String set gauge for 1927Regal flattop mando

[Dave Richard]

About a year and a half ago, I did some repairs(mostly loose braces) on this lovely 1927 Stahl- labeled Regal. Came out nice, I strung it with 9-34 strings.

Last week, customer brought it back, top had sunk again on the treble side. Turns out, instead of a loose brace, the flatsawn main brace under the top bend(in line with the bridge) had split along the grain.

Are 9-34 gauge strings a good choice for this type of man do, or should I go even lighter? I think if the brace was quatersawn, it would have been fine. But it’s flatsawn.

[rcc56]

A flat-sawn brace is inherently weak. It shouldn't have been built that way. Sigh.
The mandolin should be able to handle 9 - 34.
About all you can do is to try to glue the brace back together and cross your fingers [you only get one chance on a job like that, so you have to do it very well], or to replace the brace, which would probably require opening the instrument.

Another thought: I see you're in Vermont. Is this instrument falling apart because of humidity problems? Make sure the owner understands the consequences a dry winter environment has on an old instrument.

[Dave Richard]

A flat-sawn brace is inherently weak. It shouldn't have been built that way. Sigh.
The mandolin should be able to handle 9 - 34.
About all you can do is to try to glue the brace back together and cross your fingers [you only get one chance on a job like that, so you have to do it very well], or to replace the brace, which would probably require opening the instrument.

Another thought: I see you're in Vermont. Is this instrument falling apart because of humidity problems? Make sure the owner understands the consequences a dry winter environment has on an old instrument.

Hi rcc56, it's not a humidity issue, it's been kept in a humidified room, along with a piano.

And now, after regluing the split brace, and removing the clamp, I can see the brace has cracked across the grain, another aspect of it's flatsawn orientation. Assuming the owner wants to proceed, I plan to remove the back, to replace the failed main brace...durn-it.

[rcc56]

Fun and games. I hope it comes apart cleanly.
Mandolins and guitars are harder to take apart than violins. At least this one was almost certainly built with hide glue.
I have made temporary molds out of rigid insulation material to help pull an instrument back into shape when it's time to put it back together.
Those Regal-made Stahls can be surprisingly good sounding instruments.

[brunello97]

....
Those Regal-made Stahls can be surprisingly good sounding instruments.

With this amount of extra bling on it, I was guessing (hoping) it has a rosewood back, too?

That combination of spruce / rosewood on these 20s era flatbacks did indeed provide for some good sounding instruments.
Very crisp and clear tone.

Good luck with the repairs. If you get a chance to post some repair photos in progress, I know folks would appreciate and enjoy it.

Mick

[Dave Richard]

It does have rosewood b&s, and it did sound very good after the first round of repairs. Should the owner agree to proceed, I’ll document the process, and post photos.