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It's raining Mandolins, and that's not all....

Hi, do I need more work? …….no thanks.
The instruments that get left to me for whatever reason are piling up, even though I constantly pull one off the shelf when I can, in a quiet moment, and restore them. I then move them on to those who can use an old and often-battered instrument, but fully playable and reliable.

Today I took ownership of ten such instruments. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

In the first photo is seen various guitars, gathered over 30 years, waiting for their turn for repair and restoration. They are all in different states of disrepair and some are not worth the cost of the work needed. That’s why I have them. Although not worth the expense to the customer they are all repairable and I use them to try different repair techniques and hone my skills. And somebody will play them one day.

In the second photo are a bunch of instruments left this year due to the cost of the repairs. Mostly orchestral instruments. Six violins, a cello, two ukes, and an electric guitar. All low-cost instruments.

And now today’s contribution to my workload.
The next photo

Eight mandolins, a Ukulele, a banjo Uke, and various necks and fittings ideal for “box” instruments. There’s a longish story about this stash of mandolins told by the builder’s son. His father built most of them, but that’s a story for another post, maybe.
Now, where can I store them??????
The answer is in the last photo….

In my showroom/office. Cheers Taff

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Permalink Reply by Timothy Hunter on October 15, 2022 at 12:43am

So... how much for a mandolin Taff...lol

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Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on October 15, 2022 at 1:49pm

Well, Tim which one/s are you interested in? I stopped building mandolins about 12 years ago so it will have to be one of these. Of course, you would have to finish it off yourself, haha.
Taff

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Permalink Reply by Timothy Hunter on October 20, 2022 at 2:22am

beyond my abilities mate..lol both in repair and playing...

been looking at a LAG 12 string someone is offering on facebook marketplace in my area. i used to have one 40 years ago but not sure i can justify getting a new one now... i dont know anything about that brand. A bit hesitent after the awful washburn 12 string i bought after my original ARIA 12 string was stolen.

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Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on October 20, 2022 at 11:29am

Hi Tim, I've had a few LAG guitars in for repair but can't remember any details. Which could be a good thing.

I would be very wary of buying a used 12-string sight unseen as over the years they can develop issues that a 6-string may not over the same time period.

In many cases, a 12-stringer is not the only or the first go-to guitar many players own, so it gets played less and sits around tuned up to concert pitch, sometimes for years.
Things to look for in an older 12-string are raised hump behind the bridge, a very low saddle/bridge, a sagging of the top around the soundhole, and a truss rod that has been tightened up to the max. The last issue, the rod, is often the result of the first three, leading to a high-string action.

Also, be aware of a neck rod that was not set up, with no tension on it, by the factory or the retailer, can cause the neck to bow up big time over the years.

Good luck with your purchase.
Taff

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Permalink Reply by Timothy Hunter on October 20, 2022 at 12:09pm

cheers Taffy, you are right about being wary. Going to play it before deciding. i have seen a few for sale that areexpensive firewod. bowed and lifting bridges etc. necks like boomarangs..lol