Work Page 2-25
August Pollmann 5 string
Circa early 1900's
More info on Pollmann here
https://www.nmmusd.org/nmm-notes/henry-august-pollmann-the-success-bankruptcy-and-murder-of-a-new-york-musical-instrument-dealer
More info on Pollmann here
https://www.nmmusd.org/nmm-notes/henry-august-pollmann-the-success-bankruptcy-and-murder-of-a-new-york-musical-instrument-dealer
NOTE:
This repair sequence is to show what a "labor of love" means.
There is no good reason to spend the time / money on this instrument, as a repair person.
It would be amazing if I could get just the labor and materials back and just give the banjo away.
There are 10s of thousands of vintage spun over 5 strings in great condition, that very few people care about anymore. This is how it is when any instrument falls "out of favor" Sign of the times.
But for me, as a steward, I use them for honing skills if they have a chance of playing and if not, it is "part out" time.
I would rather help someone missing a piece than let one sit here forever.
All that said, this one will get some modern repair compounds and what it takes to gain basic playability/capability on low tension strings.
This repair sequence is to show what a "labor of love" means.
There is no good reason to spend the time / money on this instrument, as a repair person.
It would be amazing if I could get just the labor and materials back and just give the banjo away.
There are 10s of thousands of vintage spun over 5 strings in great condition, that very few people care about anymore. This is how it is when any instrument falls "out of favor" Sign of the times.
But for me, as a steward, I use them for honing skills if they have a chance of playing and if not, it is "part out" time.
I would rather help someone missing a piece than let one sit here forever.
All that said, this one will get some modern repair compounds and what it takes to gain basic playability/capability on low tension strings.
Vintage Pear turns into powder and chips badly
1 fresh coat of lacquer on rim, hardware cleaned.
Repairing-Fretting, dyeing, one at a time
Filling with #20 Black CA, then smoothing.
Removing glue from around fretwire.
Once dry, a wipe down, and seal board.
Will fabricate an ebony nut.
Repairing dowel end split.
Weight added, prepping for heat.
Moving along slowly, sealing frets as I go.
Now to scrape the big divots for #20 Amber.
Taking down the glue over the divots.
After sealing, fine steel wool to satin-ize..
Fingerboard is Pear wood, and highly degraded
Pull frets, seal slots, remove tape
Teflon strips to block slots from CA.
Breakouts from fret removal.
Final cracks, divots, all sealed
Ready to dye.
Refinishing with clear
New friction 5th peg installed.
SETUP
Classical set Silk Wound/Nylon
Nice clear tone on 1/2" bridge.
Now it is ready to be enjoyed by someone that loves the sound of an old timey 5 string.
Plays well up and down, clear ringing tone, soft and mellow up by the neck.
Better than expected, always a plus!
Thanks for looking and sharing,
VM
Plays well up and down, clear ringing tone, soft and mellow up by the neck.
Better than expected, always a plus!
Thanks for looking and sharing,
VM