I have a question for mandolin experts. I just bought an old cittern (Waldzither) to restore. It has two cracks on the table, one along the centre seam and a separate crack running roughly from the sound hole to the bottom of the table. Is it usual to repair cracks by forcing the edges of the cracks together or by stabilising the cracks and filling the gaps. I imagine that the struts underneath are still firmly in place, at least under the centre seam. I can probably do the filling option myself but the other approach would need an expert repairer.
Can anyone recommend a good instrument repairer in the Dublin area.
Thanks,
John
Cutting a matching piece of wood to insert is the usual, in other words, 'filling'... Then, in the right hands, it can be finished to where you can't even tell without looking very close and having the knowledge that there is a repair there...
All sound advice here. Searching the mandolincafe discussion archive, or posting your own in the builders section is worthwhile (you can post pictures inside your discussion thread there!). Regardless of which type of repair is called for, I would have an experienced luthier do the work. They can properly check the attachment of all the braces, and get it properly set up for you too. Here's a link to the 'cafe list for Ireland:
you can fix the cracks with spruce shavings and animal glue but you have to work fast it gells in 19 secs, forcing the wood togeather does open again, or take it to paul doyle in galway, he specialises in old citterns and mandolins and has some there for sale,
Mandolin repairs
Mandolin repairs
I have a question for mandolin experts. I just bought an old cittern (Waldzither) to restore. It has two cracks on the table, one along the centre seam and a separate crack running roughly from the sound hole to the bottom of the table. Is it usual to repair cracks by forcing the edges of the cracks together or by stabilising the cracks and filling the gaps. I imagine that the struts underneath are still firmly in place, at least under the centre seam. I can probably do the filling option myself but the other approach would need an expert repairer.
Can anyone recommend a good instrument repairer in the Dublin area.
Thanks,
John
# Posted on July 19th 2008 by jrussell
Re: Mandolin repairs
You're probably already familiar with this other resource, but just in case, here goes ~
http://www.mandolincafe.com/
Good luck on finding a decent repairer...
" Is it usual to repair cracks by forcing the edges of the cracks together ~"
No, they will just open up elsewhere...
# Posted on July 19th 2008 by ceolachan
Cutting a matching piece of wood to insert is the usual, in other words, 'filling'... Then, in the right hands, it can be finished to where you can't even tell without looking very close and having the knowledge that there is a repair there...
# Posted on July 19th 2008 by ceolachan
You might consider broadening your search, Ireland has some gifted makers...
# Posted on July 19th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: Mandolin repairs
James Beatley, Violin maker in Stoneybatter, Dublin.He's on holidays for two weeks starting Mon but give him a ring after that
# Posted on July 19th 2008 by concertinaplayer
Re: Mandolin repairs
All sound advice here. Searching the mandolincafe discussion archive, or posting your own in the builders section is worthwhile (you can post pictures inside your discussion thread there!). Regardless of which type of repair is called for, I would have an experienced luthier do the work. They can properly check the attachment of all the braces, and get it properly set up for you too. Here's a link to the 'cafe list for Ireland:
http://mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/builders/searchdb.cgi?uid=default&view_records=1&keyword=Ireland
# Posted on July 19th 2008 by Keith Dubinsky
Re: Mandolin repairs
you can always try your luck finding Frank Tate
I heard that he's the best in Dublin
he'll be playing a gig with Eoin Dillon next Monday at Whelans.
# Posted on July 19th 2008 by padre
Re: Mandolin repairs
you can fix the cracks with spruce shavings and animal glue but you have to work fast it gells in 19 secs, forcing the wood togeather does open again, or take it to paul doyle in galway, he specialises in old citterns and mandolins and has some there for sale,
# Posted on July 31st 2008 by harpmusic