Work Page 8-26
1920's Langstile Banjo Uke
9" head
Concert Scale
Install new calfskin head (Orig. broken)
Repair -Re-finish as per customers instructions.
Concert Scale
Install new calfskin head (Orig. broken)
Repair -Re-finish as per customers instructions.
This is a well played example in generally good condition, with all original hardware.
Plating is VG for its age.
Nice OHSC mandolin case.
It was played on gut strings and fret wear is minimal.
I will recommend modern "Nyl-Gut" strings and if it is to have what tuning was on it, GCEA (Low G)
I will seal them and dress/polish frets.
Oil fingerboard
Refinish (Heavy checking) with Mohawk Classic Instrument Lacquer
(Nitrocellulose)
Polish/wax all hardware.
Install new skin head (furnished by customer)
Setup on original bridge.
INITIAL PICS / Disassembly
Plating is VG for its age.
Nice OHSC mandolin case.
It was played on gut strings and fret wear is minimal.
I will recommend modern "Nyl-Gut" strings and if it is to have what tuning was on it, GCEA (Low G)
I will seal them and dress/polish frets.
Oil fingerboard
Refinish (Heavy checking) with Mohawk Classic Instrument Lacquer
(Nitrocellulose)
Polish/wax all hardware.
Install new skin head (furnished by customer)
Setup on original bridge.
INITIAL PICS / Disassembly
Case candy abounds!
Grover Champion friction pegs with uke buttons.
We will call that 16" scale
She made it a long time.
Buckle rash and checking on back.
New head from Bob Smakula
Bell-Brand tailpiece.
Varnish - heavy checking.
VG fingerboard, will come back nicely.
No tone ring, sharp bearing edge cut .
That area will not have varnish, and will be waxed.
Stripping finish.
Tint applied. Same as factory color.
Adding clear as I go.
Let's get started.
Dowel is tight, angle is good.
Lettering needs new blacking for contrast before finish.
Head had grown to the rim, that is what broke it :(
That is where it pulled the varnish off.
Block sanding the wood checking.
Moving along.
4 coats to go.
Head installation
Old flesh ring out for re-use.
Starter hook sets on and equal.
Time to trim, always a new blade for this.
Ready to do final assembly.
We wi;; have a discussion on this loose fitting resonator.
Time to string it up.
Low G-CEA, nice full tone.
Fully moist, ready to tuck.
All hooksets on, and ready to snug.
Now for some cure time.
@ missing paper washers, I have them.
Adding mineral oil to vitalize the rosewood.
Ernie Ball- Ball end is good for this tailpiece.
After settling in, tweaking, try1ng to get the resonator tighter, (Not by much)
It is a bad design, and maxs out on the bottom of the rim.
Maybe a good thing because it is so BRIGHT! LOL
Added in a cleaning rag, new tuner, screwdriver bit for Champion tuning peg size, a few pics, one felt pick, string package (like it needed another one!)
Tuned down, marked the bridge for proper intonation if it moves.
It is a bad design, and maxs out on the bottom of the rim.
Maybe a good thing because it is so BRIGHT! LOL
Added in a cleaning rag, new tuner, screwdriver bit for Champion tuning peg size, a few pics, one felt pick, string package (like it needed another one!)
Tuned down, marked the bridge for proper intonation if it moves.
Final Pics
Thanks for looking and sharing, VM