A friend kindly asked me to repair an old violin he had.
This project is soon to begin with a box of bits ...
This project is soon to begin with a box of bits ...
27/11/2016
Work has begun.
The violin will be rebuilt using as many of the original components that I can so, all the pieces were inspected and lightly cleaned.
Some elements were so loose that I decided to remove them, whereas others, were left in place and will be re-glued in situ.
There are a few areas that need repair. Both lower bout side edges of the soundboard need narrow extensions to account for missing pieces.
Also a previous repair at the tail end of the soundboard needs renewing, along with a few minor chips on the ribs.
My plan is to re-glue the back plate, reattach the ribs and blocks and then glue the top back on. Once the soundbox is complete, I will lightly rub back the finish
apply a subtle, colour stain to match the existing (in the areas that need it). Followed by a satin oil varnish to finish.
Once all that has been completed, the neck can be reattached with the fingerboard, and the remaining set up components.
Work has begun.
The violin will be rebuilt using as many of the original components that I can so, all the pieces were inspected and lightly cleaned.
Some elements were so loose that I decided to remove them, whereas others, were left in place and will be re-glued in situ.
There are a few areas that need repair. Both lower bout side edges of the soundboard need narrow extensions to account for missing pieces.
Also a previous repair at the tail end of the soundboard needs renewing, along with a few minor chips on the ribs.
My plan is to re-glue the back plate, reattach the ribs and blocks and then glue the top back on. Once the soundbox is complete, I will lightly rub back the finish
apply a subtle, colour stain to match the existing (in the areas that need it). Followed by a satin oil varnish to finish.
Once all that has been completed, the neck can be reattached with the fingerboard, and the remaining set up components.
Making up a jig for re-gluing the backplate
Update 19/3/2017
The back has been re-glued and, the inside of the soundboard cleaned, with old glue residue removed.
The back has been re-glued and, the inside of the soundboard cleaned, with old glue residue removed.
26/3/17
Starting to re-attach the rib blocks, re-glue the ribs (sides) and the rib linings.
I also need to replace the cleats on the centre join to reinforce the joint.