The exact shape and detailed placement of the f-holes varies from maker to maker, and is one of the factors used to help work out the origins of an old, unnamed fiddle, but they should be symmetrical about the centre-line of the instrument. If this isn't the case then there is the possibility that the belly has been removed at some time or other for repair or refurbishment, and hasn't been replaced properly - doubtless a Friday afternoon job before going off on holiday
Look at the little nicks half-way up the f-holes. They should be opposite each other either side of the long axis of the fiddle and are used to define the position of the bridge, which should be between these nicks.
The location of the soundpost relative to the bridge is critical to the tone and performance, and the soundpost should be fitted only by someone trained to do it with the correct tools.
If the displacement of the f-hole is small, i.e. noticeable only if you look at the instrument with a trained (or owner's) eye, and the instrument sounds and plays to your satisfaction then I'd be inclined to leave well alone, for the time being. Otherwise, raise the matter with a professional technician for an informed opinion.
Ah! I think I misinterpreted the original post. I was thinking of a fiddle belly that hadn't been put back straight. Tarrantella's looks like the correct interpretation, in which case the attention of a luthier is indicated.
Yeah, what everyone else said. Your sound post may be too big! If someone did a shoddy job fitting it before you purchased it, it may be causing damamge right now! You should get it checked, because if the wood cracks above your sound post, its not exactly cheap to fix.
I have several fiddles that are seen periodically by a luthier to check for problems. All of the fiddles have this slight asymmetry when viewed from the side (on the E-string side). I asked the luthier about it several years ago and was told that it is normal after a few years of playing
F-holes
F-holes
Hi!
I bought a violin off ebay the other day, and when I recived it I noticed that when viewed from the side, one f-hole appears higher than the other.
Is this something that needs to be taken care of? Or is it ok to leave it as it is?
Regards
Vidar Tilrem
# Posted on July 29th 2004 by tilrem
Re: F-holes
Hard to know without seeing it - but my first thought would be to check the soundpost
# Posted on July 29th 2004 by Tarrantella
Re: F-holes
the soundpost is in place, but the top lid seems to be a little higher on the side where the soundpost is located
# Posted on July 29th 2004 by tilrem
Re: F-holes
The exact shape and detailed placement of the f-holes varies from maker to maker, and is one of the factors used to help work out the origins of an old, unnamed fiddle, but they should be symmetrical about the centre-line of the instrument. If this isn't the case then there is the possibility that the belly has been removed at some time or other for repair or refurbishment, and hasn't been replaced properly - doubtless a Friday afternoon job before going off on holiday
Look at the little nicks half-way up the f-holes. They should be opposite each other either side of the long axis of the fiddle and are used to define the position of the bridge, which should be between these nicks.
The location of the soundpost relative to the bridge is critical to the tone and performance, and the soundpost should be fitted only by someone trained to do it with the correct tools.
If the displacement of the f-hole is small, i.e. noticeable only if you look at the instrument with a trained (or owner's) eye, and the instrument sounds and plays to your satisfaction then I'd be inclined to leave well alone, for the time being. Otherwise, raise the matter with a professional technician for an informed opinion.
Trevor
# Posted on July 30th 2004 by lazyhound
Re: F-holes
If it is raised where the soundpost is located, I would get it checked - if the sound post has expanded, it can cause the lift.
# Posted on July 30th 2004 by Tarrantella
Re: F-holes
Ah! I think I misinterpreted the original post. I was thinking of a fiddle belly that hadn't been put back straight. Tarrantella's looks like the correct interpretation, in which case the attention of a luthier is indicated.
Trevor
# Posted on July 30th 2004 by lazyhound
Re: F-holes
My Fiddlehas the same problem I haven't done anything but I don't play in public cause it sucks porobably the same one.
# Posted on July 30th 2004 by Unseen122
Re: F-holes
Yeah, what everyone else said. Your sound post may be too big! If someone did a shoddy job fitting it before you purchased it, it may be causing damamge right now! You should get it checked, because if the wood cracks above your sound post, its not exactly cheap to fix.
# Posted on July 31st 2004 by beano
Re: F-holes
I have several fiddles that are seen periodically by a luthier to check for problems. All of the fiddles have this slight asymmetry when viewed from the side (on the E-string side). I asked the luthier about it several years ago and was told that it is normal after a few years of playing
# Posted on August 1st 2004 by Nfg