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Thread: Renovation

  1. #1
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    Default Renovation

    I recently purchased a mandolin online that was advertised as "for decor only". It was in pretty rough shape, large cracks on the front and back, missing tuner keys, missing bridge, a mess of a finish, etc. The inside was stamped with the date JUL 1941 and has the shape of a Kay-like instrument. I decided I was going to see what I could do to bring it back to life.

    Here's what I did....

    Stripped the old finish
    Removed old top (saved to make a clock for my workshop…)
    Replaced kerfed linings
    Repaired crack on the back
    Repaired back bracing
    New Sitka spruce top with X bracing
    New Black walnut pick guard
    New Golden Age brass tuners
    Laminated ebony face on the peg head
    Mother of pearl nut
    Fabricated Ebony bridge
    Stained back, sides, neck and head with espresso stain
    Finished with Satin lacquer
    Reused original tail piece

    Any ideas about what brand this is?

    I still need to adjust nut and bridge slots, but right now it sounds pretty good...has lots of sustain.

    Before and after photos...
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  3. #2
    Registered User Isaac Revard's Avatar
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    Default Re: Renovation

    I have no idea what brand that was...but it sure is cool now! I would be very proud of that if I was you. Thanks for sharing!
    “I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around and play mandolin.”

  4. #3
    Registered User DougC's Avatar
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    Default Re: Renovation

    That 'clamshell' shaped tailpiece should be a clue.
    Decipit exemplar vitiis imitabile

  5. #4
    Kelley Mandolins Skip Kelley's Avatar
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    Default Re: Renovation

    Nice work, Henry! I think you could start on the the next one; just my opinion.

  6. #5
    Dave Sheets
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    Default Re: Renovation

    Nice work there!
    -Dave
    Flatiron A
    Way too many other instruments

  7. #6
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Renovation

    That tailpiece was used by several builders over several decades. You can still buy them new.

    I really don't even know where to start with that. The headstock shape was common to several manufacturers and the body kind of has that Stromberg-Voisenet/Kay look but isn't quite right. Can you describe the screws holding the original tailpiece and the tuners on? Phillips, slot head or what? Do you still have what was left of the original tuners?
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  8. #7
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Renovation

    I believe that this model was made by Regal. I am not 100% sure but Regal did make lots of low end wholesale instruments for retailers to put their own labels on.

    Here are two very similar ones from my files.
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    Jim

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  10. #8
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Renovation

    Whoever made that one made the one in the OP. Regal would be a great candidate. I believe you've hit on it.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  11. #9
    Registered User
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    Default Re: Renovation

    Mike, Slot head screws for the tuners and tailpiece. Kluson tuners.Click image for larger version. 

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  12. #10
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    Default Re: Renovation

    Mike, I agree. Perfect match down to the pickguard, headstock, body shape and tailpiece.

    Jim, thanks for the research! Once again, MC member has the answer

  13. #11
    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Renovation

    After your renovation work, that's a darned nice looking mandolin IMHO. You may have a talent.

    Sue

  14. #12
    Registered User
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    Default Re: Renovation

    Thanks everyone for your encouraging words. Nearing retirement and will hopefully be doing more of this.

  15. #13
    Registered User
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    The Oil patch, PA
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    Default Re: Renovation

    Very nice work. Love the pick guard.

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