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Thread: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

  1. #1
    Registered User Rick Crenshaw's Avatar
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    Default Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    I will never sell this mandolin. So should I address this worn finish or not? If so, what would you recommend?

    Personally, I'm not worried about the appearance of honest mojo. (let's save the discussion of my right hand technique for another day) That said, I don't want to wear an actual hole in the top. I've thought about just applying a few coats of a sanding sealer or a shellac. But I don't know the consequences of that move. The clear pickguard material would bother me visually, I think. But I'm open to all suggestions. Prioritize integrity of the instrument.

    Like me, life and age has wrinkled and roughed up this handsome devil a bit. Those who treasure impeccable instruments, rest easy in the knowledge that this one has been loved.

    Rick

    Forgot to add that this is Sim's (probably too) thin satin lacquer. Maybe that is why it sounds so good. Also, not sure what's up with the double posted pics.
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    Rick in Memphis

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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    Sorry, I have no advice to offer, but how long has it taken you to put that amount of love into it? If years, I see no need for concern at this point.

  3. #3
    Registered User Rick Crenshaw's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    12+ years. So... Sam Bush mojo in 50 more?
    Rick in Memphis

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    Registered User Denman John's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    Wear it like it’s a badge of honour. Many hours of playing that mandolin got you there. I like it!

    Have you thought about putting a pick guard on it? It would protect the top and also hide the bare spot.

    Out of curiosity, have you had the mandolin refretted in last 12 years?

  5. #5
    Registered User Perry's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Rick Crenshaw View Post
    I will never sell this mandolin. So should I address this worn finish or not? If so, what would you recommend?
    eff no! leave it alone

  6. #6

    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    If it bothers you, for somewhere between $100-250 you can get that cleaned up by a good luthier at any point. If you keep going like you have, it'll get 10-20% more expensive after adjusting for inflation. We're not talking about Glen Hansard or Trigger situations here, if you want to get it fixed, it's within arm's reach.
    Meanwhile, it's not pristine, so additional wear won't make or break anything. Enjoy it in good health.

  7. #7
    Registered User Rick Crenshaw's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Rick Crenshaw View Post
    12+ years. So... Sam Bush mojo in 50 more?
    No, in fact, I have not. Dressed twice, but not refretted.
    Rick in Memphis

  8. #8
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    How will you feel when you start chewing through the top?
    Not all the clams are at the beach

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    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    Get yourself a guard then no worries? I personally love pickguards-the look and feel, I don't plant my right hand but use it as a guide for my style of playing, I can barely play a mandolin if it doesn't have a guard-its a mental block thing, my Uncle who has been a pro picker since the late 60's is the same way. He has to have a guard on his mandolins.

  10. #10

    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    I was a pinky planter too until I put finger rests on my current instruments. I opted for narrow ones made of ebony sanded out silky smooth and angled down about 15 degrees. It did change my technique, my fingers barely brush against it while I play, but it helps register where my hand/pick are in relation to the strings, which is what the pinky is doing for you now. I've found that bluegrassers generally hate the guard as it gets in the way of their aggressive style. A good luthier can touch it up for you but you really need a tougher finish in that one particular spot. There are post-catalyzed conversion varnishes that are very hard and tough and would seriously slow down or stop the wear. Also, keep that right pinky nail trimmed short and deburred with a good emery board.Click image for larger version. 

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  11. #11
    Registered User Rick Crenshaw's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    I don’t plant my pinkie. This is from my little finger “dragging’ on the top. I’d have to put guards on my other mandolins I’d think should I go with guards. The other mandolins I own show spots on the finish but none other is near breaking through the finish. How far will this wear continue? I’m not sure. That’s why I think about protecting it with some finish.

  12. #12
    Registered User jim simpson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    I like the looks of pickguards but prefer to play without them. I find that using an armrest changes my string attack enough that I don't get the pinky drag wear. Easy to try and easy to remove if you don't like it. I would also have someone touch it up.
    Old Hometown, Cabin Fever String Band

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  14. #13

    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    Rick,

    Keep that pjnkie trimmed & rock on!

    -craig

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    Mandolin user MontanaMatt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    I know this is the wrong hand, but if it were the right hand...no more pinky drag!
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    Registered User Rick Crenshaw's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by jim simpson View Post
    I like the looks of pickguards but prefer to play without them. I find that using an armrest changes my string attack enough that I don't get the pinky drag wear. Easy to try and easy to remove if you don't like it. I would also have someone touch it up.
    That’ sounds like an idea worth trying.
    Rick in Memphis

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    Certified! Bernie Daniel's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Rick Crenshaw View Post
    That’ sounds like an idea worth trying.
    What Jim said. For sure I'd get it professionally touched up. As was noted earlier at this point in time it is essentially "reversible" but as the wear continues it becomes a more difficult issue. If you don't like a pick guard and the arm rest idea does not work you could always consider your pick grip? The "Monroe style" grip that Mike Compton teaches has the little finger is tucked in -- but everyone has their own ideas about grip.
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  21. #17

    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    If the appearance doesn't concern you, it probably will be fine. Willie's hasn't imploded yet in over 50 years of hard use, so......

  22. #18
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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    i would definitely have it touched up from time to time...not talking about refinishing, but just adding finish material to protect it. This gets done to my guitars when needed and prevents more wood loss and the extensive repairs that "Trigger" has endured over the years (from what Mr. Erlewine says in his videos, the guitar is indeed in danger of caving in). Charlie Derrington said he had to add a layer of spruce on the unerside of the famous F5, as it was getting paper thin. Retouching may not make it look mint, but it's beyond that and will be a whole big bunch better than slowly grinding thru the top. If Mr. Monroe and Willy had done this perhaps such damage wouldn't be trendy nowadays.

  23. #19

    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    Rick, I would do nothing. The initial wear happens faster than the subsequent wear. Once your past the finish and wear on the soft early wood, the late wood kind of holds it from there. If that wear took 6 months I might be a little concerned. But in 12 more years I do not think it will be twice as bad.

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  25. #20
    Registered User Rick Crenshaw's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    Thanks for all the replies, guys. There are some good ideas. Still undecided but have some paths forward to look at. I'll be investigating armrests.
    Rick in Memphis

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  27. #21
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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    Maybe the best argument for touching it up would be for preserving its value. You might not envision selling but it's likely that it will move on someday. i can't predict that or how much more it will wear in the future.

    Buck's point of the wood wearing more early and less later is new to me. However, i suspect the overall finish will likely continue to wear and the bare area will spread. Yet another reason to nip it in the bud. i hope you like the path you choose.

  28. #22
    Registered User johnhgayjr's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    Give her a few coats of your favorite color rustoleum and — problem solved. The Frank Wakefield solution...

  29. #23
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by johnhgayjr View Post
    Give her a few coats of your favorite color rustoleum and — problem solved. The Frank Wakefield solution...
    You've gotta bake it in the oven as well.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
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  30. #24
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    I have spots on my Gibson that I've worn off. I'm kind of proud of those spots.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
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    Registered User Bill Baldridge's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mojo on beloved Daley mandolin

    Just came across your thread while roaming around the Cafe. I had Sim build me a pick guard when he made my mandolin. If you have some sentimental reason for keeping it all "Daley", contact him through his website and I am sure he would be happy to take your money.
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