Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: Used Mandolin with Binding Separation

  1. #1

    Default Used Mandolin with Binding Separation

    I'm looking at this mandolin on reverb: https://reverb.com/item/31371310-mcg...style-mandolin

    It has the exact tone I'm looking for. The only thing that concerns me is that there's a section of the binding that is separating. Does anyone know if this would be a major issue? Would it be a crazy expensive fix to deal with? If anyone has experience with this sort of thing that could chime in I'd really appreciate it.

  2. #2
    Teacher, repair person
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Southeast Tennessee
    Posts
    4,078

    Default Re: Used Mandolin with Binding Separation

    I cannot tell from the picture whether the binding is loose, or whether the back has come loose and has possibly been re-glued.
    If you can get the instrument in your hands, you can see if a piece of paper will slide between the bottom of the neck heel and the back.
    But it would be better to have a repairman inspect it.

    All of these things can be repaired, but it can be difficult to make the repairs look nice. Most of the glues normally used for bindings are solvent based, and can react with the instrument's finish. The wood surface in the photo is rough and uneven. The labor necessary to hide the repair will take at least several hours.

    If you like the instrument and the damaged area is structurally sound, you might want to consider leaving it alone.
    Last edited by rcc56; Mar-24-2020 at 12:24pm.

  3. The following members say thank you to rcc56 for this post:

    Gulf 

  4. #3

    Default Re: Used Mandolin with Binding Separation

    Thanks for your reply! I should have clarified I meant I would take it to a professional to fix it up. The wear and tear doesn't bother me, I'm mostly concerned about if the damage is structurally sound or not. I guess that would be something to ask the seller about.

  5. #4
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Forest Grove, Oregon
    Posts
    2,775

    Default Re: Used Mandolin with Binding Separation

    How do you know it has the “exact tone” you’re looking for? You apparently haven’t played it. There are similar instruments in the classifieds from well known makers at a similar price. Looking at the eBay picture of the back separation gives me concern.

    I wouldn’t be in too much of a hurry.
    Not all the clams are at the beach

    Arrow Manouche
    Arrow Jazzbo
    Arrow G
    Clark 2 point
    Gibson F5L
    Gibson A-4
    Ratliff CountryBoy A

  6. The following members say thank you to Bill McCall for this post:

    Gulf 

  7. #5

    Default Re: Used Mandolin with Binding Separation

    Hi Bill, true I haven't played it but the video on the ad shows that with a good driver the mandolin is at least capable of a tone that I really like. I appreciate your input, I guess I'm a little antsy to upgrade and need to cool it a bit

  8. #6
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Outer Spiral Arm, of Galaxy, NW Oregon.
    Posts
    17,103

    Question Re: Used Mandolin with Binding Separation

    Looks like back separation, to fix that the whole back would be removed, the surface prepared
    and then re glued and clamped all the way around.. while glue set..
    unknown repair bill , exceed what you are seeing as a discount? may be , IDK/...

    Reverb is a middleman I suppose , they are just connecting seller & buyer,
    A broker, not a store..





    ....
    writing about music
    is like dancing,
    about architecture

  9. #7
    Registered User Randy Mallory's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Location
    Nashville, TN
    Posts
    56

    Default Re: Used Mandolin with Binding Separation

    I agree. It looks more like the back than the binding.
    Randy Mallory
    2020 Gibson Custom Shop F5 MSC Wide Nut (2020) David Harvey
    2022 Eastman MD515
    2022 Northfield NFO-AT1 Octave Mandolin
    and a few more....

  10. #8

    Default Re: Used Mandolin with Binding Separation

    If I could not lay my hands on it, I’d stay away.
    Silverangel A
    Arches F style kit
    1913 Gibson A-1

  11. #9
    mandolin slinger Steve Ostrander's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Capitol of MI
    Posts
    2,795

    Default Re: Used Mandolin with Binding Separation

    Definitely back is separating.

  12. #10

    Default Re: Used Mandolin with Binding Separation

    Binding generally comes loose looking at the top from the front. I agree with those who suggest back issues. Also, if you want to sell it, a more known builder like Ratliff, Silverangel, or a Weber Gallatin would be in that price ballpark, or a Kentucky 900.
    Silverangel A
    Arches F style kit
    1913 Gibson A-1

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •