396 RSW Just Working The Bugs Out

[@johnthomas2255]

Jerry I really like how you explain every move you make on repairing these mandolins videos , I'm 89 and really enjoy watching all your repair videos. I really sounds good.

[@Mpactpics]

You are a maniac. Never discouraged and willing to do what most won't. You brought this one back from the dead so she can sing once again.

[@Road_Rash]

The whole time you were dressing the ends of those frets, I could see the peg head flexing & I knew there was gonna be another problem! Lol! I got a bowl back that I think is gonna have to have the neck reset, so I'm trying to learn as many tricks as I can watching you work...I'm learning more from your channel than I am from pretty much any other channel I've been watching...by the time I get done binge watching all your repair videos, I may be confident enough to try repairing mine...great channel & amazing work! 👌🏿😎👍🏿

[@michaelwilson9253]

Jerry, first let me say, you did a fantastic job with my Mandolin! I never dreamed it would turn out so well, but Paul and Melissa said to trust you and I am sure glad I did. She plays great and sounds better than I could imagine. Thank you so much for helping me keep a promise 12 years old... in 2008 my friend gave it to me with the caveat that I would get it repaired, it belonged to her grandfather who got it as a graduation present in the 20s, it was used then. Mr Fox is smiling down on it from heaven I'm sure. 10 years ago when I moved from LA to Plano the movers lost it and my 1961 Corvette (Gretsch) needless to say I was heartbroken and never thought I would never be able to keep my promise. This last December I needed to do some work on my truck and opened my Knack box to get my floor jack and to my surprise, both the Mandolin and the corvette were in the tool box with my jack and jack stands, The box was still shrink wrapped from the move in 2010 and kept in my garage, sure glad the Dodge finally needed brakes... (no doubt this contributed to some of the damage) Not sure of the origination of the bugs, but when I found I ran down to Guitar center and picked up a hard shell case ( I received it a canvas sleeve case) closed it up and brought to you, so I guess them pesky creatures came from CA... As far a screw loose, that has been said many times and so many people can't be all wrong! Thanks again my friend, you are certainly a master of your trade. Also, it was worth every dime and then some! I cant wait to see what you have in store for that J45 wall planter I brought you.. Stay Safe and Stay Well.

[@RosaStringWorks]

Thank you very kindly. The j45 is in many many pieces at the moment. The video on it will probably top this one considerably. But it will be a far better instrument than it came from the factory I am almost 100% sure of that

[@JamesGale1]

Jerry - just wanted to tell you what a pleasure it is for me (as it clearly is for many others too!), to watch you and listen to you working. The way you talk through techniques and problems is a true - and painless - education, not that I'm in a position to apply it practically other than in a VERY small way! It's just nice to know 🙂. Thanks!

[@robertrosenfield405]

Im still itching from all those bugs!! Brittle that mandolin is.. Very Old. You saved it. Wowzer!

[@billwyatt2449]

I was just getting ready to comment on how beautiful that pick guard is when the neck broke so I paused from commenting. They the peg head fell apart. The suspense was thick in the air. Then in the end it all came together and another instrument saved. Praise the Lord.

[@edgardeleon6319]

Your instructional video is very much appreciated. You're so unselfish to teach the secrets of your trade. May your business prosper. God bless you.

[@joanarling]

That's not a repair. That's a resurrection.

[@barabarahito]

I know right, necromancy......way back they'd have been clamouring at the door with brands and pitchforks.

[@bruceducker2029]

I must say, even though I am not a Mandolin player, I found this to be a fun video to watch. It always amazes me to watch a fine "antique" being revived and brought back to life. Job well done, Jerry. Take care

[@valearl4693]

That poor little thing was at death's door when you got it. Heart warming watching you save it. Good job!

[@connorbaird5279]

you are the bob ross of luthiers my friend thank you.

[@MinimGuitars]

I love these back-from-the-brink repairs. It's a shame not many people bother with them - they make great examples for teaching and learning though. Perhaps luthiery schools or inexperienced repair shops should take in those "not worth fixing" type jobs - it gives them the opportunity to attempt dramatic repairs on "expendable" instruments and the customers will get a chance to get their cheap instruments fixed - of course under the proviso that it might not work - but that's surely better than everyone telling you not to bother?!

