@robin If it’s a Neapolitan bowl back type mandolin it probably is beyond repair. They are a nightmare and hardly ever play in tune. Good decorative...

@boo I learned on a course in Lincolnshire in about 2003 and think I still have the notes, including how to make a bow string with a spliced loop fr...

@tej I will put my head on the chopping block and say no because Ash is very springy, so unless it’s all heart wood and very solid it will give unde...

@mattbeels Looks like we’ve got some competition

@robin Good repair and I would say it will outlast you and me. I like the way you have made new rivet caps. I still can’t work out how they managed ...

@boo It sure does sparkle

I’ve noticed recently while buying parts online that there are some expensive templates for measuring nut spacing. Wonder if anyone has used one or if...

@robin Good job, it looks like you have it sorted. I was surprised when you mentioned a truss rod as banjos don’t usually have one.

@robin My preference would be to cut away some wood from where the bottom of the head butts against the neck and move the whole thing up, but there...

@powerful David Dyke is my number one supplier now for anything I can’t get from Bailey or wood where I want to do the jointing myself.

@robin Can you post a photo of the banjo where the neck and body are joined. I’m thinking you might need to carve some wood from the neck to get it ...

@powerful Acoustic building is a big learning experience but I’m sure you will get there. For kerf lining in the UK I would try David Dyke luthier s...

@robin If the banjo has a makers name it’s a good idea to google check it first in case it’s a valuable antique. The string action sounds high and...

@tv101 The repair kit was a surprise, I thought it would be 1 ton press or something really destructive

@robin If the plates are 1.5mm thick then I would put some protection on the soundboard, like thick plastic and lever them off with a chisel. Old ad...

@boo Time for some allergy therapy, go on you know you want to. They can be black.

@robin I agree with @tv101 removing the name label will leave a worse mess and the wood underneath will be a lighter colour as sound boards darken w...

@tej If use use the wrench method then don’t grip it too tightly the shock of hammering may go up your arm. Also if your wrench is made as a casting...

@robin Good point it depends on whether or not the handles get in the way of the de rusting and polishing, I’m planning to dip the metal in rust cl...

@ tej Difficult I’m trying the same thing with 3 gouges my neighbour gave me and I can’t shift them at all. My next try will be to heat the blade wi...