Levin brace info

**AndyV** · Dec-23-2019, 6:17pm

Hi All,

I just picked up a Levin model 54. I can't see it but can just reach the brace under the bridge and it is not as tall as the braces just north and south of the sound hole.

Anyone with experience with these entry level Levins know if this is by design, or did the top of the brace split off clean at some time.

Really good first impression but needs proper bridge.

Thanks for any info you can offer.

A

**AndyV** · Dec-26-2019, 4:21pm

My son's phone is small enough that I've been able to determine the top of brace broke off.

I don't know how I'd do anything about it w/o taking the back off which I really don't want to do. It plays nice as it but I don't want to damage the top...

**pops1** · Dec-26-2019, 5:08pm

Put lighter strings on it than you may have planned to use and watch what it does.

**AndyV** · Dec-26-2019, 5:49pm

Originally Posted by pops1

Put lighter strings on it than you may have planned to use and watch what it does.

Thanks Pops. That's what I've done, tho the borrowed bridge was a lot shorter than original.

Feeling lazy, I think I'll order a new bridge rather than make one.

Thoughts on ebony vs ebony with "bone" saddle?

**Jim Garber** · Dec-26-2019, 8:57pm

I have a Model 46 which is very similar in shape and construction. I believe that in mine all the bracing is intact. I tried to take a photo but I don't know of it would hep anyway. I would loosen the strings and have a luthier take a look and perhaps they can make a new brace. But you are talking about the brace under the bridge. I don't know how you can actuall see that without a scope. I can see the one right near the soundhole but that is all.

No doubt you have seen this Swedish site with lots of info on Levins? Here is the mandolin index page. And here is the Model 54 page.

**dhergert** · Dec-26-2019, 9:56pm

I picked up one of these for just this kind of inspection. It's been very handy for all kinds of things, and it's not too pricey. (NFI)

DEPSTECH WiFi Borescope Inspection Camera

**AndyV** · Dec-27-2019, 3:01am

Jim, yes I was already aware of that site. Thanks. My son's phone is small enough to fit into the soundhole to blindly snap some photos. I've done this before with those big things with six strings that have bigger sound holes - you can't get the best angles of course.

I think it's finally time to stop saying "I really should look into getting a scope."

Thank you Don.

Andy

**Jim Garber** · Dec-27-2019, 10:18pm

I would have to take off all my strings or at least move them out of the way to get my phone into the soundhole. I almost bought one of those scopes. THey are very useful for looking at instrument interiors and other tight spaces.