Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: 1930's Gibson AOO Mandolin, somewhat easy fix

  1. #1
    FIDDLES with STRADOLINS your_diamond's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    Tampa
    Posts
    641

    Default 1930's Gibson AOO Mandolin, somewhat easy fix

    Gibson Mandolin with a headstock/neck crack and the back needing work.

    https://ebay.us/gU3SoQ

  2. #2
    Registered User John Rosett's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Missoula, MT
    Posts
    2,092

    Default Re: 1930's Gibson AOO Mandolin, somewhat easy fix

    I was eyeing that, but it looks to me like the action is really high. It might need a neck reset also.
    "it's not in bad taste, if it's funny" - john waters

  3. The following members say thank you to John Rosett for this post:


  4. #3
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    St. Paul, MN
    Posts
    2,039

    Default Re: 1930's Gibson AOO Mandolin, somewhat easy fix

    Quote Originally Posted by John Rosett View Post
    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.
    Brentrup Model 23, Boeh A5 #37, Gibson A Jr., Big Muddy M-11, Coombe Classical flattop, Strad-O-Lin
    https://www.facebook.com/LauluAika/
    https://www.lauluaika.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/Longtine-Am...14404553312723

  5. #4
    Teacher, repair person
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Southeast Tennessee
    Posts
    4,071

    Default Re: 1930's Gibson AOO Mandolin, somewhat easy fix

    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.
    Last edited by rcc56; Jan-23-2021 at 10:32pm.

  6. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to rcc56 For This Useful Post:


  7. #5
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Saint Augustine Beach FL
    Posts
    6,618

    Default Re: 1930's Gibson AOO Mandolin, somewhat easy fix

    When I see screws in the head and tail block, it's a big red flag to me. I would steer clear.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  8. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Charles E. For This Useful Post:


  9. #6
    FIDDLES with STRADOLINS your_diamond's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    Tampa
    Posts
    641

    Default Re: 1930's Gibson AOO Mandolin, somewhat easy fix

    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!

  10. #7
    Registered User tassiespirit's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Tasmania state, Downunder
    Posts
    49

    Default Re: 1930's Gibson AOO Mandolin, somewhat easy fix

    Quote Originally Posted by your_diamond View Post
    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
    Allan Midgley
    ___________________
    A good woman, fine wine and my mandolin, what else do I want............money would be nice.

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •