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Thread: Will CA Help on These Stradolin Cracks?

  1. #1

    Default Will CA Help on These Stradolin Cracks?

    I just received a Strad-O-Lin purchased from a seller who claims it was built in October 1941. I thought it had one top crack but as it turns out there are two parallel cracks. I would like to string up the mandolin to determine if there are any other issues before placing it with a luthier, and I'm wondering if a thin, wicking CA drip would at least prevent either existing crack from lengthening ... or on the other hand, whether the presence of the glue would make a proper repair difficult. In the event I can't insert my photo of both cracks, it is the last one in the series I have uploaded to the Strad-O-Lin social group. Thanks for any help. Bill
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  2. #2
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Will CA Help on These Stradolin Cracks?

    I am not a luthier but if it were me and I had a luthier who I trust I would leave it to him or her vs. any DIY repairs. A competent person can assess any issues to start with. Anyway, that is just my dos centavos.
    Jim

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  4. #3
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    Default Re: Will CA Help on These Stradolin Cracks?

    The use of CA will make a correct repair impossible.

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    Default Re: Will CA Help on These Stradolin Cracks?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    I am not a luthier but if it were me and I had a luthier who I trust I would leave it to him or her vs. any DIY repairs. A competent person can assess any issues to start with. Anyway, that is just my dos centavos.
    Muchas gracias, Jim. I'm beginning the process of hunting down luthiers here (Asheville, NC and environs) that aren't backed up for years, but I'd be interested in any recommendations you and other Cafe members might offer in case I have to ship it.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by rcc56 View Post
    The use of CA will make a correct repair impossible.
    Are you available, Bob?

  7. #5

    Default Re: Will CA Help on These Stradolin Cracks?

    It would probably need proper humidification before repair, and beyond what kind of glue is used, some kind of clamping/pressure to pull the cracks together.

  8. #6
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Will CA Help on These Stradolin Cracks?

    In that case I would never use CA.

    See if James Condino in Asheville has time and if not consider sending it over to Bob (rcc56) in Nashville for the repair.

    If you decide to do it yourself try and find a copy of the Martin Repair Manual that Martin put put years ago. Someone used to sell copies on eBay. The top crack fix they suggest would probably be the first thing I'd try if it was me.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
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    Registered User Tavy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Will CA Help on These Stradolin Cracks?

    In addition to the other comments, I'm pretty sure frets.com has something on crack repair, and definitely plenty on making Hide Glue (which is the way to go here) from supermarket gelatin.

  11. #8

    Default Re: Will CA Help on These Stradolin Cracks?

    Quote Originally Posted by Tom G View Post
    It would probably need proper humidification before repair, and beyond what kind of glue is used, some kind of clamping/pressure to pull the cracks together.
    It's been in a plastic storage bin with a half-dozen guitar humidifiers since it got here Weds except for when I've had it out to photograph or clean it.

  12. #9

    Default Re: Will CA Help on These Stradolin Cracks?

    Quote Originally Posted by rcc56 View Post
    The use of CA will make a correct repair impossible.
    Sent you a PM, Bob

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  14. #10
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    Default Re: Will CA Help on These Stradolin Cracks?

    Bill, thanks for considering me. And Mike, thanks for the referral.
    For the record, I'm in the Chattanooga area, not Nashville.

  15. #11
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Will CA Help on These Stradolin Cracks?

    Quote Originally Posted by rcc56 View Post
    Bill, thanks for considering me. And Mike, thanks for the referral.
    For the record, I'm in the Chattanooga area, not Nashville.
    Dammit, if I'd known that I would have sent him anyway
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
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  16. #12

    Default Re: Will CA Help on These Stradolin Cracks?

    ...bookending this thread that I started ... Bob Chuckrow did a fantastic job with the Strad-O-Lin, which needed a lot more work done to it than fixing the cracks. He also leveled the fretboard and installed heavier frets, glued a loose brace, and more, and did it for the price he quoted and in the predicted time frame. My wife and I drove to Chattanooga, which also gave us a chance to visit Lookout Mountain/Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, which is a must for any old Civil War buff, and the Hunter Museum of American Art, which is a trio of wonderful galleries. But the best part was meeting and getting to know Bob a little bit. Really nice man, and so talented.

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  18. #13
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    Default Re: Will CA Help on These Stradolin Cracks?

    Thanks for the kind words, Bill. I hope the instrument gives you many years of enjoyment.

    I'll mention to everybody that this is one of the better grade, all solid wood Strad-o-lins, and it sounds a heckuva lot better than a lot of the Gibson A-50's I have played.

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