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1/04/2017
Still re-assembling the soundbox of the violin. I have also now re-attached the neck too !
Normally I would have waited until later but, the neck block was firmly glued to the neck so, instead of gluing the neck block in and, aligning the neck later.
I decided to glue it all back exactly where it was and trust in the original alignment.
( though i did check and, double check many times to ensure a good alignment existed ).
1/04/2017
Still re-assembling the soundbox of the violin. I have also now re-attached the neck too !
Normally I would have waited until later but, the neck block was firmly glued to the neck so, instead of gluing the neck block in and, aligning the neck later.
I decided to glue it all back exactly where it was and trust in the original alignment.
( though i did check and, double check many times to ensure a good alignment existed ).
- Gluing the tail block back into position and attaching the remaining attached lower bout rib.
Attaching one of the upper bout ribs to the neck block
The next stage will be to re-glue the remaining two ribs, the seam cleats and, lastly, the soundboard. This will complete the soundbox :)
Just one more rib to attach ....
...and, a glimpse of things to come :)
8/4/17
The Original fingerboard sadly, is too warped and twisted to be reused. So I have ordered an ebony blank to replace it.
The tailpiece was also split but, I will try repairing it first, before considering a replacement.
The Original fingerboard sadly, is too warped and twisted to be reused. So I have ordered an ebony blank to replace it.
The tailpiece was also split but, I will try repairing it first, before considering a replacement.
Gluing on the final rib - stage one - attaching it to the corner block first
9/4/17
Finished gluing on the final rib and, the linings.
Finished gluing on the final rib and, the linings.
It's great to see the violin taking shape but, there is still quite a lot more to do.
Along with the new fingerboard, I ordered a new set of tuning pegs because, two of the original ones are badly damaged.
I also have a new bridge, strings and fine tuners - which attach to the tailpiece, as these were missing completely.
The original tailpiece has been repaired but, I won't know for sure if it will hold out until I re-string the violin. The damage was centred around the tie
holes - which take a lot of the strain when set up. I hope it does work because it's nicely made in solid Ebony.
One other and, very important part to find is a new soundpost for the violin. This is fitted inside once the soundboard has been glued on.
It transfers the sound/vibrations from the top to the back as well as providing structural support. It's positioning is crucial too but, I will explain this in more detail later in the re-build.
Along with the new fingerboard, I ordered a new set of tuning pegs because, two of the original ones are badly damaged.
I also have a new bridge, strings and fine tuners - which attach to the tailpiece, as these were missing completely.
The original tailpiece has been repaired but, I won't know for sure if it will hold out until I re-string the violin. The damage was centred around the tie
holes - which take a lot of the strain when set up. I hope it does work because it's nicely made in solid Ebony.
One other and, very important part to find is a new soundpost for the violin. This is fitted inside once the soundboard has been glued on.
It transfers the sound/vibrations from the top to the back as well as providing structural support. It's positioning is crucial too but, I will explain this in more detail later in the re-build.
The new tuning pegs, the old ones and, some spares I had in the workshop.
I will try to re-use a combination of the older pegs if I can but, the newer ones may work better. |
The original tailpiece which still shows faint signs of where the split was.
I will work on this further with ebony dust and superglue to blend it in. The soundboard repair will also be worked on more at the finishing stage. |
The old warped and twisted fingerboard. It isn't ebony but a lightweight wood stained black. This may have contributed to the failure.
Checking the neck alignment. It is just a smidge off ... but, I may be able to correct it later when attaching the fingerboard.
The next job will be leveling the body/ribs of the violin, in preparation for gluing the top. Before which, I will lightly tint the inside of the violin with shellac to even out the colouring and, provide a light seal for the wood.