Work Page 6/26
1920s Chas.A.Stromberg and Sons
Boston MA
8 string
16-1/4" scale
24 fret
10-1/2" rim assembly
Calfskin head
Spun over tone ring - long skirt
Bottom trim band
Convert to 4 string short scale tenor/plectrum
********************
This is an interesting variant from Stromberg.
I have owned Stromberg banjo mandolins but the scale of them was 13.5"
This one is actually at the beginning of Mandola scale (CGDA) I will be tuning it CGDA with proper gauges.
It could be tuned DGBE (Baritone uke) or CGBD (plectrum)
The scale is a bit long for GDAE but it could be done with I would say a set of strings that were maybe .040 to .009, but the E would still be very taut.
REPAIRS
The dowel needs a reset and I will make the changes in the peghead to make it 4 string.
I will refinish the rim and neck.
Add side markers
Polish hardware
Install new hook sets
Install No-knot tailpiece
Install geared uke pegs (vintage)
Setup on 5/8" bridge
This example does not have the sought after Cuppo-phone tone ring
This ring is like Vega Style N, with a longer skirt.
They made these prior to the advent of the Cuppo.
Below is an example of the Cuppo-phone style.
16-1/4" scale
24 fret
10-1/2" rim assembly
Calfskin head
Spun over tone ring - long skirt
Bottom trim band
Convert to 4 string short scale tenor/plectrum
********************
This is an interesting variant from Stromberg.
I have owned Stromberg banjo mandolins but the scale of them was 13.5"
This one is actually at the beginning of Mandola scale (CGDA) I will be tuning it CGDA with proper gauges.
It could be tuned DGBE (Baritone uke) or CGBD (plectrum)
The scale is a bit long for GDAE but it could be done with I would say a set of strings that were maybe .040 to .009, but the E would still be very taut.
REPAIRS
The dowel needs a reset and I will make the changes in the peghead to make it 4 string.
I will refinish the rim and neck.
Add side markers
Polish hardware
Install new hook sets
Install No-knot tailpiece
Install geared uke pegs (vintage)
Setup on 5/8" bridge
This example does not have the sought after Cuppo-phone tone ring
This ring is like Vega Style N, with a longer skirt.
They made these prior to the advent of the Cuppo.
Below is an example of the Cuppo-phone style.
Weird ,fret markers at 18.
Dowel angle bad- will heat and re-position.
Ready for new drill-outs.
Dowel reset complete,
I will restore the plate.
Added tailpiece hex head lag for "No-knot" tailpiece deleting cloud style.
Tuned to pitch.
Plays very well with nice warm tone. Happy.
Neck was refinished in the past.
I will fill all holes in peghead.
Dyed the reverse to hide all hole repairs.
Added a diamond, and the new gears.
Bridge will land here.
FINAL PICS
Shown next to 17 fret Vega for size comparison.
Thanks for looking and sharing,
VM
VM