436 RSW 1920's 1930's Stella Bowlback Mandolin

[@patriciatownsend2009]

I’m the Owner of this Mandolin, I had a lot of strong emotions watching Caleb face each challenge of restoring my mom’s instrument. Having this mandolin restored to playable condition is literally a dream come true. I just started learning to play it today. inspired by all his hard work. I know my mom is somewhere smiling about all of this. If I could, I’d give y’all a big hug.

[@MillsGuitars]

Thank you. I'm so glad you're happy with it!

[@RosaStringWorks]

Glad to hear it.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

I have my great grandfathers guitar from the 1880s that we will be restoring to playable condition. I understand the connection to an ancestor via their instrument... there is a 'something' that transcends the everyday world.

[@karmacharmskittens]

It was a riveting experience for us viewers to watch Caleb do the repair. Especially, when we found out the immense sentimental value the instrument had for your family. So happy for you I'm sure it sounds that much sweeter now that you have her back!

[@wadehampton1534]

Patricia Townsend, I'm so happy for you, your mom's mandolin is all glued up and back together, professionally executed by Caleb Mills. We're all very proud of Caleb! This is one of my favorite repairs so far, way to go, Caleb! What a challenging project, he did a remarkable job with the restoration! Caleb has come a long way since he began his apprenticeship. He was very green to begin with, but look at him now, very impressive work, Caleb. Soak up as much as you can, Jerry is a deep well of knowledge, so take as much as you can with you when you go back home and set up your own shop. I have my grandfather's mandolin, a 1971 MIJ Kentucky KM-1000 mandolin, that I inherited about fifteen years ago. I was forty-six years old when I inherited my mandolin (I'm sixty-one years old now), and I took a couple of years off the guitar to learn how to play my mandolin. I play anything from Bach to Bluegrass music on my mandolin, I grew up playing in the band and orchestra when I was in school, and the Montgomery County (Maryland) Symphonic Band for several years after high school. I've played the guitar (both electric and acoustic) in Classic Rock bands all my life since then. I read music fluently, but I've always played the guitar by ear. It's just easier for me to listen to a song, or write a song, out of my head or by listening to an album, instead of struggling with sheet music. I do read classical music on the mandolin, I've been a violinist for many years, so I can easily read violin sheet music on the mandolin. For classical music, I mostly play Bach Concertos, Etudes, and Two Part Inventions, I'll record one part of the mandolin, and then play the second part on the either the guitar or bass guitar. I've played mandolin with our churches worship band for about ten years now as well as attending the Bluegrass Jams in the Phoenix metro area ...... Great fun!

[@Road_Rash]

An excellent example of why you never store an instrument under tension...over time the string tension just devastates it...good repair job! I think I probably learned just as much as young Caleb did just watching him...I kinda have a good idea about how to tackle the neck issue I have on one of my bowl backs...thanks for the good video...looks like this young man's got a good start on what will likely be a long career as a luthier! 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@johnkmetz7347]

The melonback mandolin you fixed for Patty and Alex was my mother's,Im Patty's brother. I tried to fix it it in '74 or '75 with very rudimentary woodworking skills.Thank you for the fantastic restoration on Mom's mandolin,you guys are awesome!

[@karmacharmskittens]

So nice to see feedback from the owner of this instrument. I enjoyed watching Caleb work magic on it. It turned out real nice!

[@chas1355]

Jerry, I believe you hired a young magician. The work he did on that mandolin is very respectable and professional. He uses his brain to figure things out. You sure this kid's 21? He could pass for 15 or 16.

[@arctichare8185]

All the king's horses and all the king's men Couldn't put Humpty together again So they called Caleb

[@RaysMuleBarn]

You know, sometimes it's better to hire someone with no experience, but lots of potential. That way you don't have "un-teach" them the things they learned wrong. Caleb has potential to spare, not to mention he's already lived up to a lot of it in just the short time he's been there. Patience and reasoning are some of the best qualities in a job like that, he seems to have both. Kudos to both of you.

[@oldskoolfool141]

You've either got it or you ain't Caleb's got it

[@RedRose4711]

I thought that Mandolin was getting ready for the boneyard. You've done an amazing job Caleb, especially in view of the difficulties that even your Boss wasn't too keen, so you ended up with it lol. It's good to be King!

[@strings1955]

BTW, the best quality you bring to your craft is humility. Don't ever lose that.

[@afishcalledminnewawa]

I always assumed Caleb had a little experience. No, it turns out he's an Eagle Scout and that is why he seems so adept.

[@rjkee5157]

An apprentice is better if they have no experience, no bad habits to unlearn. Caleb is doing great work.

[@colleenbarry5611]

I’m with you on the Eagle Scout comment - that’s some get-it-done attitude!

[@darrellblanchard2362]

Caleb. Watch that hair around spinning machines. A guy in my high school shop class got his caught on a lathe dog and it took a patch of scalp the size of a baseball.

[@rogershields6217]

Congrats on being an Eagle Scout.

[@hurdyg1]

Jerry is correct , Caleb's repair was remarkable, and Caleb's playing the Mandolin was very good also.

[@tomduffy7157]

Best Caleb video yet, nice to see him show a little more of his work and provide more dialogue. He is a good addition to the channel.

[@stephboeker7835]

When I grew up in the 70's, I thought everyone had pride, drive and integrity for their own work. But, that was south Louisiana and in the 80's when I got to Calif. I found that many didn't. Now I see generations of lazy, unprincipled people everywhere I go. To see Cable work like he does and not squander his God given talents, restores hope in me. Great job and good luck w/ your apprenticeship !! Sincerely .......................... Steph

[@amunderdog]

Outstanding Caleb. You hang in there; The journey is just beginning for you.

[@49mrbassman]

About 20 years ago I had the honour of a full rebuild of a Hans Frei lute a very early example of his work (it was about 450years old when we started it's restoration) It was missing its fingerboard and peg box and the top was so thin you could read a newspaper through it and of course the bowl back was close to falling apart. The only thing keeping it together was that Herr Frei had lined it with a very thin parchment, which we found was standard practice way back then. But we did it we actually put it into a very playable condition. 2 years of research and 9months work on the instrument itself. If I can do it Jerry I'm sure you'll be able to. Thanks for the tip about the glue bot. That's a useful bit of kit, saving me a lot of clean up and glue wastage. Currently working on a jigsaw puzzle of a Tomasso Carcasse 1768 violin.

[@willmorrison1022]

I would LOVE to see some video about that lute. Frei was a great maker, Lundberg talks about him a lot. I have to admit to a definite appreciation of Venere, myself. He made some beautiful instruments. It's my contention that the lute was the king of instruments back then, why else would they call all wooden instrument builders "luthier's, instead of "violineers" or something similar? I'm jealous of the work you get to do. But what a level of responsibility, as well.

[@willmorrison1022]

Well, I must say that not only am I impressed like all get out by the job Caleb did on that mandolin, but also how good it sounds. That is actually one of the best sounding tater bugs I've ever heard. And "Never on a Sunday" is probably about the best tune you could play on that one. I am very impressed. Also with Caleb making it to eagle scout. That alone is a worthy achievement. Can't wait to keep watching him get better and better. He's going to be a star. And carving up a mandolin top? Way to go, young man!

[@zagabog]

Caleb's care, attention and dedication to fixing this mandolin was impressive, well done.

[@davidwinokur2131]

Caleb did a great job repairing that mando. And, it sounds really great!

[@DavidMFChapman]

Caleb took a hopeless case and performed a stellar restoration. Jerry must be proud of him and the owner and family are delighted with the result. I love the back story covering Caleb’s journey to this point. Best wishes to everyone!

[@leonardodic3po607]

Great video, and nice job by Caleb. I was also glad that Jerry came on at the end to confirm that the original bridge location was incorrect. It looked like you touched up finish of the old bridge location too, which helped a lot. One question - should the bridge on this type of mandolin be glued on, or free? Obviously, a free bridge requires the owner to reset the intonation every time they change the strings.

[@webbtrekker534]

I feel that Caleb will become an outstanding Luthier. He is probably a natural and never knew it.

[@poppy3215]

Awesome job, Caleb! You brought that old thing back to life.

[@brandonkoch3852]

Dang!i had always assumed Caleb was Jerry's family.crazy cool.good work and dedication young man!