[@pskemster]

The mandolin from a web page search turned up a Washburn Mandolin 1915-1920 Enjoyed your video/s thanks again for sharing!

[@garysparks2681]

I BELIEVE IT IS A 1910S LARSON-MADE LELAND BRILLIANTONE FLATBACK. GOOD VIDEO.

[@cecilbdabill]

Wore me out just watching the video..... you are a saint when it comes to instrument repair.

[@carlkerkman7028]

Was holding my breath as I watched the headstock flex as you were applying pressure during the fret routing procedure at 26:12, that was a good test of the glue joints repairs you made and if anything else was cracked/loose it would likely have broken then.

[@malinaswow4846]

I love to watch you fixing those precious instruments with such dedication - sorry if my English may sound strange, hoping you get the point ... to me it is relaxing and heartwarming to see you at work - keep it up, you are a treasure :)

[@billmartin428]

Hey Jerry!! Bill from england here... that looks like the common furniture beetle. One of our worst enemy’s. Also known as woodworm. Couldn’t see up close but check it out. Worse than bedbugs cause you’ve got wood but no beds! Love yer vids makes my day when you post! Billo

[@perihelion7798]

The Jerry Rosa Home and Sanctuary for Abused and Neglected Instruments... Take in the sad, broken instruments, and make them proud and functional once again. Nice work. A lot like people, these instruments can be rehabilitated and made productive once again. Kudos! P.S. Moral of this story: Don't let any repair job bug you too much--just keep working on it. LOL

[@murraydyck2127]

A very hard repair. I would of given up . But you did what you had to do to get it done and the results were amazing. It looks great and plays well

[@handiman5]

Love the musical 'interludes' as you fast forward through some work! Good job!

[@SuperNarcissius]

So inspiring to witness what this talented man works miracles. He will be known as the luthier that always gave any damaged musical instrument a second life.

[@rrrosecarbinela]

That poor mandolin! Looks like it needs a nice soak in warm oil, or something! (I know that's not the way to handle brittleness, but, that poor mandolin!) Your attention to detail never ceases to amaze.

[@one1gretsch]

That ole mandolin really had some issues and bugs that had to be fixed. It is really therapeutic to watch, and learn to take one step at the time. You made it play again, and that was the goal I guess.

[@crubenbauer1]

Jerry, I have a National /Valco circa 1935-1941 with the exact same checkerboard binding. If someone asked me, this mandolin is from the same era. What I find interesting is... this top sure looks like a Bowl Back mando. I'm fairly certain the braces are loose as well. Love your Videos and honesty. Great Job!!

[@csnelling4]

Boy, that was a battle of the 1920’s mandolin at the RSW, Jerry !!! It sounds great. Thanks Jerry for the video .👏👏👏👍🇬🇧

[@jeffberg8015]

That's gotta get your heart going when a piece falls off an instrument you're working on.

[@lrstaf6]

Hi Jerry; I couldn't agree with you more on the tuners not slipping. They are designed such that you would break the teeth off before they would slip. The only way they could slip without the teeth breaking is if the frame hole was elongated or the frame was deformed enough to allow the teeth to become disengaged. Isn't it fun working on really old brittle wood. I haven't run across it in an instrument, but in remodeling I have. It has to be a labor of love to keep going with it. Really enjoying the video. Going back to watch the rest.

[@pbj4toast]

Just wanna say how much I have enjoyed your videos. I look forward to seeing the progress on your new workshop.The bugs think you are messing with their home.

[@1244taylor]

Looks great ,way better than when you received it ..I'm sure the owner will be pleased..tks for sharing..

[@RandySchartiger]

working the bugs out lol I get them here too like that! usually scan them with a UV light or they just keep coming. it sounds good!

[@RWayne-nu2fi]

Dang, I've been watching your channel most of today...... decide to watch this video because I am working on an old mandolin now, and here you are. Hope all is good at your house.

[@dukestt5436]

I just finished watching your bulid of the Carolina/Florida guitar , whilst sanding all the finish and taking the pick guard, if you can call it that, off my guitar, what an instrument that is. Beautiful. the machine gear was probably bashed and knocked out of round, and the head was broken so it probably hit the ground at that point!

[@donaldholman9070]

This is the funniest repair you have done! Thank you

[@SuperNarcissius]

With some people patience is a virtue but in your case it is a Godgiven gift. BRAVO !

[@davidwinokur2131]

That funny old mandolin sounds great!

[@geneedwards5639]

This was a very impressive restoration! What a lot of improvising you did! I’d love to come across an instrument like this. Thanks for sharing

[@charleslambiase5670]

That's a great lesson to people who don't understand how things operate mechanically

[@sydmarty1]

Jerry: Great job. You saved it! Also it sounds great and that's what counts.

[@leelossi1257]

beautiful sounding mandolin! I thought it was junk, but it turned out beautiful. I bet it is a treasure to the owner--- NOW!

[@jeremywolstenholme9277]

I like these old flat back mandolins, I got a roundback mandolin and no,I can't hold it,so I got a new Army - Navy style mandolin and I love it.

[@TononiaWorld]

Greetings Mr. Rosa; regarding the Gears, metal wear makes the surface of the sprocket and the base plate coarse, buffing them(0000 steel wool and then fine buffing paste) will reduce friction and make them slide easy, to clean the worm gear joint soak in warm oil or brake cleaner,, What i usually do is soak in 5% distilled white vinegar over night (the things that come off) and the use brake cleaner and a rag. Use wax to lubricate or grease (to avoid rust and dust mixing), this happens all the time with Bass tuners and it's part of the maintenance.

[@pskemster]

What an excellent job. Thank you for sharing. I gleam as much knowledge from you as I can!

[@dennisyounkin644]

Jerry, just finished watching, and another great job... All you can do is your best to fix the problems you didn’t cause them....

[@jeffgrier8488]

Well, that mandolin definitely made you work for it, but you got it done! Sounds pretty good too!

[@fintanfox467]

A very nice instrument back doing what it was made for. Well done. Those old style instruments with a flat back are called Portuguese mandolins. No good for bluegrass but other kinds of music are available...

[@SawDustLiveMusic]

You're a sucker for old instruments Jerry and cherish friendships. Love your channel. Seems the builders of some instruments never took into consideration the grain of he wood. You're a magician. especially in cosmetics.

[@donaldfisher8556]

Jerry on camera you didn't seem to lose your cool, well done. Yeah it seem to be okay now but holy jumpin's I was wondering if you were gonna catch a break. Nicely done.

[@nicholasjungheim2667]

I is a pleasure to watch the care and consideration that you put into instruments that have sentimental value.

[@edwardpetersen4309]

Jerry, you must be feelin that Italian mandolin in your Italian bones. 😊

[@rickhubbard7342]

Gerry you must have the patience of a saint to fix an instrument like that, I would have thrown it to the wall after the 2nd break. Well done sir and thank you for keeping us insane during the current madness :)

[@Wildman9]

Kind of reminds me an Epiphone . But could be Sears / Harmony. I've had my share of Silvertones my whole life. My last one was a Silvertone ,Stratatone. Double pickup, Les Paul looking . Great backing tunes. Thanks again for a nice video. 👍😷

[@Wildman9]

P.S. You should have named the video,Jigsaw Mandolin with a few bugs.Lol.🎸

[@shaneharrison4775]

Well Jerry commonsense is the one rare beautiful flower that dont grow in everyone's garden !

[@marvinsturgill985]

The ' bugs' you so casually croaked were actually the instruments engineers that kept it running..we put pissants under the 'crystal' of our Timex watches to keep the delicate mechanism in top shape...p.s....wind blew so hard here today, a woman had the same baby....twice! keep em coming, it's like visiting someone without arguing...

[@mattliebenau9083]

What an adventure. I was a little surprised it has a flat back, I usually think of that bent top style with a bowl back.

[@RosaStringWorks]

Yes that is very common.

[@jeffreyharville1918]

My suggestion (for you to ponder) get one of those metal straws that are sold in dollar stores, and use that to direct your breath to a certain area. You keep your perspective on the piece and direct a flow of air just where you want it.

[@reghudson5444]

Jerry, great video. I googled “antique Regal A style mandolin” and found one just like it on Reverb. Same pickguard. Same metal plate on the back of the headstock. Reverb said it was a 1925 model, and they were selling it for $599.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Hindsight is 20-15! Better than perfect vision!

[@arctichare8185]

Your play-by-play explanations are very useful. And appreciated! (By the way, I was almost expecting to see you square up the valleys on the back of the peg head that the tuners are down into, then fill them with a couple of new pieces of wood, and then put a set of modern tuners on it. But your choice to keep the old design is obviously a good one.)

[@matthewbartolone7036]

Another home run, great work Jerry

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

Nice persistence! That one was out to get you... sharp knives and bugs!

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

There's a certain humanity bringing an old instrument without the benefit of a big name on the headstock back to life.

[@jimmac521]

I worked on an early 60's gibson 6 string that had at least three previous headstock repairs... every time I looked at it another old crack would open up on it. I was never so happy to get an instrument out of my care.

[@lukep1888]

G'day Jerry, another great and insightful video. I have an old L&H bowlback hopefully arriving next week. It looks in decent condition. I'll need to convert it leftie but i'm hoping that the frets will only need a level and re-crown rather than a full change! (There's not really any luthiers where i'm at, so it's great to watch your videos for your wisdom, tips and tricks) cheers.

[@jamesdahl6949]

Patience's Jerry! You absolutely superb work. If I have any criticism it would be you have, from what I see, almost zero patience. You will say you need to let the instrument sit for say 4 hours but the next clip you will say "well it's been 2 hours but I have to get these instruments out of here". I do absolutely understand what you're talking about but I can see you do not have any patience whatsoever. Not a bad thing and again I am not criticizing you because you do extremely brilliant work. Just making a point. Thanks again and I've probably watched all of your videos at least twice because of your good work.

[@davestambaugh7282]

I did an old Fairbanks mandolin banjo that had that kind of peg head. I put new modified to fit tuners and although there were no cracks or breaks I heavily reinforced the inside of the slots with epoxy.

[@TononiaWorld]

Greetings Mr. Rosa, regarding the arthritis, you should have daily Epson salt bath for your hands, cut down on sugar, MSG, and cut proteins (Depending on what protein affect it) and do stretching. also, if someone told you you need to eat less salt, don't trust the, just drink more water, AND HAVE JELLO more often and Bone Broth.

[@danielwalter7106]

Superb. I’m revisiting instruments i built years ago using my new found RSW knowledge. I ask myself “how would Jerry do it?” Thank you.

[@webbtrekker534]

I'm 74 and my fingers are beginning to stiffen up, sometime painfully so. I empathize with your condition. Very nice restoration.

[@josephtaverna1287]

Wow Jerry what a video Aton of work done by the legend Jr stay safe my friend great work God bless you and your family

[@jamesdaily5167]

I really like your program , you do some amazing work with great results I've done guitar work in the past and as such I can appreciate how much work you go through to make things 😅right. Bless you and your talent . 4:06 4:10 😅

[@charleslambiase5670]

Exactly the backlash especially on older tuners,,, I know that on my old Gibson basses from the sixties ..I do whatever I have to do to pull that out when I'm approaching the appropriate note while tuning up

[@stevenoliver1956]

Hi Jerry I don't know if you will get this comment but regarding those bugs they're bed bugs I can't believe you didn't kill them you through it on the floor. oh my god I was infested once it took me Years to get rid of them .happy scratching !!!

[@robertrosenfield405]

Just think how much more fun it would have been with the Bowl Back version! I concur with not pounding those frets. glue is safe

[@soundguyjimmy]

Can’t lose Melissa! ✌️❤️🎧

[@nickbellinger1047]

i wonder how those bugs will like it now .....rkn their ears are ringing..... thanks for the vid mate you sure brought that one back from the brink ....

[@chrisraatz6672]

Love your problem solving skills Jerry with the wider fret slots and the CA glue. Saves the instrument while getting the job done adequately. Did make me wonder though how the maker got the original frets in over the body the first time? Maybe that's how all the hair-line fractures occurred in the first place? :))

[@RosaStringWorks]

More than likely they put all the Frets in before the fretboard went on the instrument. And the other difference is it was knew back then it's now approximately 100 years old so it's much more brittle now.

