Gibson Mandolin with a headstock/neck crack and the back needing work.
https://ebay.us/gU3SoQ
Printable View
Gibson Mandolin with a headstock/neck crack and the back needing work.
https://ebay.us/gU3SoQ
I was eyeing that, but it looks to me like the action is really high. It might need a neck reset also.
Noticed that too. Which makes me wonder if the screw holding the neck didn't work? Also wonder about the top brace. Maybe it's just the photo but the top looks sagged under the bridge. Too bad because it's a cool thing otherwise.
FON is noted in Spann's book as 1933 A-00.
I'd say that the odds are about 80/20 that the back will have to be removed, the glueing surfaces cleaned, and any loose braces attended to.
Then, it will have to be re-assembled in a manner that pulls the neck into the proper angle, and a new replica bridge made.
A good project for someone who is interested in learning the craft, not a good project for someone who is looking to fix and re-sell.
If anybody is seriously considering this, a temporary mold can be made from a piece of rigid foam insulating material.
Good instructions on dis-assembling an instrument are available in Don Teeter's book on guitar repair: "The Acoustic Guitar."
Or I could be wrong, and it may just need a little glue here and there and some set-up. I'll pass, though.
When I see screws in the head and tail block, it's a big red flag to me. I would steer clear.
I have always been told, "It's cheaper to buy an item that has been restored than to fix it." However, If you can fix it yourself, sometimes you can do very well ...and sometimes not. It's a gamble and $75 shipping on that A00 is twice what it should be.
The alternative is to find something similar that does not need repair. Like this GIBSON https://ebay.us/L7fGiJ for approx. $235-ish more. Cool tailpiece and bragging rites because it says "The Gibson" (on both headstock and tailpiece). Though the hard case looks a little too big (put a towel around the body edge). Oh free shipping!
Honestly, IMO this would be a better buy for your money and would be a player and keeper straight up, even if you could find a period case. The "1930's A00" is a great one to learn on if you could buy it for the price it is a t now and maybe pick it up ( to save money). It still is saveable and fixable but not an investment.
Allan