| 14. French flatback (258) @ £100 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Old
French long-scale flat-back
(258) This is an old, French flat-back mandolin. I have been unable to find the maker, but it is unmistakeably French in style. It is in good condition, and has a good sound after restoration. There are the remains of a name inscribed on the table…. La
Vezuvienne
The top is sound with ONE repair. It
has a single-piece
stained maple back.
It has the original
rosewood fingerboard, set on a shim to improve playability,
and original bar frets, re-levelled and
showing minimal wear. The
tuners and tail are original
but the
rosewood bridge is new. It has
been completely refinished with Tru-oil varnish, a light modern varnish
which allows maximum vibration in the wood. It has been restrung with GHS bronze wound strings,
and is now playing well with
a strong, well balanced
sound, and good volume. It has
an easy action. The
fingerboard and top have been treated with ‘Lem-Oil’ to inhibit the
adherence of grease.
Other than cleaning, I have repaired as follows… 1)
repaired a shrinkage split in the top; 2) refitted the fingerboard
on a shim; 3) reglued loose seams around the back; 4) re-stained and
refinished with Tru-oil; 5) fitted a new compensated rosewood and
bone bridge; 6) re-levelled the bar frets; and 6) fitted a new bone
nut and anti-vibration felt. Larger photos are available on request. |
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