Repairer recommendation required

Hi everybody,

I have a vintage Gibson A1 mandolin which I bought some years ago.
Mandolin was my first instrument (moving onto tenor banjo etc.) and I have played since the age of 12.
Played in various bands etc.
I stopped playing approx. 15yrs ago and sold my various instruments :( apart from the Gibson mandolin.

I have now started playing the Gibson again on a daily basis for enjoyment.
It's good for the soul.
My left hand is fairly rusted up and the fingers are not moving as they once did.
Nevertheless, all the tunes (I played Irish traditional music) are still there in my head and I can remember all the fingering patterns.

I'm finding it difficult to get clear notes from some of the strings when I press down; I'm not sure whether that it is down to how the instrument is set up or because I have not played for so long.

I would like to get the instrument looked at and checked over to make sure it is correctly set up.

Can anybody recommend an experienced repairer who could do this for me.
I live in Hertfordshire, UK, about 20 miles north of London.

Many thanks in advance.



bern

You could ask someone with

-- London Mandolin Orchestra: https://www.facebook.com/London-Mand...a-97999609916/

-- London Mandolin Ensemble: http://www.londonmandolinensemble.org.uk/

They may have current information.

It's a bit of a trek, but Trevor Moyle's at The Acoustic Music Company in Brighton, and provides excellent service. Probably your best mandolin-centric bet in the country!

Phil Davidson, nr Cinderford in the Forest of Dean

My f5's headstock tried to fall off (blame its previous owner, who I won't name....!!). A trip there soon sorts most of my woes out.

I'd second the recommendation for Phil Davidson. I saw a restoration he did on a teens gibson a couple of years back & it was impeccable.

he'd also receive it via courier (he's probably exercising a lot of caution at the moment). Get hold of him on phil (@) davidsoninstruments.com