Repaired headstock scroll devaluation on MD315

[tmcninch]

Hi all - I've seen a handful of threads about how common it is for the headstock scroll to snap off. But I wonder if a few of you might offer me some wisdom...

I found a used Eastman MD315 on ebay for about $700. Before bidding, I asked the seller about cosmetic damage and they said it had none. But when I received the mando it clearly had a repaired headstock scroll. From subsequent interactions with the seller, I don't think they were trying to be intentionally deceptive. However, I'm thinking about asking for a partial refund, rather than sending it back to them. How much do you think an otherwise excellent condition MD315 would be worth with this repair? Would it be fair to ask for $100-200 back?

Thanks for your advice.

[Central Joe]

How could they not notice that? I think they were deceptive, however for the right price I could live with it, only you can determine that price. joe

[BrianWilliam]

Sorry T. I agree with Joe.

Is the repair solid? In the first picture, the back looks suspect. Personally, I don’t mind repairs as long as they are done by a pro.

[tmcninch]

According to the seller, after asking her husband about it, the damage and repair were both done at the Eastman factory before the initial sale--he bought it as a blemished "as is" instrument. The ebay re-sale was actually handled by the spouse after he had a stroke and could no longer play. That's why she didn't know about the scroll issue until after selling it to me. I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt on all this... I'm just curious about the actual retail value of the mando in its current condition—whether I could potentially recoup most of my investment if I ever wanted to sell and upgrade. Or if I'd be out so much that it is better to return it to them for a refund.

[Snakum]

$700 for an otherwise perfect 315 ... meh. I'd roll with it as is.

[elmicko]

I have a MD315 as well and while they are a really good mandolin, they are inexpensive and not really an "investment". From what you say I don't think she was trying to deceive you, she just doesn't know anything about mandolins and probably didn't even look at it when she listed it for her husband. I'd politely ask for a small refund of maybe $100, but if I couldn't work it out I'd just play the thing and enjoy it. It's a good mandolin for the money.

[tmcninch]

$700 for an otherwise perfect 315 ... meh. I'd roll with it as is.

if I couldn't work it out I'd just play the thing and enjoy it. It's a good mandolin for the money.

I'm leaning in this direction... Looking at it carefully this morning, it's not a perfect repair job—the alignment is slightly off and there is some excess glue on the back. I wonder if I can get the piece off and re-glue it myself.

[elmicko]

I'm leaning in this direction... Looking at it carefully this morning, it's not a perfect repair job—the alignment is slightly off and there is some excess glue on the back. I wonder if I can get the piece off and re-glue it myself.

I don't think I'd try to do a "home repair" on it. Depending on the type of glue that was used sometimes the glue bond is stronger than the wood that it is connecting. Getting it apart cleanly would be difficult at home unless you have a lot of experience with this type of repair. I'd check with a local repair tech to see what it would cost to have it professionally done. It may not be an expensive repair at all.

[pops1]

If it falls off, try gluing it back better, but leave it alone in the mean time. Cleaning up the old glue will make it hard to have a good fit in the future if it is glued slightly off now. It's not that big of a deal. Once you play it for a while and develop some character you won't mind it as much.

[Jeff Mando]

Was it not visible in the eBay pictures?

[Sue Rieter]

At least you have your scroll! Mine's somewhere in Texas.



(Not that I mind all that much, but maybe someday ....)

[Tom Morse]

The guy had a stroke? And cannot play his mandolin anymore? Swallow it. Pay it back. Whatever small compensation you eke out of this saddened family is nothing compared to the good karma the instrument will have if you just send them a get-well card and walk on down the road.

[EdHanrahan]

In this amateur's opinion, a fine-tip marker pen can make such stuff far less obvious. If they'd darkened the wood before gluing, it would have been not-so-glaring now.

When I did that to my '90s Flatiron, I figured that it'd be easy to fix myself. Then realized that the angles involved in clamping were, uhmm, not user-friendly, so took it to the good folks at RetroFret in Brooklyn; a fine job! Interestingly, another (closer) name shop didn't even want the job.

[Mike Scott]

I have a different opinion on this. Yes, it is too bad when an illness or injury (in this case a stroke) prevents one from playing their music instrument. But, I believe you over paid for a repaired one. Regardless of whether it was intentional or not, you overpaid. If it were me, every time I pulled it out of the case I would look at the somewhat poorly repaired head stock and eventually it would drive me nuts-but that's just me. I would either try to get a slight refund or just send it back. Best of luck with it no matter what you decide. Just my 2¢. YMMV.....

[Central Joe]

With the additional information, she said he bought it as a blem. which means a discount. I do have sympathy for the med condition, but it looks like it is only about $200.00 cheaper than new at the most. I would ask for at least a partial refund. Good luck with it and i sincerely hope you enjoy it whatever you decide to do. joe

[CarlM]

Everything in life is not an economic transaction. Generosity and kindness have a lot more value. That slight blemish and imperfection is a beauty mark that will always remind you that you chose to be kind rather than count every last penny. You can feel good that it is there rather than letting it bother you. If you get the money back that will bother you more than the mark.

[John Rosett]

A competent repair person should be able to touch up that repair so that it's practically invisible.

[tmcninch]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I decided to keep the mando and not ask for a partial refund. I've still got a great instrument for my playing level, and I had an opportunity to do something nice for a couple (and fellow mando player) who are going through the wringer right now. I might look into having the scroll re-repaired someday, but I suspect it might not be worth the $100-200 or whatever investment it costs to get it just right. I'll probably find a luthier here in Indianapolis and see what they can quote me... but I will probably end up living with it as is. Thanks again everyone for chiming in.

[BrianWilliam]

[Peter Coronado]

I think this fellow liked that look.