Yet again, I have a question about violin repair. I posted this in an old discussion, but here it is so people can see it.
How much approximately will it cost to repair cracks in the top of an old violin? (AU dollars?). I know that all places charge different but whats a typical amount? Do all cracks require cleating?
Depends very much where and how big the crack is. If it's a crack or split in the belly (which is the critical sound-producing part of the instrument) then the belly will probably have to taken off, repaired and replaced. Essentially, in this case we're talking about a rebuild of the instrument because a new soundpost may be required, and perhaps a new bass-bar (a long strip of wood attached very precisely to the underside of the belly). If the centre seam in the back is giving way then urgent expert attention is needed (starting with immediately letting the strings down!).
Cost? Early last year my old fiddle developed a 2" split extending up from a corner of the saddle towards the bridge - not uncommon with older instruments, and probably due to temperature/humidity changes. The repair, which involved removing the belly and is a skilled labour-intensive job, was £160.
If a crack is caused by accidental damage it may be worth checking to see if it is covered by insurance.
Note that *any* crack in the belly, particularly round the f-holes, will probably have a bad effect on the tone and should be seen to.
An instrument can take a while (a few weeks or so) to recover its tone after a rebuild following a repair.
Crack repair
Crack repair
Hello again!
Yet again, I have a question about violin repair. I posted this in an old discussion, but here it is so people can see it.
How much approximately will it cost to repair cracks in the top of an old violin? (AU dollars?). I know that all places charge different but whats a typical amount? Do all cracks require cleating?
Thanks!
# Posted on July 29th 2004 by beano
Re: Crack repair
Depends very much where and how big the crack is. If it's a crack or split in the belly (which is the critical sound-producing part of the instrument) then the belly will probably have to taken off, repaired and replaced. Essentially, in this case we're talking about a rebuild of the instrument because a new soundpost may be required, and perhaps a new bass-bar (a long strip of wood attached very precisely to the underside of the belly). If the centre seam in the back is giving way then urgent expert attention is needed (starting with immediately letting the strings down!).
Cost? Early last year my old fiddle developed a 2" split extending up from a corner of the saddle towards the bridge - not uncommon with older instruments, and probably due to temperature/humidity changes. The repair, which involved removing the belly and is a skilled labour-intensive job, was £160.
If a crack is caused by accidental damage it may be worth checking to see if it is covered by insurance.
Note that *any* crack in the belly, particularly round the f-holes, will probably have a bad effect on the tone and should be seen to.
An instrument can take a while (a few weeks or so) to recover its tone after a rebuild following a repair.
Trevor
# Posted on July 30th 2004 by lazyhound
Re: Crack repair
:'(
OH! I'll never have a nice violin to play! I wish I was rich... maybe I should do some busking ...
# Posted on July 30th 2004 by beano