guess is that it is neither the neck or the neck joint that has failed but that the top to the "north" of the soundhole has sunken in a bit which has caused the neck geometry to rotate up making for unplayable action. This is visible in the OP's photo #4 as Victor has noted.
This is unfortunately not uncommon on ROTM bowlbacks from this era and likely why both CF Martin and LEmbergher reinforced this area on their mandolins. It's something I add to all my bowlbacks as a precautionary adjustment.
The reports of the death of this mandolin are greatly exaggerated. I've repaired many a bowlback in this condition by reinforcing the top, adjusting the bridge and frankly replacing the fretboard with a new tapered piece to adjust for the change in neck angle. I've also planed the neck geometry on some with less radical rotation. I don't imagine that is an option here.
I'm always a bit amused by those who will cast these aside saying "it's not worth it.....". In some respects, that is correct, the money spent repairing it might go to a intact instrument. However, the beautiful music made from these old Italian bowlbacks, even the ROTM ones is sublime. They have a "shimmering sound" as our friend, Martin, put it so poetically, that can't be matched.
A couple dinners out forgone. A couple tanks of gasoline. Buying your wine at Trader Joe's. Skipping your cable TV for a season. A lovely if humble mandolin is yours.....to play the theme from Amarcord upon.
Mick
Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
______________________
'05 Cuisinart Toaster
'93 Chuck Taylor lowtops
'12 Stetson Open Road
'06 Bialetti expresso maker
'14 Irish Linen Ramon Puig
Bookmarks