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JSI's head luthier |
| For this discussion I've chosen a full-size Mirecourt Strad model violin, c.1880. This is a typical late 19th-century trade instrument, the sort commonly brought to us by clients wondering if they should invest in the extensive repairs so often required on older instruments. My hope here is to help readers better understand the decision making process of the professional luthier evaluating such an instrument for repair. Once all its repairs are completed, this violin will be available for sale from the JSI Sales Department. This violin arrived in grimy, neglected condition, but the extreme rosin buildup on the top suggests that it once was a well-used instrument. The neck projection initially appeared to fall within the acceptable range, but upon closer examination we observed that the fingerboard curve was too flat, which was skewing the projection measurement. The board would be much too thin on its edges if we were to reshape it across its width, thus a new ebony board is required along with a neck reset to achieve a desirable neck overstand and optimal overall bridge height when finished. Because the instrument has overenlarged and extremely tapered peg holes, boxwood bushings are required. The new bushings will be precisely fit and retouched before the installation of a new set of ebony pegs. |
The very good news here is that the violin's corpus is in near-perfect original condition, the top and back plates appearing never to have been removed. The violin's thickness measurements are rather good for an instrument of this class, thus we see no reason to open or alter it now. This 19th-century violin has impressively stood the test of time, thanks in large part to its remarkably durable original varnish. This is a finish not unlike that being used on the popular Jay Haide violins being made in China today. After replacing the fingerboard and resetting the neck, administering a good cleaning and polishing, and completing some minor edge and corner work, we'll add a new post, bridge, strings, and fittings, bringing the instrument to like new condition. JSI will then show this violin with the other instruments we have for sale. A final note: The sad truth remains that at least as much serious damage is done to instruments by untrained, unskilled "fiddle fixers" as is done by their owners' accidental mishaps. We urge you to seek only the help of highly skilled luthiers with the very best professional reputations. Developing an ongoing relationship with that person will maintain your instrument's health and allow your playing to achieve its highest potential! |
