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Member

First , thanks for allowing me to become a member of this forum, I have read it along with others and found this one to be the better of ideas with a mixed level of talented people.
I am only a fiddle enthusiast, I am past middle age and have played guitar most my entire life but the violin has always interested me.
I have became the guardian of an old fiddle a while back that needs some repair to make it sing again.
Its is a 4/4 size and is not the best fiddle made and is far from the worst,
No cracks or repairs that I see but has a finger board & nut that need replaced, some new pegs, , bridge and strings.
But first to the finger board.
I am not a fiddle repair man but can fix most anything and probably only need tips that one cannot find that is written.
Like , if the finger board has come off then is my neck suspect of being unglued also or the top ,back and ribs?
It does not appear so but how do I check?
2nd, if just regluing the finger board is all it needs , is there a procedure to check for straightness and height ?
Do I scrape or sand away old hide glue?
I think I should start there with the nut and finger board. then move on to the other parts.
Any advice will be appreciated . I am pretty good with my hands in repairs of things, and have a feel for making things. I would like to get it right the first time.
I never used hide glue but and willing to learn anything new.
Thank you , I am happy to be here.
Ron

Member

Thank yo ufor a reply,
so I should NOT sand the neck surface nor the fingerboard? only use steam and or water on a rag and scrape?
Should I be concerned by the height above the body in the finished finger board? ( I am using the same board, I believe its ebony and when I clean it I will know, if not I plan on buying a new ebony board if this on is a stained hardwood.)
I will have to glue the nut also but plan on making a new one as it appears worn down.

Member

I don't think I have anyway of checking the angle in relation ship to? centerline of body?
I was thinking more in mm or inches above the top of body at end of fingerboard?
Maybe someone that repairs will answer in.
I can see there is a correct height that it probably should be, I figure the reason for the cut outs in the ribs on either side of the body so as not to hinder the bow on the E & G string .
The finger board may not have anything to do with the height , possibly only the neck angle does.
There is a curvature to the neck also , I am sure there is a gauge to go by on this , I have yet to find out about it.
Also I wonder is there a finish for the neck or is it dry untreated wood in what grit finish?
I know its many question only about a finger board , but I would rather not glue it over once.
Thank you
Ron

Projected fingerboard height projected to bridge should be 27mm.
I believe that is above the body and the bridge end of the fingerboard.
Here is a link to books that luthier's over the world use for set-up and making stringed instrument's.
You'll want to get the "useful measurement's for violin maker's" book.
http://www.henrystrobel.com/bo.....htm#useful
Good luck, it's a very good book.
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