No mandolin content here, but very applicable to this forum and the collective knowledge of some of the folks here.
I pulled these circa 1940 Epiphone tuning machines off a (rather large) instrument today. There is a very distinct red color reaction around the tuning machines and string posts only where the layer of nitrocellulose finish has been removed slightly to allow for a good fit, exposing some unfinished maple. This is NOT surface level, but appears to be in or under the finish. The original finish was blonde, so it is not leftover color from fading. Could it be a deeper reaction with the sanding sealer? It is similar on both machines. I believe I am the first person to work on this instrument and remove the machines, "gold" plated 30s /40s era Klusons, hand engraved from the factory. I've never seen it before and am curious if anyone here knows.
The neck was broken in a couple of places, so it is getting prepped for a new European maple neck and a scroll graft. For the curious, the high quality seasoned European maple bass neck blank with decent figure and excellent grain costs approx. $450 just for the blank!
It would be great if we could keep the discussion on point with people who actually have nitro & finishing experience.....
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