[@ninar.173]

Anthrenus scrophulariae in Germany called Teppichkäfer ;-) ? if the Mandolin was in a case with textile, those bugs eat keratin an all kind of textil and leather but they do´nt eat cotton.

[@NickRatnieks]

Looking at Chicago makers, Harmony would be my first suggestion from the 1920s- there was once a label inside- probably a mail order Sears, Roebuck " Supertone"- the company that owned Harmony. .Here is one sold as a Sammo branded instrument. jakewildwood.blogspot.com/2011/06/c1920-sammo-flatback-mandolin.html Those enclosed tuners meant that the wood mass of the headstock was significantly reduced making it so much weaker in the process. A "crown" tailpiece cover- that's a fancy touch! If Melissa scrolls down to the ninth comment in this discussion she will see the ad for her mandolin- or a very similar one as they changed the specs all the time for Supertone instruments. It has been posted by PFOX who has written a history of Gibson mandolins. www.mandolincafe.com/forum/threads/104970-Hey-Garber-and-Company-step-inside-and-help?styleid=10

[@jeffberg8015]

I think that was a good call.

[@RosaStringWorks]

Sears instruments are called silvertone. I don't believe this was a Sears mandolin. It's possible but I don't think that's what it is.

[@RosaStringWorks]

The Samo is fairly similar but it's different

[@NickRatnieks]

@@RosaStringWorks Sears instruments were called Supertone when first sold and the name was changed to Silvertone in 1941 which is the year that Sears sold Harmony to the company's management. As I wrote, the detailing on the Supertone instruments was regularly changed for marketing purposes for each new catalogue. I posted up a Supertone advertisement at this link- you can see it has Sears,Roebuck at the bottom of the page and shows a range of the mandolins for sale at that time. www.mandolincafe.com/forum/threads/150064-Need-help-with-identification

[@NH-Bill]

Supertone looks right, very similar to mine. www.mandolincafe.com/forum/threads/150008-Bradbury-mandolin

[@johnsee7269]

Listened to the picking during the last part of the tuning keys segment 5 times. Think I'll listen again; lol! Dynamite picking; love it! Killer! Brutal! That G Am G E7 is a great break; had to get the guitar; I can pick a little of it. Rock on! (Made my day. Thanks.) 55:50 Oops, 10 times; the heart and soul of Bluegrass mandolin and banjo playin; applause! That high, lonesome sound!

[@larrythecomputerguy]

Probably would have used the soldering gun on the tailpiece cover, but, as always, you did GREAT resurrecting this instrument. Your color matching is not quite perfect, but overall a vast improvement to this nice old instrument! Bravo!

[@duncantaylor3558]

Micro mark has a plier that’s designed to hold small screws for railroad models. That may help the arthritis.

[@MrLeejan]

I put model locomotive grease on the machine heads of my Danelectro years ago. Worked fine . The idea was to stop them from rusting.

[@ScottoftheSahara]

the pickguard looks like something out of Batman

[@Unclejake]

I’ve repaired the headstocks on a couple Gibson’s, just taking my time lining up the break and using titebond, and every clamp I can fit, but in studying I’ve seen this trend with people making a jig to cut a channel with a router and then installing splines of same type of wood. They claim it’s to increase the surface area glued, that would be interesting sometime in a video to hear your opinion on that. I remember once watching you actually make a section of the neck at the headstock, I’m not brave enough to attempt that yet.

[@TheAlanSaunders]

Nice job! Jerry I really want a bowlback mandolin (I know you hate them) to repair and your methods give me a good idea of what is within my capabilities. If you are colourblind there are apps for smartphones and PCs/Macs that will give you an RGB, CMY, CMYK or HSL (16,777,216 colours) value for an average over an area or a single pixel. Paint shops use the same technology to match a colour sample but you do not need to calibrate to a colour table, merely match the repair to the surrounding area. OTOH, females can distinguish twice as many 'hues' as males so Melissa may be better than current technology.

