Hello all!
I recently came into possession of 2, 1948 Martin&CO
2-15 mandolins. But they both have issues that need fixing so I thought I'd check here to see if anyone has some information for me. I'll post photos below as well. Basically each one has issues the other doesnt so I'm planning on swapping out parts to get one put together nicely.
For reference with the photos I am calling the mandolin I am planning on restoring number 1 or 1st, and the other number 2 or 2nd.
The one im planning on restoring, 1, is in relatively good shape except there's a piece of the f-hole knocked out on the soundboard. It also has an after market pick guard, replaced tuning gears and is missing it's tailpeice, but the other, 2nd, mandolin has all of those original parts that can be transferred. Also, on 1st mandolin, the strip of wood that connects the soundboard and the backside is slightly damaged from where the tailpiece broke off, but the strip on the other, 2nd, mandolin is in perfect shape and has the tailpiece and decorative cap already attached.
I guess I have 2 main questions.
1. What is the type of wood used by Martin in 1948 for their soundboard, is it solid or are there multiple layers, and if it is multiple layers then what types of wood or veneer were used.
2. Could the undamaged strip on the 2nd mandolin be removed and replaced onto the one I'm restoring, 1, without damaging it? The crack is actually so small and doesn't compromise the actual body so just for playability a budget sake could it just be filled in with wood puddy?
I really appreciate your help a lot. I'm really hoping I can get this mandolin back to it's original condition as closely as possible without breaking the bank. I'm attaching photos below. All of the photos of the mandolin I am planning on repairing/talking about are labeled with a "1", and the one's labeled "2" are of the one I am using for parts.
If you believe the 2nd mandolin may be easier to repair please say so. It's in decent shape as far as having it's original equipment but the soundboard is completely cracked at the bottom. My grandfather stored it for years and forgot to loosen the strings and I'm assuming the tension combined with humidity changes caused it to break. I believe this mandolin would only need a soundboard and to have the connecting strip reattached as it has also separated from the body due to to stress, but I haven't had anyone look at the inside to make sure the acoustics are still ok. The photos of this mandolin will be marked with a 2.
Again, thanks so much for any infor.ation you may be able to give me.
Josh A.
VirginiaAttachment 182517
Bookmarks