Mandolin Neck Attached at Odd Angle

[Ian Davlin The Looth Group]

Is it possible to get a shot of the neck block ?

[Elaine S Hartstein Hartstein Guitars]

Block seems to be curved also.

[Ian Davlin The Looth Group]

Id say there is a good chance there is a dovetail or a mortise style joint in there. Might be a good idea, if you know any dentists, to get an xray. Also, you could pull the fingerboard and peep the joint from the top.

[Elaine S Hartstein Hartstein Guitars]

I pulled the fingerboard, no dovetail, just the top, and no clue as to how the neck is attached. My dentist charges far too much for x-rays (and everything else). I abandoned the plan of removing the neck, and made a wedge and glued it under the fingerboard. I’ll post a picture when it’s done.

I discovered this about the mandolin:

This instrument is commonly called a Regal Reverse Scroll Mandolin, built by the Regal company in Chicago. The design was patented by the president of Regal, Frank Kordick, in 1914 (Regal model #107). Regal sold them to other companies to sell with their own label. It was made from 1914 to 1935.

The owner replaced the tuners at some point. They only fit upside down, so the buttons turn the wrong way to tighten. I’ve learned that tuners were “worm under” until the mid 1920’s, and then transitioned to “worm over”. StewMac sells vintage style “worm under” tuners, but I’ll have to see if the owner wants to spring for them.

Cheers,

Elaine

[Elaine S Hartstein Hartstein Guitars]

Completed mandolin with wedge under fingerboard to achieve optimal action. New nut, new bridge, and tuner grommets installed.

[Ian Davlin The Looth Group]

Outstanding work Elaine ! Excellent color on that shim.