[@gregglange6805]

Jerry; This is an S.S. Stewart Mandolin from 1900-1908. Some were sold through a few SEARS or Monkey Ward. Gregg

[@SteveMorganinVienna]

Never on a Sunday! First song I learned on the guitar!

[@WhiteDragon689]

Jesus must be your friend to be able to bring back dead instruments back to life Jerry.

[@Ukefool57]

A lot of these mandolins were made by a company called Lyon and Healy. I have the “taterbug” version of this mandolin made almost 100 years ago. It too had bad issues with an almost identical headstock. It was stamped Osborn, on the metal plate. Am in an ongoing restoration on it. It suffered from a badly warped top. Playable, but the bottom strings buzz a little.

[@RosaStringWorks]

Lyon & Healy were even better known for their banjos.

[@Ukefool57]

Yeah, they made just about anything that would make money. I have one of their ukuleles.

[@joemcgraw5529]

regarding the timbermate ,im sure the dye is sealing the filler ,I have a repair using that filler on a guitar top so thinking of sealing the filler with dye or black paint ,the guitar is going to be repainted black ,the mandolin sounds pretty good nice work once again

[@mattomon1045]

Mr Rosa you are a miracle worker

[@nodnostrebor4300]

Gerry- At 70, I just recently was struck by the arthritis in the hands. Actually my ring-finger on my right hand has done it a while. Though in the past few weeks my ring-finger on my left hand started-in clicking with a lot of pain, then both hands flared up. So, I asked my wife, what do I do? She asked me if I had been drinking my lemon juice (diluted), which I drink to keep away kidney stones. And I hadn't recently been following what I knew worked for kidney stones, (before they arise again). Anyway, to cut to the chase, a little bit of lemon juice in a small glass of water two-to-three times a day, and I have seen almost immediate results on the arthritis. Within two days, even the stiffness from the inflammation is almost gone. The first day, I could play my guitar again. And now I'm well on the road to beating it. Give it a try.

[@johnsee7269]

How much per day?

[@nodnostrebor4300]

@@johnsee7269 - In a half glass of water , a half shot-glass of lemon juice, in the morning, then again during the day, and then at night just before bed. It worked for me.

[@bobberceli6874]

I'm uo with you with a change in ph.

[@georgevanwin]

Most medical opinion is that arthritis sufferers should NOT eat citrus fruit or drink citrus juices as the citric acid in them will attack the joints and accelerate the disease. I've lived with chronic arthritis in practically every joint in my body for 20yrs now. I take truck loads of pain medication which makes life bearable and I can still play my instruments. The meds do cause awful constipation which I take even more meds to ease!

[@nodnostrebor4300]

@@johnsee7269 I hope the lemon juice helped. I'm also finding success with ingesting Cod Liver Oil in tablets, which my wife tells me thins the blood. I am close to being fully recovered. I swim a mile every day, or I did until the C-19 pandemic shut my pool. I think it caught up with me due to my lack of exercise, which also thins my blood. Lemon juice is a cleanser of internal organs. Good luck. It's a horrible ailment.

[@bellesmom238]

Jerry , i got one just like it , it was made in italy in 1956, its a MASTRIANO, im sure its the same as mine , THANKS

[@RosaStringWorks]

There were Millions made in this style. I am fairly sure this one is about 100 years old.

[@scottpledge4073]

Mr. Rosa you inspire me! I enjoy your style of fixing instruments and your videos are fun to watch. But im going to be a bit critical on this one.. You did an amazing job breathing life back into this one. Paying attention to every detail. But then you didn't stain the light spot above the bridge! Why not?

[@charleslambiase5670]

Remember that song ...the mandolin sounds fantastic

[@benedictnothing]

Those are carpet beetles. We get them scuttling up the walls this time every year.

[@larryfischer1970]

Hi Jerry, on the tailpiece repair , Was that silver solder . Its wonderful for fixing nickeled items, . Takes more heat to flow but stronger. Comes with liquid flux, in a tube., when used, solder goes right where you want it. Its runny use sparingly. Larry

[@nancymilawski1048]

You don't need luck, you have master level skill. Keep up the great videos! Your team is working out great too. 😁😁😁😁

[@alexkatsaros6180]

In Australia that Timbermate filler is well over 25 dollars, but it’s good stuff.