Violin Forum/Message Board

nbiehl · Junior Member Joined: 07 Apr 2009 Posts: 2

Hello,

My name is Nate, and I am a violin neophyte. I joined this forum to learn more.

I have, in the past, studied and worked in instrument construction and repair (though I would not call any of the work I've done lutherie.) I have been away from that side of the music business for almost 10 years. I have no expectations of returning to instrument repair or construction for profit.

I am also a working musician. I don't make my living from music, but I play in working bands every weekend.

Specifically, I'd like to start my journey into violin making by replacing a broken neck on a violin that was given to me.

I have no idea how the instrument sounded whole, and I think that's the perfect situation. This way there's nothing to lose if I make a mistake, so nothing is preventing me from diving right in and getting dirty.

My first question to the forum: I've never carved a scroll before. I've carved harp cheeks and a guitar heel, but no scrolls. Should I make a practice neck from scrap wood before I attempt the real thing, or should I just buy the cheapest maple blank I can find and use this repair as my practice, since I've got nothing to lose but my time and my money?

Thanks,

Nate B.

MANFIO · Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 12:23 pm Post subject:

In general, when the neck breakes we make a new neck and graft it to the original scroll.

Anyway, if you want to carve one, I posted a scroll carving tutorial here sometime ago, it's a bit step by step, you can give a look here:

http://www.violins.ca/forums/viewtopic.php?t=385&start=0

Yes, you can use a "normal" piece of maple for your first one. I find Red Maple quite good.
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nbiehl · Junior Member Joined: 07 Apr 2009 Posts: 2

Manfio,
That tutorial is what led me to this forum. Thank you.

The neck I want to replace is broken through the peg box. Is a scroll graft possible with a break like that?

MANFIO · Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 2:13 pm Post subject:

It is possible to repair such crack, but it would be too complicated for a newcomer. If the violin is not a valuable one, go ahead and make your neck and scroll.
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