Only a trained expert in violin restoration is qualified to work on a valuable instrument. First the structure and second the finish must both be repaired. It is a task well worth doing since the aged wood of an older instrument resonates better, giving excellent tone quality.
The instrument is taken apart and then glued together again with a specific type of glue. Old violins will have to be reconstructed using animal glue as that is what was originally used. Specific damage requires a specific repair. For example, if a pegbox is punctured, a new piece of wood can be made to fill the puncture. The finish of that piece must be matched exactly to the original wood.
Basic maintenance will keep a fine instrument in top condition. Often strings need replacing. Tuning pegs have to be lubricated. The soundpost must be put in the right position. Resurfacing must be done on the fingerboard. The finish must be restored to the original grain and color.
If the musician does not regularly wipe the rosin dust that collects from the bow, it eventually fuses with the varnished finish. Removing it after that damages the instrument. One method of removal is to scrub the rosin crust with a common cork from a wine bottle. Cleaning the rosin that collects on the strings is sometimes done with a microfiber cloth.
Tuning is accomplished by using the tuning pegs. Chalk will prevent one of the pegs from slipping while being tuned. This is temporary, however. If they continue to slip, the shafts might have lost their original conical shape. In that case, they must be refitted or replaced.
A professional who plays in an orchestra will keep a set of replacement strings in his or her case. Worn strings do not sound as good. Intermittent replacement is necessary. How often this is needed depends on how many hours per day the instrument is played. No one but an experienced expert should take on the job of doing a complete violin restoration. The owner can, however, practice daily maintenance to delay the need for restoration.
The instrument is taken apart and then glued together again with a specific type of glue. Old violins will have to be reconstructed using animal glue as that is what was originally used. Specific damage requires a specific repair. For example, if a pegbox is punctured, a new piece of wood can be made to fill the puncture. The finish of that piece must be matched exactly to the original wood.
Basic maintenance will keep a fine instrument in top condition. Often strings need replacing. Tuning pegs have to be lubricated. The soundpost must be put in the right position. Resurfacing must be done on the fingerboard. The finish must be restored to the original grain and color.
If the musician does not regularly wipe the rosin dust that collects from the bow, it eventually fuses with the varnished finish. Removing it after that damages the instrument. One method of removal is to scrub the rosin crust with a common cork from a wine bottle. Cleaning the rosin that collects on the strings is sometimes done with a microfiber cloth.
Tuning is accomplished by using the tuning pegs. Chalk will prevent one of the pegs from slipping while being tuned. This is temporary, however. If they continue to slip, the shafts might have lost their original conical shape. In that case, they must be refitted or replaced.
A professional who plays in an orchestra will keep a set of replacement strings in his or her case. Worn strings do not sound as good. Intermittent replacement is necessary. How often this is needed depends on how many hours per day the instrument is played. No one but an experienced expert should take on the job of doing a complete violin restoration. The owner can, however, practice daily maintenance to delay the need for restoration.
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