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I did some looking into bore/ endo scopes and ended up buying a Depstech WF025 scope. I liked several things over the other types/ models that I looked at. WiFi interface with Android or iPhone....

I work on a lot of vintage banjos and use this knot. Generally speaking though, I use low tension steel strings for Neapolitan or cant top instruments like Vega cylinder backs, but have experimented...

I would add to Bill's response, that you should get a carbide blade for cutting plastics. They have a negative rake, unlike wood cutting blades. Just Google it, there are choices.

I use Thomastik strings on my 205 model. Flat wounds with wound A strings. They sound wonderful on my mando, and they last a long time before you notice any tuning issues. Longevity is a plus with...

I'm quite pleased with the new Depstech WF025 scope and feel like I made the right choice to go with the model that has the most focal range. Some of the reviews expressed frustration over the...

Very common on the old oval hole Gibson A's to have one end sprung. Very easily checked with a digital exam, just reach your finger in there and feel both ends.

I ended up buying a Depstech.

https://depstech.com/products/wifi-endoscope-wf025?gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIstLmpbXz_wIVvvfjBx223w_OEAAYAiAAEgI-YPD_BwE

That name came up in just about every...

"Download the app that is required for the one you choose before ordering, so you can ensure that it's not a weird ad-supported piece of junk and that it works on your phone, tablet, or PC."

Great...

I'm wanting to add an inspection or bore scope to my tool set for doing inspections in instruments with limited access. I did a quick Google search and was feeling like I was getting in a bit over my...

https://notsba.org/contacts/

Check this link out, Nashville Old-Time String Band Association. They have regular jams. They also sponsor/ host "Breaking Up Winter", coming up this March 2, Thursday...

Check with Mountain View music.

https://www.mountainviewmusic.com/

I forget where now but I ran across another discussion on the heat stick, where a guy was using two rods for neck removal. That would certainly help to heat things up more evenly. Obviously, it's...

Alcohol can be effective for intentionally weak joints such as the join between a violin top and ribs. I have my doubts about it's effectiveness on a strong joint, such as a guitar bridge or neck...

Hide glue is mostly unaffected by heat alone and really does need some moisture to change state back to a softened gel or liquid where it can be more easily released. I did an experiment to see what...

150 is at the top end of reasonable temperature for heating and maintaining hide glue. Higher temps degrade the glues bonding strength more rapidly when maintained there for extended periods of time....

The mandolin did clean up nicely and the bug excrement all came off without leaving any staining or blemishes. Still have some poo spots inside and I may yet go after those with a bit of dampened rag...

Every now and then, I get an instrument that compels me get the rubber gloves out. This teens Gibson oval hole mandolin is the worst so far and was a measure more gross than your typical player mung....

When the nature of the gunk is not known, it will be an experiment to discover what removes it. You need to know first what the underlying finish is, so you have some clues about what cleaning agents...

My shop is too thermally transparent to heat my work turning up the thermostat. Infra Red lamps solve that problem and as John has mentioned, using the glue a bit on the thin side with hot lamps, way...

String lengths after the bridge and above the nut can create bothersome overtones. Any strategy the dampens them can work. The little doughnuts, as you call them, are actually wiring grommets and can...

The F2 you did turned out very nicely. Looks like it closed up quite well at the back of the neck, you can hardly see the break, my project was missing a bit more wood. I opted for a thicker head...

John, I have been using carbon fiber as reinforcement for other applications and it just occurred to me that this head stock repair would be a perfect application. I had not previously seen or heard...

Thanks Rob Roy.

Yes, it was rather time consuming. Ended up pretty close to 14 hrs of work, start to finished with a new set up. It was totally a worthwhile save though. The mandolin is otherwise...

Just finished this project. Gibson A oval hole with truss rod that had at least 3 failed head stock repair attempts before it came to me. I didn't take any before shots but the only thing relevant I...

I use Bronze wool instead of steel wool. You still need to take care around any open electronics though, Bronze is conductive but it won't stick to anything magnetic. Pretty good at cleaning up a...