Work Page 2-25
Rogue Banjo Mandolin Project
(convert to archtop uke)
This project came to me as a Neck and Resonator from an import "Rogue" banjo mandolin, with a broken off fingerboard (at the runoff)
None of the original rim or flange parts came along with it.
Example of original example below
None of the original rim or flange parts came along with it.
Example of original example below
Someone had taken the resonator, turned it over and cut holes for a pickup and a pickguard and had began to attempt to fabricate a " wooden archtop electric banjo mandolin" (whew)
A tall order to say the least which is maybe why they gave up. Me? I am not smart enough to give up!
But I plan on changing it up even more being the scale is 14", and the fact that it is marked at 9 and not 10... I will convert it to a banjo ukulele.
Many thanks to Mike Soares of Soares y' Guitars in Yonkers N.Y. for building me yet another set of custom electrics.
Always there for me, on my hairbrained projects.
It will go together/come apart several times in this sequence as I check and fabricate.
So lets go!
A tall order to say the least which is maybe why they gave up. Me? I am not smart enough to give up!
But I plan on changing it up even more being the scale is 14", and the fact that it is marked at 9 and not 10... I will convert it to a banjo ukulele.
Many thanks to Mike Soares of Soares y' Guitars in Yonkers N.Y. for building me yet another set of custom electrics.
Always there for me, on my hairbrained projects.
It will go together/come apart several times in this sequence as I check and fabricate.
So lets go!
Will use pickup that is above,left.
Fabricating black/white control board..
Using Vac-u-Form pickup cover, by Soares.
Slotted, ready to bind
Old input filled and dyed.
Electrics test - passed, no hums, good control.
Making a maple armrest, stick on.
Action is good.
Will re-cut hole to accept new pickup.
Elec's installed.
Sectioning in binding,
New input, on proper side.
1980s import resonator, 1920s Gretsch flange. To be painted gold.
Armrest finished, attached.
Resonator finish completed.
Scuffing and coating in between fab work.
Now to take apart, work on neck / finish.
Holes doweled, ready for re-drill.
Fretted and profiled, nice match.
Final assembly.
Added felt to lifting blocks.
First coat of new finish
Old input jack hole must be filled.
Donor fingerboard wood is perfect match.
More finish work.
White Vol/Tone knobs.
Fabricated resonator attachment.
A few small war dents in old flange.
Schaller 4:1 gold plated tuners.
All tuned to pitch (gCEA), and playing well, no buzzes in frets or electrics.
Nice tone, better than anticipated. Plays well up and down.
A challenge for sure, but something to work on in between real jobs that are more pressure.
This is an outlet for anxiety, to forget realism (making a living) , creating as I go forth with no real plan at all. I just know what parts are lying around and find ways to incorporate them into the build.
Thanks for watching and sharing,
VM
Nice tone, better than anticipated. Plays well up and down.
A challenge for sure, but something to work on in between real jobs that are more pressure.
This is an outlet for anxiety, to forget realism (making a living) , creating as I go forth with no real plan at all. I just know what parts are lying around and find ways to incorporate them into the build.
Thanks for watching and sharing,
VM