[@soundguyjimmy]

Hi Mellisa, I loved the “Fun Facts” about Caleb! it sure would be nice to know more about Jerry if he’s willing to share? Old photos are always cool. I’m so glad you’re there handling all the RSW content, Jerry seems much less stressed these days. You and Caleb are a huge asset! ✌️❤️🎧

[@aquajew3000]

No previous experience...... except watching Jerry's videos. Lol. Great job. Skills beyond your years!

[@bigrickRC1144]

Great Job Caleb! Jerry has found a great apprentice in you. Just stick around for awhile and think about all the things he’ll continue to teach you.

[@raindogred]

Caleb has lots of natural talent and a fantastic teacher. Could there ever come day when Caleb holds down the fort, and Jerry gives classes? I would gladly pay good money to come over from Australia and learn from the master..love this channel. Well done crew..

[@acmullane]

yay caleb, great work - i expect jerry will be giving you all the color matching work from now on

[@billstoner5559]

Yes, I forgot to mention that in my earlier comment. Caleb’s work on the binding was nothing less that spectacular. Superb!!

[@sammoore9120]

It is great to see Jerry passing on his knowledge to another generation.

[@danielmurphy4023]

Hey Jerry and Caleb first Jerry I don't think you could have asked for a better more outgoing fast learning young man for an apprentice talk about creative clamping buddy and Caleb keep up the killer work man I love watching both of you work it's amazing what y'all can do to something anyone else would say nope it's garbage I have learned so much from watching this channel thank y'all so much for the awesome content to watch please keep up the great work

[@billwyatt2449]

Very well done Caleb. Knowing you are an Eagle Scout says a lot about you. Keep learning and growing and follow your passion.

[@87mini]

Great work, Caleb, and keep the idea of college open for yourself - you are a very intelligent young man, and there is so much to learn about in this world. I dropped out for the same reason you did, and didn't go until I was 29. It was so much better with a few years under my belt. I'm sure that Jerry is a good influence as far as that goes, too. Keep up the good work, and vacuum up all the knowledge about everything you can - it''ll give you a rich and happy life!!!! 👍

[@rangerstl07]

Caleb has the knack & I like watching him work.

[@MarkEagleton]

Eagle Scout?! Well, that explains a lot.

[@alexc2505]

Listening to Caleb and watching him work has proved to be great therapy as I recover from having most of a lung removed . His relaxed style and listening to his explanation of how he works things out is great, cheers Caleb and more power to you from the UK 👌👍

[@MillsGuitars]

Thank you, I hope you recover quickly!

[@JobyP]

Blown away by Calebs progress... fantastic work Caleb!

[@andrewduke1489]

Seriously, Caleb had done no work like this until he came to Rosa String-works! That is amazing, what a talent!

[@KB6YAF]

You made a good choice in Caleb to be the next luthier in the Rosa workshop. Caleb...You're awesome man!!!! We are looking forward to seeing more of you in the future.

[@keninnis1]

Caleb...you are a very quick learner. You will make a fine luthier. Jerry was wise in taking you on as his apprentice...Keep up the good work..

[@glenncpw]

A rather marvellous repair, and considering Caleb has only just started his apprenticeship, he will only get better at it.. Good onya.....

[@themusicalbiker]

Great job, Caleb. Your critical thinking skills are excellent and getting better with each repair. You have a very bright future.

[@davidmckean955]

I think these family heirloom videos are always my favorites.

[@josearnaldopinheirodossant7712]

He is going to be a great man, the same way his father ... god bless you all !

[@LUCKYB.]

Jerry You could not have found a better apprenticed in the state of Mo , let alone the complete country .. the two of you go together like Yellow malt corn and Rye .. He sticks with it he will go places . You should be proud of him 👍

[@colleenbarry5611]

Incredible work, Caleb! That takes a lot of thought, patience, and creativity!

[@wesleystace9962]

well I got to say you did an excellent job on that repair and that mandolin is the best I've ever heard

[@fladification]

Caleb is really coming into his own both with repairing and video making. He did an amazing job especially with the checkered binding. That's a 5 star repair in my book. I doubt most would even attempt such a project.

[@shartne]

Good work persistence pays off. Your an eagle scout now.

[@RickRomanelli]

That was a nice thoughtful job you did on that mandolin, Caleb. We all are envious of your situation, I'd bet. Congratulations.

