Frankdolins' Banjo-Mandolin

[Frankdolin]

So, this morn while trying to remember the tune here, I remembered this little beast that's been in it's canvas case for at least 50 years. So like a fool I pulled it out, and Yuck, what a POS. But I thru some light strings on it, because as you can see the "bell" if I'm calling it correct, is and always was collapsing, action at the 12th,@1/4".
I got this to accompany a pianist in the last of the minstrel shows in my town. They stopped sometime mid 60's for obvious, now, reasons. I did 3 years of shows 2 " blacktop" and one not. And that not, was the end of that chapter. And in it's case it went! It is stamped as John Grey and Sons LTD "Dulcetta" London. Thanks for checking it out! Frank

[John Kelly]

You certainly roll back the years on this one Frank! I remember fitting a new skin to a similar instrument several years go for someone who had found it in a relative's possessions while clearing a house. I got a hide drum skin, cut it to shape, wet it and then fitted it in place of the torn one. Getting it tensioned was a real task, bringing it up a bit at a time as it dried out.

[Russell Castleberry]

Cool little instrument. Doesn't sound too bad at all. Looks heavy for it's size.

[Mike Buesseler]

I doubt many of us could make that instrument sound that good. Certainly not me!

[DavidKOS]

The neck needs a slight reset, which would correct the action. That mm or so where the heel of the neck has pulled away from the rim is where the issue is.

Nice little instrument!

[Frankdolin]

Thanks John, I remember when my Dad put that skin on. It was a process for sure. It is heavy! Thanks Mike. Thanks David, I saw that. I'm thinking it's bolted on and may even be adjustable. Right now it's back where I got it. Oh, and those worm over tuners, everytime you go to tune it's the wrong way! And that's what I'm holding in my avitar. My face says it all. Thanks All!

[Simon DS]

Nice instrument Frank and fine playing as usual. It certainly gives a warm atmosphere to the tune.

[derbex]

Nice, I have a Windsor Pyxe that I was given a few years ago, it gets quite a lot of use as it means I don't have to lug an amp about. It will be 'delighting' the audience at a local craft market on Saturday.

[Joe Bartl]

Thanks for some fun on my lunch hour. I took the opportunity to also watch your performance of "Malafemmena" on your Martin-- thanks for the masterful performance ... and what a sweet sounding instrument!