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Thread: Really cool, but really sad

  1. #1

    Default Really cool, but really sad

    Earlier today I picked up a Regal Octophone, it's in rough shape but the price was too good to pass up (Worth driving an hour each way too). It's the fanciest one I've ever seen, Spruce over mahogany, mahogany neck. Fancy colorful purfling around the soundhole and body, bound back. Pearl dots and diamonds in the fingerboard etc.

    What's most unique is the tailpiece, it's shaped like a crown and engraved. What's sad is it looks like someone cut off all of the loop hooks. I think they were using ball end strings, sticking the string through the hole and having the string rest on the top...

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  2. #2
    Ursus Mandolinus Fretbear's Avatar
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    Default Re: Really cool, but really sad

    If you get a stout steel rod (even part of a drill bit shaft) you could string it through (all) the loops of regular mandolin strings.
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  3. #3

    Default Re: Really cool, but really sad

    Quote Originally Posted by Fretbear View Post
    If you get a stout steel rod (even part of a drill bit shaft) you could string it through (all) the loops of regular mandolin strings.
    You mean stick the loop end through the hole and thread a rod through all of the loops? I'm not sure how that would work, when installed the holes will be completely covered by the sides. I was able to push the pin out of the hinge, so I'll probably watch eBay for a tailpiece and swap the cover.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Really cool, but really sad

    A nail would do the same thing, or two actually. The hole is so small that it wouldn't have to be that big of a nail. One thru the loops on the top row, and one thru the loops on the bottom row.
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  5. #5

    Default Re: Really cool, but really sad

    What's sad is it looks like someone cut off all of the loop hooks. I think they were using ball end strings, sticking the string through the hole and having the string rest on the top...]
    Can't fix stupid.

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  7. #6
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    Default Re: Really cool, but really sad

    Using a rod (or even a nail) sounds like a good idea …….. until you break a string!

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  9. #7

    Default Re: Really cool, but really sad

    You could buy this one and use it complete. Or if you are careful, you might be able to take the "crown" from yours and replace the "wrist rest". I am assuming the key part is the same on both.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/39464467526...Bk9SR8yMusaNYg

  10. #8
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Really cool, but really sad

    I'd sure love to see the odd-fancy octo! Pix please.

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  12. #9
    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Really cool, but really sad

    Quote Originally Posted by William Smith View Post
    I'd sure love to see the odd-fancy octo! Pix please.
    Me too! Spruce and mahogany, and all that bling. wow!
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  13. #10

    Default Re: Really cool, but really sad

    Quote Originally Posted by NickR View Post
    You could buy this one and use it complete. Or if you are careful, you might be able to take the "crown" from yours and replace the "wrist rest". I am assuming the key part is the same on both.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/39464467526...Bk9SR8yMusaNYg
    I'm already watching that listing! I was able to get the crown cover off of mine so it'll be easy enough to swap out, I'm tempted to see if he relists it lower but $45 wouldn't be the end of the world.

  14. #11
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    Default Re: Really cool, but really sad

    I know it's an obnoxious saying, but it does fit this situation: "find another one."
    If it was me, I wouldn't wait.

  15. #12

    Default Re: Really cool, but really sad

    Here are some pictures. I think it would've originally started out with a sunburst on the top, but it was bare when I got it (The splotches on the bass sides are my color tests, I'll re-sand it before actually finishing it). The back is in decent shape as well, when I got it the missing binding was filled in with wood filler. I ordered some .5mm white binding to replace the missing section. The cutaway with binding has shrunk past the point so I'm tempted to replace that too. The side crack is the worst thing about it, I'm tempted to just refinish the whole side but I'll see what I can do before resorting to that.

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  17. #13
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Really cool, but really sad

    Quote Originally Posted by Sam Brown View Post
    What's most unique is the tailpiece, it's shaped like a crown and engraved. What's sad is it looks like someone cut off all of the loop hooks. I think they were using ball end strings, sticking the string through the hole and having the string rest on the top...
    That tailpiece is the same shape and construction of Washburn mandolins and since there is a L&H/Regal connection that is not anything surprising. I bet you can find another base for a Washburn mandolin and swap out the top. I may even have one. I will look.
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  18. #14

    Default Re: Really cool, but really sad

    I trust you won the tailpiece on eBay. Here's an old Washburn with the same tailpiece made about 1910. If you need not win the tailpiece you could bid for this mandolin which looks pretty good and use the tailpiece substituting it for another. It looks like quite a nice mandolin.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/36428205500...92cc%7Ciid%3A1

  19. #15

    Default Re: Really cool, but really sad

    Well its got strings on it and doesn't sound too bad!

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  21. #16
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Really cool, but really sad

    Nice! I have a sunburst top finished one that needs help someday. They came in burst top and natural to my knowledge.

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