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Thread: Top Seam Repair on GBOM

  1. #1
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    Default Top Seam Repair on GBOM

    I am looking at a fairly new GBOM 2013 to purchase. But the top seam below the bridge separated and has been repaired including cleating. This is a pretty nice quality build and so I was surprised by the separation. Nevertheless my question is about buying an octave with a repaired top seam. Theoretically should an instrument with a proper repair be a solid buy in terms of longevity and stability?

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    Registered User sunburst's Avatar
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    Default Re: Top Seam Repair on GBOM

    Flat top? Arch top? Fixed bridge? 'Floating' bridge?

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    Default Re: Top Seam Repair on GBOM

    Fixed bridge and flat-top. This is a Circle Strings build and was apparently repaired by the maker a few years back.

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    Registered User sunburst's Avatar
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    Default Re: Top Seam Repair on GBOM

    How does the repair look? Has it been solid for a while?
    On a carved arched top, especially with floating bridge, a center seam failure there indicates a top carved too thin. On a flat top it is more likely either a poor initial joint or the instrument has been subjected to low relative humidity, perhaps from being overheated. If it looks solid and stable it may not be a problem, but it is definitely something to watch and something that should be taken into consideration when negotiating a price.

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    Registered User urobouros's Avatar
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    Default Re: Top Seam Repair on GBOM

    I have a Taylor 814 with a similar seam separation from low humidity. It's similarly repaired and, though I didn't keep it in my office anymore, it's been stable ever since. That said, the repair would definitely impact resale so I would be looking to get the OM in question at a pretty hefty discount than it would otherwise be.
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    Default Re: Top Seam Repair on GBOM

    Well I have only seen the OM in pictures, so I can't respond to "how does the repair look?" If the seam was reglued that would mean removing the bridge, cleaning the seam of old glue, reclamping and regluing, and then regluing the bridge I guess. Or something to that effect. Or just taking a chance on an instrument that will never be a prime player as is.

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    Registered User sunburst's Avatar
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    Default Re: Top Seam Repair on GBOM

    Quote Originally Posted by dorenac View Post
    Well I have only seen the OM in pictures, so I can't respond to "how does the repair look?"...
    Unfortunately, examination is the only real way to evaluate the repair or to get clues as to why it was necessary. If you can get it for a trial period and get it to an experienced, skilled repair person that is just about the only way to know whether or not it is a good deal.

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    Default Re: Top Seam Repair on GBOM

    As tempting as it is there's just a lot of uncertainty of the long term stability of the mandolin. Inasmuch as it's a long shipping distance in this climate we have right now I'm unwilling to stress it only to turn around and return it if I'm not comfortable about it. Perhaps an opportunity passed up but this instrument needs a home closer to home.

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