Re: Cleaning up an old bowl back
Couple things to consider: it's rare, but there were "canted top" mandolins where the bridge was placed "south" of the bend in the top (some Vega instruments were set up that way). Not unheard of, and if the bridge has to go there, then try it there. Second, if the action (height of the strings above the fretboard) is too high, the strings will stretch sharp when pressed to the fretboard. I'm assuming you've adjusted the action to a comfortable level, but if not, that could lead to mis-intonation.
Clearly the former bridge placement was 'way too close to the neck. And there aren't marks on the other side of the bend, to indicate that it was placed there in the past. But this may be one of the exceptions to the general rule, that the bridge goes on the "neck side" of the bend.
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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