Re: Questions on Hanging Vintage Washburn
Besides the question of the security of the hangers, be aware that without any case storage, your bowl-back will be sensitive to the ambient temperature and humidity of the room. You're in AZ, where it's dry, dry, dry; thin straight-grained wood, like the top of the mandolin, is subject to splitting when the wood cells lose moisture and shrink. Bowl-backs also are subject to cracks between the ribs of the back, for similar reasons.
Good room humidification can mitigate the effects of low atmospheric humidity, but it's something to pay attention to. Were I displaying a similar instrument in a similar situation, I'd investigate a sealable display case or cabinet, which would permit better humidity control.
Many instruments go through dry periods relatively unscathed, but being "hung out to dry," so to speak (there's a pointed metaphor!) may impair the decorative affect, if the instrument suffers some damage.
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
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