[@mattfleming2287]

Caleb is a natural. As a former Boy Scout leader, I know what it takes to be an Eagles scout. Good job, young sir! Great repair!

[@ipris3971]

Hats off. lad! Well done! The bowback is truly a different instrument. mine is loud and full and lusty like a gypsy! What a great story! Play it with vigor!

[@MartinSBrown-tp9ji]

Caleb great job . you brought it back from the dead. keep up the great work.

[@SunyJim]

He did a fantastic job, and I love that the both of you have the same way of speaking about the repairs. If you didn't know better, you might think he was a family member

[@peterhbg]

Such a treat to watch. Thank you Caleb. Watching on my phone in isolation due to a stemcell transplant for my MS. This is gooood therapy. So thank you Caleb & Jerry!

[@MillsGuitars]

Thank you, I hope you recover well, and come out better.

[@peterhbg]

@@MillsGuitars I will!

[@WC_Beer_Reviews]

Slow and steady wins the race! I love how people want to keep their bowl back mandolins as players and not just wall hangers

[@planningcommittee442]

Caleb the job you did on the bowl mandolin is #1

[@nickpowis]

Nice work Caleb, I really enjoyed the mend. It's good that there is someone in the shop with full colour vision now, Jerry must be very pleased. Love from the UK.

[@bonniedust3452]

Bob, what you watch is your choice of course. I'd be lying if I said that Jerry wasn't my hero but I really think you are missing out by not watching Caleb. Reason being is that you can learn just like Caleb is doing. My goodness, for the little bit of background he has in repairing he is doing just great! Maybe at your superior level you just don't need that. Keeping with the Darth Vader theme, may the force be with you.

[@derekkennedy7346]

Great job Caleb kicking butt again I knew when Jerry offered the challenge that you were going to nail it keep up the good work you're awesome

[@davidmcausland4088]

I think Caleb did one hell of a nice job on that Mandolin, I would be happy to hear that Caleb worked on mine if the Quality of this job is anything to go by and I think Caleb is progressing just fine, Shame on anyone who thinks a thumbs down is right.

[@ranmarelg]

I totally agree! Who are these people?

[@Pilotltd]

Great work from Caleb and great tutelage from Jerry , well done both.

[@orcaandrea]

Caleb is great! Jerry you must be an incredible mentor and teacher!

[@martonkovacs7584]

I would say: ( I have a similar project on my hands ) Bowlbacks are one of the most challenging instruments to repair. If you can manage this, then your goin’ places. Well done Bandana Bandito!

[@matthewb8229]

There is no way Caleb is almost 21...or, maybe, possibly I'm getting older and everyone looks like a 17 year old to me...good work Caleb.

[@MuscleDad420]

17? Dude looks like he's in his early teens. Wild.

[@bacicinvatteneaca]

Whoa, I had a full beard at 16

[@MuscleDad420]

Thingaloo Haha gross. Thanks for sharing tho

[@tbonky]

Thanks for sharing a bit of your history Caleb. The tone of this old bowl-back brings to mind a shepherd with their flock in the old country! Beautiful. So glad you brought her back to life.

[@bruceducker2029]

Fantastic Job Caleb. You definitely shine on that one. I was really happy with the trim pieces, that came out pretty dang good. Another feather in your cap Sir.

[@TKevinBlanc]

The porcelain bed pan glue tray is a nice touch.

[@TKevinBlanc]

Not sure anyone else has said this Caleb, but that checkered binding turned out great. It sounds great, too.

[@markmcqueen1882]

Excellent work, Caleb! I'd say you have a natural talent and you couldn't find a better mentor.

[@composer1663]

My compliments on the mandolin restoration. I have worked with lutes, and Caleb apparently has an instinctive feel for what the old lute masters painfully learned through trial and error.

[@Shineysideup1]

Love to see the wrecks come back to life. Great job.

[@RicTic66]

A fine restoration Caleb, as Jerry stated he didn't hold out too much hope of the 'old girl' making a comeback. But with your hard work and ability to think through a problem, the 'old girl' lives again and is sounding as sweet as it probably did when it was new. Congratulations, you are improving in leaps and bounds Caleb and you can tell Jerry is rightly proud of you. 👍😊

[@jamesb5688]

Caleb is a credit to himself and to your teaching, Jerry. The decorative binding looked indistinguishable once finished, I'm surprised you managed to repair it all and reinforce the inside without removing the top. Were the ivory fret dots left out on purpose? I hope we get to eventually see Caleb build his own mandolin, he certainly has the thinking and perseverance to accomplish it! Great work from all of you, including the editing.

