I've acquired an old fiddle circa 1800s that has a 3 1/2" center seam separation on the back below the button. I'm considering doing the repair myself with some hide glue. Is it possible to seal the seam with such glue without removing the back or the top? If so, how? If not, guess I'll have to save up enough of the ready for a "procedure" by a pro. Thanks. Martin
Martin, to explain a bit further, there has evidently been some distortion of the two halves of the fiddle back. Just inserting glue into the center seam separation won't of itself cure that distortion or do anything for the strength of the back. For the back to regain its strength and acoustic properties the two halves must be brought into intimate contact for the glue to join them. This can only be done by taking the instrument apart - a job strictly for the pro, as you guessed.
Before you do this, I'd advise getting a preliminary assessment of the potential value of the fiddle after the repair to see if it's worth doing. Just because an instrument is old it doesn't always follow that it is valuable; it's conceivable that the cost of the repair could be more than the intrinsic value of the fiddle!
Thanks for the advice, Trevor. It's a real nice fiddle with the Stainer design and an early label dated 1662 affixed within. Of course, that's apocryphal, but the fiddle has great tone--even with the seam separation. Now to find a luthier I can trust to do the job right! An expensive repair doesn't guarrantee the quality thereof, of course. Any "red flags" to warn me off a potential loser luthier? Thanks again.
Martin, an established luthier will probably have a web site nowadays, so that's something to look for in your area. Someone who has been making and selling instruments for a number of years with an established business is almost certain to be ok. Basically it boils down to personal recommendation, and there may be a specialist luthier association in your country who could give you useful information - try a google search.
Are you in N America? That's my guess based solely on your use of English Perhaps you'd like to give some indication in your bio - it's always a help to know approximately where members live, their age group, playing experience, and the instrument(s) they play.
For instance, if you lived in the Bristol area of England I'd point you towards at least two good luthiers I know.
Best of luck with your search.
Trevor
Martin,
In the spirit of being name symmetrical, let me recommend Martin Brunkalla (http://www.brunkalla.com) who makes a wonderful violin (and now mandolins) and is a superb craftsman. His shop is near Chicago (Marengo, IL) and he is a great guy to deal with.
Phone 815-568-0819
email martin@brunkalla.com
Fiddle repair
Fiddle repair
I've acquired an old fiddle circa 1800s that has a 3 1/2" center seam separation on the back below the button. I'm considering doing the repair myself with some hide glue. Is it possible to seal the seam with such glue without removing the back or the top? If so, how? If not, guess I'll have to save up enough of the ready for a "procedure" by a pro. Thanks. Martin
# Posted on June 28th 2004 by mkearney
Re: Fiddle repair
No.
Trevor
# Posted on June 28th 2004 by Trevor Jennings
Re: Fiddle repair
Martin, to explain a bit further, there has evidently been some distortion of the two halves of the fiddle back. Just inserting glue into the center seam separation won't of itself cure that distortion or do anything for the strength of the back. For the back to regain its strength and acoustic properties the two halves must be brought into intimate contact for the glue to join them. This can only be done by taking the instrument apart - a job strictly for the pro, as you guessed.
Before you do this, I'd advise getting a preliminary assessment of the potential value of the fiddle after the repair to see if it's worth doing. Just because an instrument is old it doesn't always follow that it is valuable; it's conceivable that the cost of the repair could be more than the intrinsic value of the fiddle!
Trevor
# Posted on June 28th 2004 by Trevor Jennings
Re: Fiddle repair
Thanks for the advice, Trevor. It's a real nice fiddle with the Stainer design and an early label dated 1662 affixed within. Of course, that's apocryphal, but the fiddle has great tone--even with the seam separation. Now to find a luthier I can trust to do the job right! An expensive repair doesn't guarrantee the quality thereof, of course. Any "red flags" to warn me off a potential loser luthier? Thanks again.
# Posted on June 29th 2004 by mkearney
Re: Fiddle repair
Martin, an established luthier will probably have a web site nowadays, so that's something to look for in your area. Someone who has been making and selling instruments for a number of years with an established business is almost certain to be ok. Basically it boils down to personal recommendation, and there may be a specialist luthier association in your country who could give you useful information - try a google search.
Perhaps you'd like to give some indication in your bio - it's always a help to know approximately where members live, their age group, playing experience, and the instrument(s) they play.
Are you in N America? That's my guess based solely on your use of English
For instance, if you lived in the Bristol area of England I'd point you towards at least two good luthiers I know.
Best of luck with your search.
Trevor
# Posted on June 29th 2004 by Trevor Jennings
Re: Fiddle repair
Martin,
In the spirit of being name symmetrical, let me recommend Martin Brunkalla (http://www.brunkalla.com) who makes a wonderful violin (and now mandolins) and is a superb craftsman. His shop is near Chicago (Marengo, IL) and he is a great guy to deal with.
Phone 815-568-0819
email martin@brunkalla.com
Mike Keyes
# Posted on June 29th 2004 by mikeyes