I'm thinking of buying one of these, a Style 20 model. Just wondering does anyone have any information about them. I've searched the net and there is a bit about the more expensive versions but not about this basic instrument. Thanks in advance.
After speaking with some other people it seems that even the nicer instruments vary in tone from terrific to completely ordinary, which I think is partially a function of the storage conditions or the extent of any neglect suffered over the years. But something else to note is the tuners, which come in two varieties. One type is enclosed/encased on the top and back of the headstock, while sub-par examples have tuners only enclosed only on the back of the headstock. Some people buy wrecked examples with the better tuners just to put them on other instruments. Plenty of Weymann discussion over at the Mandolin Cafe.
If you're interested, I have a Weymann Mandolute with recessed sides built circa 1921 (have to check, haven't looked at it for a while). It is in need of a restoration and would be priced accordingly. Send me a PM if you're interested. FWIW, I live in the US.
Thanks for the info, Gravelwalks. To be honest, as an instrument restorer I'm a pretty good French teacher, so I'm going to go with the one that doesn't need any work. The seller on Ebay ( I know, I know, but living where I do, I don't have much option) mentions the good sound and intonation and low action and he has100% positive feedback, so I'm going to take him at his word. What I will consider doing is putting on a brass tailpiece which will help with volume and tone, from what I've read.
Another word, if you do buy a 1920s Weymann Mandolute, or any other instrument that is that old, be careful what you string it with. You could wreck a nice instrument in short order if it can't handle the tension of heavy steel strings. Have fun and keep me posted if you buy yours, I'm always interested to know how they sound.
Will do gravelwalks. I totally agree with you as regards the string gauges. I'm expecting it about the end of next week and I must admit I'm really looking forward to " having a blatter" on it. I'm hoping to the contrary, but I'm half expecting the volume not to be great, which is why I'm considering the brass tailpiece. Do you have any experience of Red Henry bridges? That was another way I was thinking of to help with the sound. Do you think a combination of bridge and tailpiece would be a bit too much?
Bridge, nut and tailpiece are most important to volume and tone. I've never used (bought) a Red Henry bridge but I've read much of his research and his work is much appreciated in the mandolin community. (I think he's a member here, too.) At any rate, a Red Henry bridge is likely to be an upgrade to whatever bridge your Weymann currently has, unless the previous owner already upgraded it. Does it have its original bridge? Kind of hard to tell, but I know mine was not original -- it was a flat, one-piece, way too thick and topped with what looks like bakelite.
Considering the tailpiece I'm left wondering how much volume improvement you'd actually get from a new brass one. Any instrument can be optimized but there's a point when you just can't improve it much more. I'd also be concerned with how invasive installation is on a vintage mandolin. If the instrument is in really nice shape with most of its original hardware, I'd keep it that way.
Can't really comment on the bridge as I have only seen photos on the Net and, to be honest, I probably wouldh't recognise an original dridge anyway. If I had to choose between "renovating " by replacing the bridge or the tailpiece, I think I would go for the tailpiece, because I think I'm capable of replacing 3 woodscrews, but I'm far from convinced that I have the woodworking skiils I would need to make a bridge from scratch. Red doesn't appear to sell his bridges anymore, but does provide plans on his website. Anyway, I'll wait and see. Thanks for your advice, Gravelwalks. I'll keep you posted.
Weymann "mandolute"
Weymann "mandolute"
I'm thinking of buying one of these, a Style 20 model. Just wondering does anyone have any information about them. I've searched the net and there is a bit about the more expensive versions but not about this basic instrument. Thanks in advance.
# Posted on October 4th 2011 by sechan
Re: Weymann "mandolute"
After speaking with some other people it seems that even the nicer instruments vary in tone from terrific to completely ordinary, which I think is partially a function of the storage conditions or the extent of any neglect suffered over the years. But something else to note is the tuners, which come in two varieties. One type is enclosed/encased on the top and back of the headstock, while sub-par examples have tuners only enclosed only on the back of the headstock. Some people buy wrecked examples with the better tuners just to put them on other instruments. Plenty of Weymann discussion over at the Mandolin Cafe.
If you're interested, I have a Weymann Mandolute with recessed sides built circa 1921 (have to check, haven't looked at it for a while). It is in need of a restoration and would be priced accordingly. Send me a PM if you're interested. FWIW, I live in the US.
# Posted on October 4th 2011 by gravelwalks
Re: Weymann "mandolute"
Thanks for the info, Gravelwalks. To be honest, as an instrument restorer I'm a pretty good French teacher, so I'm going to go with the one that doesn't need any work. The seller on Ebay ( I know, I know, but living where I do, I don't have much option) mentions the good sound and intonation and low action and he has100% positive feedback, so I'm going to take him at his word. What I will consider doing is putting on a brass tailpiece which will help with volume and tone, from what I've read.
# Posted on October 4th 2011 by sechan
Re: Weymann "mandolute"
Another word, if you do buy a 1920s Weymann Mandolute, or any other instrument that is that old, be careful what you string it with. You could wreck a nice instrument in short order if it can't handle the tension of heavy steel strings. Have fun and keep me posted if you buy yours, I'm always interested to know how they sound.
# Posted on October 5th 2011 by gravelwalks
Re: Weymann "mandolute"
Will do gravelwalks. I totally agree with you as regards the string gauges. I'm expecting it about the end of next week and I must admit I'm really looking forward to " having a blatter" on it. I'm hoping to the contrary, but I'm half expecting the volume not to be great, which is why I'm considering the brass tailpiece. Do you have any experience of Red Henry bridges? That was another way I was thinking of to help with the sound. Do you think a combination of bridge and tailpiece would be a bit too much?
# Posted on October 5th 2011 by sechan
Re: Weymann "mandolute"
Bridge, nut and tailpiece are most important to volume and tone. I've never used (bought) a Red Henry bridge but I've read much of his research and his work is much appreciated in the mandolin community. (I think he's a member here, too.) At any rate, a Red Henry bridge is likely to be an upgrade to whatever bridge your Weymann currently has, unless the previous owner already upgraded it. Does it have its original bridge? Kind of hard to tell, but I know mine was not original -- it was a flat, one-piece, way too thick and topped with what looks like bakelite.
Considering the tailpiece I'm left wondering how much volume improvement you'd actually get from a new brass one. Any instrument can be optimized but there's a point when you just can't improve it much more. I'd also be concerned with how invasive installation is on a vintage mandolin. If the instrument is in really nice shape with most of its original hardware, I'd keep it that way.
# Posted on October 5th 2011 by gravelwalks
Re: Weymann "mandolute"
Can't really comment on the bridge as I have only seen photos on the Net and, to be honest, I probably wouldh't recognise an original dridge anyway. If I had to choose between "renovating " by replacing the bridge or the tailpiece, I think I would go for the tailpiece, because I think I'm capable of replacing 3 woodscrews, but I'm far from convinced that I have the woodworking skiils I would need to make a bridge from scratch. Red doesn't appear to sell his bridges anymore, but does provide plans on his website. Anyway, I'll wait and see. Thanks for your advice, Gravelwalks. I'll keep you posted.
# Posted on October 6th 2011 by sechan