[@lrstaf6]

Hi Caleb & Jerry; Let me start by saying I think this is a fantastic repair to the old bowl mandolin. Not being there and actually seeing how many of the back strips were loose, I think I would have considered finding the loose crack in the back that was closest to the top plate on each side, then glued all the loose cracks in the back between those two. Then I would have tried to take those two cracks and cleaned them out all the way down the length of the body. Having done that I would have tried to remove the center section of the back to allow access to the inside of the top plate to repair the internal braces and the flattening plate. Like I said though I didn't see the instrument, so that may not have been an option at all. In any case Caleb's repair worked great, so all's well, even better than well.

[@edgarmilson8686]

Caleb, you did a great job on this chili dipper mandolin. I was surprised at how well it turned out. Regard, Edgar

[@forthwithtx5852]

Trial by fire. Came out barely smoking. Nice work young man.

[@Wildman9]

Good job Caleb , amazing job on those strips . I thought that thing was almost unrepairable , but your method worked fine . One crack at a time . 🎸👍

[@miltonhopper2932]

No good way to hold it. You said it. That is why I got rid of mine. I loved the deep mellow tone of the bowl back but WHAT a hassle to hold. Great great job on this one.

[@toddjohnson3857]

Caleb did a great job on this one! Keep up the great work you'll have a long career repairing stringed instruments!

[@jrichmang]

you are setting a good standard, Caleb. Good for you! Jerry has made a good pick with you.

[@ferdberffle]

Awesome repair of that old tater bug mandolin, Caleb! You're a great addition to RSW and I know Jerry appreciates you.

[@sewing1243]

Not quite the Chocolate Violin reassemble a puzzle repair, but very impressive work by Caleb (who is just beginning to learn the art of Lutherie).

[@karolskakes388]

A wonderful repair - I'm sure that Caleb will now have a special place in a lady's heart. Thank you to the team for sharing!

[@jeffgrier8488]

Nice work Caleb, you handled that repair like a pro.

[@dumbear169]

Great work Caleb. It’s hard to believe you started only a few months ago. Your presenting skills are really good now too. Really enjoying and looking forward to your videos.

[@1244taylor]

Great job Caleb...I'm sure the customer will be pleased...

[@DavidsOutdoors-of1vs]

Great job Caleb! The Lord puts us where we need to be.

[@keithosterberg]

I knew there was something about you I liked, Caleb. Three of my sons are Eagles, and my youngest was awarded the Spirit of the Eagle posthumously.

[@billswanson3767]

Well done Caleb!! I hope you enjoy this kind of work. It seems you are a natural luthier! Turned out to be a mandolin she will be proud to own.

[@maxradford5089]

Yep , I agree with all the comments on Caleb's work on this mandolin. He is progressing well and seems to pick up the work really well. Good job Caleb. I think Jerry made a good choice in hiring you. 😉👍

[@dl22al10]

Fantastic resto Caleb! It seems Jerry has passed down his patience. That is just as important as experience. An old Chinese proverb, A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Great job planning then executing!

[@MAndersenbamboorods]

Caleb when you start using Jerry’s phrases then you will be him. Lol great job.

[@carlschmiedeke151]

It would be really cool to see the costumers responses ot their finished product, your a master re-builder young man, i don't think your boss / friend could of found a better master re-builder

[@ed801975]

Caleb, that was some spectacular work there! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@richardherrington3815]

Caleb you did an Amazing Job!!! What makes it even better is your Enjoyment in your Work !!! Be Proud Young Man and Stick with Jerry!!! You will learn everyday and in a Few years you'll be able to build a Quality Instrument and have a money making Craft !!!!

[@grandpawjeff8710]

Very well done and Caleb is definitely a valuable asset to have working for you!

[@strings1955]

Well done, Caleb. Considering what a convoluted mess you had to start with, you got this mando up to playable condition. Binding was superb.

[@edcowles6414]

Gret job Caleb. I cannot believe you didn’t have any luthier experience when you started. You have a basket full of talent young man. Keep up the good work.