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Mando/ Harp WW2 Fell apart
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Author:  WudWerkr [ Mon Mar 29, 2021 12:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Mando/ Harp WW2 Fell apart
Working on a Mando ? Harp built around WW2 . Was stored in attic by a chimney. Basically hyde glue cut loose and it pretty well fell apart with minimal effort. Gonna clean the "black" off it someone sprayed on .... not orig. and see if i can make it sing again. Notice the Fret Board Inlays . 2 missing , I have to try and match . That should be fun
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Author:  SteveSmith [ Mon Mar 29, 2021 4:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mando/ Harp WW2 Fell apart
Looks like fun Wud.

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Author:  WudWerkr [ Tue Mar 30, 2021 12:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mando/ Harp WW2 Fell apart
Still not sure why someone painted the thing black idunno . Cleaned off the back and it is a really nice piece of wood.

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Author:  Mark Mc [ Fri Apr 02, 2021 3:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mando/ Harp WW2 Fell apart
Yep, that one deserves a bit of TLC. Looking forward to seeing how it comes back together.
Author:  Chris Pile [ Fri Apr 02, 2021 5:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mando/ Harp WW2 Fell apart
Curious, why do you think it's a mando harp?
Author:  WudWerkr [ Mon Apr 05, 2021 9:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Mando/ Harp WW2 Fell apart
Chris Pile wrote:
Curious, why do you think it's a mando harp?


This pic was sent to me by another luthier 1927 Tenor Harp ...... I am not sure what it is, Guessing

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Author:  Chris Pile [ Mon Apr 05, 2021 10:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Mando/ Harp WW2 Fell apart
Looks like an old Gibson bass banjo, but it's not big enough. The peghead shape says banjo to me, as well as the amount of neck inlay. I guess it's the harp designation that's throwing me. Tuned like a mandolin would be easy enough, but it could be tuned like a 4 string banjo or even a tenor guitar. Wooden topped banjo types are out there, no reason it won't work. It's a headscratcher for sure.

What scale length is it? No makers marks at all?

I remember working on a really long scale banjo in the late 70's. It sustained forever, unlike many tradition banjos. Had an amazing sound.
Author:  WudWerkr [ Mon Apr 05, 2021 4:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mando/ Harp WW2 Fell apart
Chris Pile wrote:
Looks like an old Gibson bass banjo, but it's not big enough. The peghead shape says banjo to me, as well as the amount of neck inlay. I guess it's the harp designation that's throwing me. Tuned like a mandolin would be easy enough, but it could be tuned like a 4 string banjo or even a tenor guitar. Wooden topped banjo types are out there, no reason it won't work. It's a headscratcher for sure.

What scale length is it? No makers marks at all?

I remember working on a really long scale banjo in the late 70's. It sustained forever, unlike many tradition banjos. Had an amazing sound.



Scale is 20-1/8" He claimed his dad built it , however there are things that look factory to me . The only reason i even thought / mentioned Harp was due to the pic above . So to be totally honest , im not sure
Author:  rbuddy [ Mon Apr 05, 2021 6:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mando/ Harp WW2 Fell apart
Many styles, sizes and types of banjos out there - 4, 5 and 6 string - and mimicking a host of other stringed instruments from ukes to guitars. There aren't many commercially made with wood tops. Mostly because what has become standard is an 11" dia rim. So there isn't a lot of top real estate to generate sound unless it's a thin membrane.

I think Gold Tone still makes a wood topped "banjo" in the commercial market. Small shop builders will sometimes make them on request, but there just isn't much demand that I've ever seen.

They are often attractive to folks that don't want to get into the more technical aspects of a modern banjo build, or someone who wants a quieter instrument or is on a tighter budget. Hardware for a modern banjo build can get pretty expensive and a wood top eliminates a lot of hardware.

I'll bet this one is a home built instrument. Banjos are a lot of fun and since typical banjos are a bunch of parts bolted together - they are a tinkerers dream. I've built several and can attest to the fun part.
Author:  Barry Daniels [ Mon Apr 05, 2021 7:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mando/ Harp WW2 Fell apart
I want to build one. Being quieter than a normal banjo would not be a bad thing.
Author:  WudWerkr [ Tue Apr 06, 2021 3:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mando/ Harp WW2 Fell apart
Barry Daniels wrote:
I want to build one. Being quieter than a normal banjo would not be a bad thing.


Especially if a person is just learning ! gaah gaah laughing6-hehe
Author:  WudWerkr [ Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Mando/ Harp WW2 Fell apart
Cleaning off the Black paint someone added [headinwall] found a very nice looking walnut heel cap .

Never ceases to amaze me idunno gaah gaah
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Author:  WudWerkr [ Tue May 04, 2021 9:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Mando/ Harp WW2 Fell apart
Top back on , Saving as much orig. wood as humanly possible

Back sanded , Now to fit the neck and reset

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Author:  SteveSmith [ Tue May 04, 2021 11:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Mando/ Harp WW2 Fell apart
Lookin good.


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