Need some help finding parts for National Resonator Mandolin

[Justin]

Hello All,

I have a National resonator mandolin in the shop for some things and I'm at a loss as to where I might find some parts.... I don't work on a lot of resonators and especially something like this, but what I need is to replace the gaskets???? I'm not sure what they are called, but the cardboard looking stuff that is between the cone and the body and the coverplate and body... Attached is a photo that will show you what I mean... If any of you know of a source, or how I might make them, that would be great!

Thanks

Justin

[Paul Verticchio]

Hi Justin.

I'm not a reso expert by any means.  However, that appears to be identical to a small kerfed lining. 

I'd look a this to see if it's appropriate with or without some dimensional adjustments.http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bodies,_necks,_wood/Mandolin_kerfed_lin...

If not, a local cabinet making shop could reproduce the strips or you could make them yourself.

Best of luck(:

Paul

[Paul Breen]

Get some thin cardboard at a hobby or art shop. Cut a long straight strip and then go back and cut the kerfs. The kerfs are only there to bend the stuff in a curve, looks pretty easy to make your own.

[Paul Hostetter]

The gaskets under the cone are not really necessary. Many Nationals in the old days as well as new ones, don't even have them. If you really want them, desk blotter paper is a good substitute, and you can use a good set of dividers to cut a new one from a single piece. Cut the outside first, then the inside, you're done. But I wouldn't bother. Just clean the ledge well all the way around and set the cone right on the metal.