Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Has anyone ever seen these?

#1

Hello all,

Yesterday I found an old mandolin at a garage sale for $20 dollars. It is a Marlboro Brand probably from the 20’s in guessing, but one of the tuning pegs is broken. The problem is, these pegs are geared, with a circular component that is embedded in the headstock. I have never seen one like this. Does anyone know if these can still be purchased somewhere? I have searched the web and can’t even find another mandolin with this style of tuner pegs. Any info on these would be greatly appreciated.

image
image.jpeg2227×1677 708 KB

2 Likes
#2

I had not seen them. My search on Marlboro mando tuners came up empty. Did a cross reference to branding of Stromberg, modified the search and got a few hits. Basically it seems they are unique to that brand.

https://www.mandolincafe.net/home/forum/instruments-and-equipment/equipment/155408-what-are-these-tuners?t=152907

#3

Thank Mike,

That’s an interesting thread on it. I think the likelihood of finding replacements is slim to none. I could plug the holes with wood, sand and refinish the headstock, and then drill new holes and install modern tuners, the two problems are that the headstock is tiny and four inch standard tuners will be too long. The back of the headstock also has a nice carving that would have to be drilled into and partially covered by the tuners. Thanks for taking time to respond!

1 Like
#4

I also came across this similar mandolin on EBay……looks like they rigged it kind of weird. Even Stromberg quit using these tuners by the late 20’s it seems. This EBay one is listed for $800 bucks 🫪

image
image.jpeg1531×1625 287 KB

1 Like
#5

Just a quick update on the Marlboro mandolin….I decided to go ahead and pull the original strange tuners out and plug the holes on the peg head. Then I sanded the peg head and re-stained it. I bought a pair of replacement tuners and drilled new holes to install them. I also had to replace the nut. Now she is making music again. I didn’t like the idea of doing all that to a mandolin that is almost 100 years old, but the only other option was for it to just be a wall hanger. Better to be able to play it in my opinion.
I posted a video of how it sounds. I apologize in advance because I don’t play mandolin, but I tried to pick out some Ashokan Farewell on it. (I have thought of doing Ben’s mandolin lessons but didn’t want to take time away from my banjo playing.) maybe it’s time to start.

9 Likes
#6

Love it, great job all around!

1 Like
#7

That’s fantastic! It sounds great, too. I wish I “didn’t play mandolin” that well.

Really great job.

1 Like
#8

Thanks all, it was fun to work on, even in the 115 degree heat in my garage.

#9

That’s great! Nicely done!
I think I might put those tuners up for sale on Reverb. Not so much to make money, but so that someone else who finds a similar one could obtain some replacements. Either that or get another Stromberg project :smiley:

1 Like
#10

I tried my best to save them, but they broke apart when I removed them from the holes. I would have gladly given them to someone who needed them if they had survived. Surprisingly, they were very brittle and difficult to get out of the hole without damaging the peg head. I had to go into the peg hole on the side of the peg head after the gear was removed and pry them up with a screw driver. I’m not sure how much this mandolin got played, because it is in great condition for its age. The frets have very little wear. I think those tuners were a good idea back in the day, but just not practical.

2 Likes