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I really like the sound of my old Gibson A Jr.. However, I would love a radiused fretboard and larger frets. What would you esteimate the soset of newnut, saddle, fretboard and frets to be? Any recommendations to do the work? I know this may seem nuts but if I really like the mandolin's sound. Thanks, J.C. Bryant
It would vary widely from one luthier to another, but it would add up...
Removing and replacing the old board would involve the removal of the old 'board without damage, and that required experience and skill. A new 'board is likely to run several hundred dollars, a new nut is at least $50 and a full set up will be needed @ give-or-take $100.
All in all, it would probably not add up to the value of the mandolin but it might be close.
Thanks, John. That is about what I thought. One would really have to want to, prior to such a thing. It would end up being a totally preference thing without any thought to end value. I have some thinking to do. Thanks for your thought.
But....if you are attached to that mandolin, if done properly the end result can be very nice. Also, if you have any prior hand injuries or issues, it can help. I have old battle scars on my left hand; flat fingerboards give me tendonitis in about five minutes. A radiused fingerboard solves the problem. Budget around $750; it is more work than you might think.
Or find or commission a new instrument from a maker to duplicate the tones yu love with the neck/fretboard you want. Mike Black comes to mind and there are others.
Ron Hyde comes to mind for the work. Find him on Youtube (his user name is mandoiac) where he has a great video about restoring a 1907 Gibson. Other videos are worth watching too.
Why not simply radius the existing fingerboard, assuming there's enough thickness?
I appreciate all your comments and thoughts. Yes, Dave Richard, I have thought about it and I have also thought about taking off the old fretboard , ordering a new one and doing it all myself, but I find the thought of it a lttle intimidating. Jim I have thought about just having one built, but I really have an old one I would like to improve on and still play. Chal, i will look up Ron Hyde site and see wht he says and J.Condino your right, I think,, If it means a lot then go ahead and do it and don't worry about resale for somehting kyou don't plan on selling anyway. And dthen i kdthink if I lose a little money on mandolins then what in the world am I going to do about lost money on moves, cars, and on it goes. So, I'm still lthinking. . . .
I had a new fretboard put on my 09 F2 and it wasn’t too painful. Granted it was a flat board and it was a while ago but it was around $500 or so. The gentleman who did the work is retired now but Jerry Rosa might be able to help you out. He’s not far from you.
thanks, mandogrouch