I have a problem. One of my mandolins is coming apart. The story is that it was left at the post office for three days in the back of the truck in 100+ degree heat. When I got it, it looked fine but there was a tiny separation. I didn't want to cause any problems for the builder and felt it was going to be ok. Then a couple of months later, I have a problem.
I was playing the other night and the tuning just went nuts. I retuned and then all of a sudden it was going crazy again. I turned the mandolin around looking for the cause and I found it.
The side where the tail piece is connected is coming up and the back is coming off. The back is more than 50% detached in a matter of moments. I immediately loosened the string tension and lowered the bridge.
I contacted the builder and he told me to find someone to do the repairs. I thought he would offer to repair it for me, but not so.
The only two people I know in the area that could do it live a couple hours to 5 hours away.
If I try it myself, what do I need to do?
I assume I would need to remove the back clean up the old glue on the sides and the back...probably sand it smooth again (the back is not bound). Then I would need to get some glue (I have heard you guys talk about titebond and hide glue...I don't have experience with either).
As for the side where the tailpiece is mounted...will it need to be supported or strengthened now that it has come up once...it didn't move much and I don't think any of the wood is broken? If so, what do I do?
Once I glue it back together, what do I do to make sure there is constant connection and that there will be proper contact until it is dry? Also, how long will it take to dry and be solid?
Thanks
Denny
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