Ashbury mandolin neck questions

[flatback88]

Hi; some time back I bought a s/h Ashbury archtop round-hole mando. I really like the sound & recently was asked to do some out-on-the-street promo music for the local community. I eschewed taking my Collings (it looked like it may rain) so put some EJ64s (11-40) on the Ashbury and – although I need to carry out serious set-up (bone nut, fret-dress) – it really sang!

However I’m worried about the neck bending with the heavier strings (I'd put 10-38s on it as a home practice machine). Any thoughts?

Also – I found gigging with it for a period of time, the neck-finish really burns my hand at the thumb. Will stripping the poly finish & oiling the bare wood help?

[EdHanrahan]

... worried about the neck bending with the heavier strings ...

If it has an adjustable truss rod, that's what it's for.

BTW, Ashbury is not a name with which we colonials are real familiar!

[Nevin]

First the easy one; stripping the poly isn't for the feint of heart but it will make a big difference. you could try just rubbing it down with a fine Scotchbrite pad.
Usually the inexpensive imports are over-built making the strings a non-issue. Frequently they are built with less than good wood making it an issue. How is the neck profile? Does it have a truss rod or any other reinforcement.

[flatback88]

If it has an adjustable truss rod, that's what it's for.

BTW, Ashbury is not a name with which we colonials are real familiar!

Hi Ed and Nevin too ; thanks for your help. The mandolin is also called a "Gremlin" - they are sold by Hobgoblin UK; it's Chinese, cheap but surprisingly warm & full-sounding .. I bought it second-hand for $50 not expecting anything worthwhile.
HOWEVER there is no truss-rod, that's my worry. In fact the fingerboard isn't great, it's slightly high at the bridge end 14, 15, 16, so I'm going to have to fret-dress, but it's a 'beater' & I'll never go up that end of the neck!! (I have a Collings MT2 for that sort of stuff LOL).

Neck profile? "Rounded" is the best description. The depth is 7/8". There is a very slight forward-bow which I can live with as long as it gets no worse. It's not twisted in any way & if I can dress those top frets & drop the nut slightly it will be fine .. as long as that forward-bow doesn't get any worse!!

- - - Updated - - -

First the easy one; stripping the poly isn't for the feint of heart but it will make a big difference. you could try just rubbing it down with a fine Scotchbrite pad.
Usually the inexpensive imports are over-built making the strings a non-issue. Frequently they are built with less than good wood making it an issue. How is the neck profile? Does it have a truss rod or any other reinforcement.

Thanks for the "stripping" suggestion; yes I'll try some fine finishing first.

[pops1]

I wouldn't recommend heavy stings for that mandolin. Maybe a 10-36 to keep it from bowing more.

[Nevin]

I agree with pops1; without a truss rod and with an existing bow, heavier strings would be a risky proposition.

[flatback88]

I wouldn't recommend heavy stings for that mandolin. Maybe a 10-36 to keep it from bowing more.

(sob) I think you're right!! Shame.

[flatback88]

I agree with pops1; without a truss rod and with an existing bow, heavier strings would be a risky proposition.

Yes unfortunately I have to agree with pops1 too; shame ...

[flatback88]

Thanks to you all for your input