Do you have the instrument in hand? Toward the bottom of your photo there appears to be a crack traveling down one of the staves, possibly extending from your circle.
Shade Tree Fretted Instrument Repair, retired
Nevada City, California
Could be the dreaded neck separation. This causes the strings to be too high above the neck to play.
Pava S/N 21
Calace Bowlback
Thank you for your replies! I don't have the mandolin in hand, just pictures.
I understand that mandolins with these kind of cracks shouldn't be considered because it is actually a bend. It's it something a beginner hobbyist luthier could repair?
Those things amaze me. I have no idea how they shape and fit all those pieces.
Richard Hutchings
Yes if you're into torture. Many experienced luthiers won't work on them. There are bowlback mandolins on eBay that fail to sell weekly. Some of them are very nice and they are affordable. Thousands were made back when that style was in vogue and thousands still remain. Find one without issues and save yourself a lot of heartache. You'll be glad you did.
"It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
--M. Stillion
"Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
--J. Garber
Perfect advice from Mr Edgerton, Joel. Take it.
I understand! I'll look for something in good condition!
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