Gibson F-2 Mandolin Repair Question

[David A Spriggs]

I have a Gibson F-2 mandolin that was made in 1914 and has been in my family since about 1920.  It's in very good shape except for the neck which is slightly bowed.  There is hardly any day light between the strings and the first fret while the 19th fret has a smooch more than 1/8th" clearance.  My question is: how can this be corrected?  Do you raise the nut and lower the bridge, or shave the neck down smooth and start over, or what?  On the other hand, does it need fixing?  Should I just leave it alone and enjoy it as is?  I started playing the mandolin about six months ago and am still trying to figure it out so I might be making a mountain out of a mole hill.   

[Eric Steven Johansen]

First of all this is a valuable mandolin. Nothing should be done by anyone but a professional luthier. Photos would help get you pointed in the right direction but I can't stress enough the need for a professional here. 

[David A Spriggs]

I agree, that's way I posted on this site.  I'm looking for expert advise and I was told this is where I would find it. I would like to get Frank Ford to take a look at it.

[harrison phipps]

Does it have its original ebony bridge? Can you post a photo of the Bridge?

[David A Spriggs]

Yes.  I haven't taken any photos yet but I will.

[William F.Eden]

Ether play it as it is or take Eric's advice and have a pro. look at it you will not get any better advice than that..Bill.............

[David A Spriggs]

My mandolin teacher suggested I have Frank Ford look at it.  Do I just take it into the store and leave it, or what?  I e-mailed the store but haven't heard back yet.

[Mike Kolb]

Assuming you live in the bay area?  ... call Gryphon (650 493-2131) and tell them what you've got, you'd like Frank to take a look at it and when would be a good time to do that?

[David A Spriggs]

OK.  Thanks Mike, I'll give them a call.

[Frank Ford]

Of course you can bring it in and I/we can take a look.  Phone is best for good communication if you can't make it to the shop. 

I got  your e-mail forwarded about five minutes ago . .

[David A Spriggs]

Thanks Frank.  I'll call the shop on Monday and go from there.

[Ned Knepp]

First, I agree with everyone that a pro should look over your instrument.

 That said, are there any dead notes, any buzzes?  How high are the strings at the 12th fret?  Is the bridge positioned correctly? On an archtop instrument, bridge position is easy to have off and it can effect the string height if it's not in the correct position.

I'm actually wading in  because, if I understand correctly, what you describe doesn't sound bad to me. If your not getting any buzzing, low is good. (personal opinion). Your setup, almost touching the first fret and about 1/8th inch at the end of the fretboard (19th fret), could be describing my snakehead's setup and it plays very well like that.    

Have I missed something?

[David A Spriggs]

There is a lot of buzzing on the G strings which I assumed is caused by my lack of experience.  The strings at the 12th fret are 1/8" above the fretboard, and the G string end of the bridge has been moved back 1/8th ".   This is all new to me as I knew nothing about mandolins until I started playing this instrument about six months ago.  I read an article on what to look for when buying a mandolin and when I checked mine, I saw that the neck had a slight bow in it.  I'm going to contact Gryphon on monday and set up a time to have them look at it.