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Thread: I am totally bummed out

  1. #1

    Default I am totally bummed out

    I just played in the best jam I have ever participated in. Got home, took my mandolin out of the gig bag and the large scroll had broken off the headstock just like in Pete Martin’s avatar. Do I glue it back on or just live with it?

  2. #2
    Registered User sblock's Avatar
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    Default Re: I am totally bummed out

    You should get it repaired. Then, you should invest in a proper case!

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    Default Re: I am totally bummed out

    Bummer. My sympathies. My .02 - have a pro reattach it, or leave it off - I hate the way a bad scroll repair looks.

  4. #4

    Default Re: I am totally bummed out

    That is a bummer. But remember, that best jam you participated in is the reason for playing an instrument. If it's a really valuable instrument, then it's worth having it repaired properly. If not, just roll with it, you'll probably be planning for an upgrade in the next few years anyway and the $100 to fix the instrument may set you back a month or two of savings!

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  6. #5
    Confused... or?
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    Default Re: I am totally bummed out

    Been there; not fun. I agree w/ Alfons.

    I'm sort of handy and figured to do it myself. But after several weeks of planning, I had to admit that the break was too clean for me to ensure that the glue-up wouldn't wander, so I took it to a pro. If the break is very clean, the angles of an F headstock really need specialized jigs to hold pressure while the glues sets. In my case at least, clamps and rubber bands were not going to do it. Yes, the money hurt 7 or 8 years ago, but I hardly feel it now!
    Last edited by EdHanrahan; Sep-08-2019 at 9:02pm.
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    Registered User Simon DS's Avatar
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    Default Re: I am totally bummed out

    If it’s a nice mandolin then you have to get it repaired professionally, if not then do it yourself and look at the fine repair line as a reminder of a great session, like a diary with notes of good times!

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    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: I am totally bummed out

    It isn't to hard to make a couple of alignment jigs from scrap wood. Anyone with an F style mandolin should have a hard case IMHO. That little bit is just to easy to break.
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    Registered User Steve VandeWater's Avatar
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    Default Re: I am totally bummed out

    I watched that show at the Ryman on PBS the other night and noticed that Ricky Skaggs was playing a mandolin with the scroll broken off. He didn't seem to mind.
    It ain't gotta be perfect, as long as it's perfect enough!

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    Rush Burkhardt Rush Burkhardt's Avatar
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    Default Re: I am totally bummed out

    So often, when the scroll breaks, it becomes susceptible to "re-injury". I always thought the idea illustrated here was a good one.
    The Forum>Builders and Repair>Thread: The case against scroll "strengtheners", Reply: #66.
    Good luck!
    Rush Burkhardt
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  11. #10
    Registered User Tom C's Avatar
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    Default Re: I am totally bummed out

    Being that it was in gig bag, Im assuming it was not an expensive one and the cost of fixing it may be the same as buying a new one. Or you may be ready for an upgrade in near future. if thats the case, Id leave it

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    Registered User Zigeuner's Avatar
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    Registered User amowry's Avatar
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    Default Re: I am totally bummed out

    I would opt for hide glue rather than CA. If it's a clean break you can use masking tape to hold it in place while the glue dries, and hide glue will shrink and pull it tight. Hide glue is probably stronger, and much easier to clean up if there's any squeezeout.

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    Default Re: I am totally bummed out

    Quote Originally Posted by amowry View Post
    I would opt for hide glue rather than CA. If it's a clean break you can use masking tape to hold it in place while the glue dries, and hide glue will shrink and pull it tight. Hide glue is probably stronger, and much easier to clean up if there's any squeezeout.
    I agree, it also makes it easier to reglue should/when it breaks again.
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  16. #14
    Registered User Brian560's Avatar
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    Default Re: I am totally bummed out

    You would think some enterprising luthier would start laminating carbon fiber on those head stocks with fancy scrolls that keep breaking.

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    Adrian Minarovic
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    Default Re: I am totally bummed out

    I would just use strong HHG and hold it tightly in alignment till I can count to 50. Then let it rest overnight with the mandolin oriented so that the scroll is above the break (no side leverage by gravity). You don't need clamps for this. THis is what some TOP violin restorers do for regluing of broken off violin scroll. I did it last time I repaired broken scroll and it works great.
    Adrian

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  19. #16
    Out of tune HappyPickin's Avatar
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    Default Re: I am totally bummed out

    Quote Originally Posted by Brian560 View Post
    You would think some enterprising luthier would start laminating carbon fiber on those head stocks with fancy scrolls that keep breaking.
    Doug Clark has been doing that for a good while. He's s builder in Canton, NC.
    Out of tune and out of time.

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