Mandolin Banjo Help
Ok Folks, here’s the story. I think I know for sure why Lloyd Loar left Gibson.
It was late 1923 and Gibson decided to come out with a cheaper line of instruments called the “Junior” series. They came out with this Mandolin Banjo Junior in 1924 (mine, the one in the attached pictures). They wanted Lloyd to put his signature on it as he did the other mandolins, He refused to do it as it had a “God Awful Sound” (and it does). They insisted he do it for the good of the company, but he sternly refused and quit Gibson. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! Anyway, per a Gibson letter I received after questioning them when I first got this instrument years ago, they said it was a 1924 based on the head design and the serial number and that they only made this style one year (that should tell you something) It’s either a rare instrument or didn’t go over with the public too well. At any event, I have a problem with it that I hope someone out there can help me with. The original head was in bad shape and it had no bridge when I got it. I installed a new head and a banjo style bridge was made. The bridge seemed to sink into the head too far, so little by little I tightened up the head with out much luck and within a week the head split. I later installed another head (and of course I put the bad side out by mistake as once it was wet it was hard to tell the better side). I put the same bridge back on, but this time used the lightest strings I could find. It did make it sound better, but the bridge still sinks into the head too far it seems. I’m not a banjo builder, so I may be doing something wrong with this bridge and adjustment. I think the original bridge must be wider in length and width to support the eight string pull. Does anyone out there have a picture of a “real” Gibson original bridge that was used on these so I have some idea when I make a new one? Any rough measurement would also be appreciated. Sorry for being so long winded. Help me out and make Lloyd Loar proud to have signed this 1924 Mandolin Banjo. I’m sure it will still sound “God Awful” though even fixed, but at least I could play it.
Thanks, Bill
I am a nobody, and nobody is perfect; therefore I am perfect.
Bookmarks