Violin Forum/Message Board

1949F1 · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 9:48 pm Post subject: Need restoration info / advice

I have done a fair amount of disassembly and repair but I picked up a very old violin the other day. The best idea anyone can give me is mid 1800's. The wood is extremely dry, the bow is missing, and the case fell apart as soon as they opened it. The wood is actually still in nice shape, but there are several spots it has started to seperate. My question is what can I use on the wood so it is not brittle and will not have a negative effect on the sound later ? Other than concerns about the wood being brittle the repair and refinish does not concern me. I really want to restore this one for my 18 year old daughter who plays in a local bluegrass band of 8 kids under 20 and 2 adults one of which is my wife. Any sugestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Chris

ctviolin

FiddleDoug · Member Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 227 Location: Hilton, NY

Chris,
What do you mean "it has started to separate"? Do you mean that the glue joints are opening up, or do you mean that the wood is cracking? If it's only the joints opening, you can just re-glue them with hide glue. If it's cracks, you'll have to deal with each one individually, usually with cleats on the inside of the instrument. This is something that should probably be evaluated by an experienced luthier.
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1949F1 · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 3:28 pm Post subject:

Actually only the glue joints have started to seperate and no cracks. I know I risk cracking it when I take it apart and will cleat it at that point. I also have 2 places where the ribs are starting to come unglued too. I am not affraid of taking it apart and regluing or even having to repair and cleat anything that cracks along the way. I guess my biggest question is if there is anything I can do to the wood so it is not brittle when I start to take it apart
Thanks
Chris

ctviolin · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 4:36 pm Post subject:

FiddleDoug · Member Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 227 Location: Hilton, NY

You usually don't have to take it apart to re-glue open seams. Just use a thin spatula to work fresh hot hide glue into the seams, and then clamp it
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ctviolin · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 4:46 pm Post subject:

Photos wouldn't hurt.

I'm sure everyone here would have some great repair advice.

(we like to talk violins)
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DonLeister · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 6:13 pm Post subject:

Right, I'm not sure the need to take it apart either. Can you expand on that?

mr_violin · Member Joined: 15 Sep 2009 Posts: 52 Location: Chicago

This one thing you said is bothering me.

"Other than concerns about the wood being brittle the repair and refinish does not concern me. "

1. I think this is the big concern " refinish". Why would you want to do that?

2. Violin "repair" what you don`t know can hurt the violin!

I can look back at some of the repairs and yes refinishing that I have done on violins back when I didn`t know much about violins.

( I thought this is not hard just make it like new.)
Well now I know I ruined all of them!

I figured out that it is best to act dumb even when you think you know how to do some thing. Then ask lots of questions of people that you know really do know.

Larry Lewis

Mat Roop · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:52 am Post subject:

why do you think the wood would be brittle?? I've re-done many old 1700's-ish violins and the wood is just fine.
In awkward places I work glue in with a very stiff brush with short bristles... that works well if you heat the area well with a hair dryer first.
Never take apart unless there is no other option.... and never refinish... just restore.
Pics Please!... is it a thru neck construction?
Happy New Year!!... Mat

1949F1 · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 12:21 pm Post subject:

The refinishing is because you can just rub most of the old finish off with your finger and probably 90% of it was already off and has not been sanded. I am going to use the correct varnish for the violin. As far as taking it apart there is probably a majority of the front and back that are loose

Michael Darnton · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 3:32 pm Post subject:

We need a new motto: "Listen to Larry".

Listen to Larry.
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1949F1 · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 7:09 pm Post subject:

Okay who is Larry ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Michael Darnton · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 8:08 pm Post subject:

Larry is the person who gave you good advice that you don't want to take.
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1949F1 · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 8:29 pm Post subject:

What good advice do you think I dont want to take ??? I am here looking for advice about if I should use anything on the wood. I almost see some criticism over the fact that I am working on this violin. The fact is I have a friend that is a luthier and has been doing this probably longer than most of us have been alive. He agrees that it has to be taken apart to be fixed right. As far as refinishing there is no way around it. I know that refinishing hurts the value of it but the fact is 90% of the original finish was removed prior to me getting it. Original finish does not mean squat to me. I am only concerned about sound in the end. This is not about originality or using it for clasical where it needs to be perfect. This fiddle will be used for bluegrass where most people dont care much about looks. In fact alot of the repair work I have seen around here is refinished with oil stain and lacquer sprayed over it. I am going to use the spirit varnish from int. violin to do the best refinish I can. So if you have good advice I would appreciate it if you want to be critical save it