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Thread: K-1 Tone Bar Dimensions

  1. #1
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    Default K-1 Tone Bar Dimensions

    I am restoring a K-1 Mandocello top in very rough condition,,,
    The tone bar is missing and I'm wondering if anyone has height dimensions.
    I can tell that it was 9.5" long and approximately 7/16" wide.
    Anyone have a pic of a top off?

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  3. #3
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    Default Re: K-1 Tone Bar Dimensions

    Thanks a lot! I had forgotten that I had seen this from Frank a bunch of years ago,, must have remembered some of it,, I did make a plaster cast of the top before I took it off!

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    Registered User j. condino's Avatar
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    Default Re: K-1 Tone Bar Dimensions

    Most of us would call the small traditional K-1 brace that runs perpendicular to the grain near the bridge a single transverse brace; "tonebar" is most often associated with two semi- parallel braces running the length of the top in a manner found on 1920s F5s. Semantics....

    I'll offer this, knowing that it will likely open floodgates of "tonebar" opinions, but from experience also knowing that if it were mine, solely for the sake of making better music with it:

    Since you are already into a good restoration, consider a small X brace rather than the single transverse brace. Structurally it will be stronger over the long haul and sound wise it will have a bit more complexity and overtones vs. the traditional dull thud.

    Pictures?
    www.condino.com

    Crafted by hand in a workshop powered by the sun.

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    Certified! Bernie Daniel's Avatar
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    Default Re: K-1 Tone Bar Dimensions

    This video might be useful to you as you proceed.
    Bernie
    ____
    Due to current budgetary restrictions the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off -- sorry about the inconvenience.

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  8. #6
    Certified! Bernie Daniel's Avatar
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    Default Re: K-1 Tone Bar Dimensions

    It should have been this string might be useful to you as you proceed.
    Bernie
    ____
    Due to current budgetary restrictions the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off -- sorry about the inconvenience.

  9. #7
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    Default Re: K-1 Tone Bar Dimensions

    I think the owner is going to go for the X-brace.
    How might you suggest it's location?
    I've built 21 F-5's with parallel ( Not really parallel are they!) bars but never an X.
    I've seen where the X joins under the bridge and also where the X is forward and the bridge feet land about halfway down the bars.
    Appreciate the input!

  10. #8
    Registered User sunburst's Avatar
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    Default Re: K-1 Tone Bar Dimensions

    I shift x-braces forward in mandos (from mandolin to mandocello), and make them reasonably small and light. I've been happy with the results. I did a "build thread" here for a mandocello a feew years ago and here is the page that shows the x-bace. It was a very successful instrument, but looking back on it I might have changed the angle of the X to bring the whole thing forward a little more.
    https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...ett+mandocello

  11. #9
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    Default Re: K-1 Tone Bar Dimensions

    Thanks John!
    I'm thinking maybe a little shorter and keeping them light, not planning on regraduating the top on this one,, several splits (three full length of the top) so I'm nervous,, thinking about a very short and light brace in place of the original transverse bar under the oval hole as well. One of the major problems is shoddy at best repairs with Titebond,, approx. 15 years ago, gonna replace most of the cleats from back then, a couple are inlaid,,,, as I mentioned it's rough,, but it's 111 years old!
    I'll post a pic when I get it finished.

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