Mandolin: Restoration Parts

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Buttons     Brass Frets     Bridge Saddles     Edging Ebony/MOP   Veneer   Screws   Nut Blanks   Shellac

One of the many problems with the idea of restoring an old mandolin, is replacing missing parts, because in most cases, these parts are no longer made. It was for this reason that I started making replacement parts for my own restoration projects. Over the years I have also managed to find suppliers for most of the materials needed, if not some period style parts.

   To order bits, leave a message on the contact page and I will send you my direct email address to discuss your order, payment and postage. Item costs are exclusive of postage and packing.

Postage/Packing/Handling Rates

Please see Payments Page for details of postage costs and payment options.     

 

Buttons

All buttons are individually made by hand in bone. They come with a circular hole for the spindle. Below is the range of buttons generally in use. Cost is £3 per button.

12mm diameter x 5mm (German)        

13mm diameter x 5-6mm (Italian)        

 13 x 10 x 5mm
 I am happy to make buttons to order to your measurements or from the broken buttons posted to me.

 

Brass Frets
Many old mandolins are either missing frets, or need old worn ones replacing. My supply of these varies at any one time. Conversely, I may be able to match other sizes as well. For the best match you will need to send me a fret however. Some are new, and others recovered from old mandolins.
1mm x 1.5mm

1mm x 2mm

1mm x 3mm

 2mm tall x 1.5mm wide, with teeth.
Bar Frets: These are sold in 250mm lengths, sufficient for about 6 frets. Cost is £3 each. Brass T Frets: I can sell individual replacements from old instruments. Please specify minimum length. £0.50 each.
2mm tall x 1.5mm wide, with no teeth. 2mm tall x 1mm wide, with no teeth.
Brass T Frets: I can sell individual replacements from old instruments. Please specify minimum length. £0.50 each. Alloy Frets: I can sell individual replacements from old instruments. Please specify minimum length. £0.50 each.
NB. I can also supply short lengths of modern fretwire for complete re-fretting.

 

Brass/Bone Bridge Saddles
The traditional 'shelf bridges' on the old Neapolitan mandolins, are often missing their saddles. These were either bone or brass. These are cut to rough length and sanded to exactness on fitting. Please specify minimum length. Cost is £0.50 each.
Diameter 1mm

Diameter 1.2mm

Diameter 1.5mm

Diameter 2mm

 approx. 1 x 2 x 55mm
See also replacement bridges.

 

Edging: Ebony/MOP
This is recovery MOP, and comes in strips about 20 x 6mm. Thickness varies between 1-3mm. It ideal for edging pieces. 

Cost is £1 each.

 I also have small quantities of ebony strip suitable for edging. It is 6 x 2mm and will come in 100mm lengths.

Cost is £1 each.
missing edging MOP cut and glued sanded smooth and level

 

Rosewood Veneers
  I can now supply rosewood veneer, thickness 0.5mm, sufficient to re-veneer a neck or headstock. Pieces are at least 8 x 24 cms, which should cover a complete head, or 2 necks.

Cost is £2.50 each.

 

Brass Screws
Pins Flat-topped/countersunk Domed/countersunk Round headed
 

Availability:

A: Flat; 9mm (3/8"), 10mm, 12mm (1/2").   Size 2

B: Domed; 11mm.  Size 2

C: Round; 6mm (1/4"), 9mm (3/8"), 12mm (1/2").  Size 2

D: Pins; 12mm (1/2").  Size 1.3

Cost is £2 per set of 10.

 

Bone nut blanks

Bone nut blanks cut and polished, 

for mandolins, mandolas, 30mm long  £2.00 each.

bouzoukis, waldzithers, 35mm long  £2.50 each.

shaped to exact size  £4 each

with string slots  £5 each

 

Clear Shellac (small quantities)

100gms of clear shellac flakes, sufficient to make 3 batches of shellac, '2lb cut' of 120ml each.

 £5 plus P&P