How serious is this?

[joel75]

I want to buy a second hand bowl back mandolin. I found one that I like but it has this crack. How serious is that? Does it have to be repaired?

[Greg Mirken]

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.

[Peter Coronado]

Could be the dreaded neck separation. This causes the strings to be too high above the neck to play.

[joel75]

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?

[Dick Hutchings]

Those things amaze me. I have no idea how they shape and fit all those pieces.

[MikeEdgerton]

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?

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.

[Mike Buesseler]

Perfect advice from Mr Edgerton, Joel. Take it.

[joel75]

I understand! I'll look for something in good condition!