Vega Cylinderback—save me please!

[Scot63]

Not sure what axe murderer tried to do in this poor cylinderback, but it needs help . . . http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Vega...UAAOSwaZdXIiSD

[Jeff Mando]

Interesting.........

[Tavy]

Thank heavens he doesn't ship outside the US....

[brunello97]

Thank heavens he doesn't ship outside the US....

I'm going to toss in a desultory bid or two. I've John 11-ed a few "topless" mandos to some good success. You have to figure the back is the tricky part of these....

Mick

[Eddie Sheehy]

The top needs a 'cant' to work... steam-bent maybe?

[Jeff Mando]

Never say "cant" -- I have faith you CAN do it!!!

[Charles E.]

The top needs a 'cant' to work... steam-bent maybe?

Cant tops are sawn part way through the top (on the underside) at the bend. Then reinforced.

It is a shame the top is destroyed but it would be useful to see the original thickness of the plate. The rose wood ones are sought after, it might be worth it to make a new top.

[plinkey]

Thank heavens he doesn't ship outside the US....

Right....otherwise, the Tavy & Plinkey Derelict Mandolin Repair International Inc. might be asked to restore it.

Fear not, I own an excellent Vega Cylinderback specimen, and there is no need for another.

[Eddie Sheehy]

I have a Rosewood, a Maple, and a Mahogany, so I'll leave this be...

[BradKlein]

I see that it sold for $235 including shipping, and in some sense that's a fine deal for a mandolin of this class in need of a re-top.

The seller did not provide really good photos - but it would be great to see some high quality large photos of this instrument, to document the construction details. Particularly the neck block, and its attachment to the sides, and also the back bracing.

[jdsobol]

Cylinder-backs were made with incredibly thin tops, and they have a tendency to dish or collapse altogether.. Great sounding when they're healthy though. I've had one or two like this that I've given up on....

I see that it sold for $235 including shipping, and in some sense that's a fine deal for a mandolin of this class in need of a re-top.

The seller did not provide really good photos - but it would be great to see some high quality large photos of this instrument, to document the construction details. Particularly the neck block, and its attachment to the sides, and also the back bracing.

[ollaimh]

good price for a project--if you have a great repair guy. my great repair guy, and he's fantastic has retired on me/ INSTRUMENT REPAIR MAN RETIRES--THOUSANDS HOMELESS. he is having operations this month--if all goes well he said he would do a few things for a long term customer like me.

so i din't bid. i don't have a rosewood one. i have a mahagony and maple one, both of which i love.