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I bid on some violin restoration auctions, and won two beauties. First one for 42.95$ and the second for 56$. The second one is the one that’s need most restoration.
The end seam is open. Also the ribs on the lower bout over the end pin is slipping apart.
The top and back plates looks really nice and well kept, just wear and tear, no obvious repair needed there. The bridge needs some work. The soundpost is a little too long for the violin, so I'll have to refit it. I can't really tell whether the violin needs some more work then that. But that's all I can see with my inexperienced eyes.
The label says «Antonius Stradiuarius Cremonenfis Faciebat Anno 17» Obviously a copy and not the real deal, but it doesn't make it less of a restoration project.
The label on the second one says «Antonius Stradiuarus Cremonenfis Faciebal Anno 1736.». The scroll have “Concert Violin” stamped in. Its in worse condition then the first one. Its several cracks on the top. A crack from the F-hole, one from the soundpost and one under the F-hole, but don't reach up to the hole. The soundpost is a bad fit. Also several pieces of wood are missing on the top plate. The bridge definitely need some work, since the all the strings have sawn in. I think I'll have a luthier look at this one, since I don't have much experience dealing with cracks yet.
Any inputs would be of great help. I'm not sure when I'm able to get a luthier look at them yet, but hopefully it would be in near future. Putting up some photos of both violins. Here's the first one:
'Armed with theory, practice becomes meaningful. Through practice, theory becomes fulfilled.' - Egon von Neindorff.
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Second violin;
'Armed with theory, practice becomes meaningful. Through practice, theory becomes fulfilled.' - Egon von Neindorff.
I love the second violin. Why not take it apart and repair it yourself. You will have to take apart the first one to repair it so just take apart the second one too.
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Kevin M. said
I love the second violin. Why not take it apart and repair it yourself. You will have to take apart the first one to repair it so just take apart the second one too.
I really like the second violin too. But I don't know much about repairing cracks, so I'm a little worried I would make it worse.
'Armed with theory, practice becomes meaningful. Through practice, theory becomes fulfilled.' - Egon von Neindorff.
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HatefulPain said
I really like the second violin too. But I don't know much about repairing cracks, so I'm a little worried I would make it worse.
Uh...it's already broken, so how could it be worse?
I agree with Kevin - the second violin is very nice. I have one of those "Conservatory Violins" and it has a lovely sound. Fix 'er up and play!
Mary in Springfield, Oregon http://www.thefiddleandbanjopr.....dpress.com
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I could at least give it a try. Started working on the red/orange violin today, and it went a lot smoother than I expected. So I feel a little more confident about working with the dark one yet. But it would not be quite yet, still need some preparation before I start working on him.
'Armed with theory, practice becomes meaningful. Through practice, theory becomes fulfilled.' - Egon von Neindorff.
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A little update on the red violin (Which I've named Velvet.). The top went off without any bother at all. Like knife in hot butter. The soundpost on the other hand was really hard to put down. Couldn't move it at all before I opened up half the violin. It's totally flat on both sides, so not a good fit. As you can see on the picture, it also was tied with a thread. For what purpose, I've no idea. But I would guess its for retrieving the post. 
'Armed with theory, practice becomes meaningful. Through practice, theory becomes fulfilled.' - Egon von Neindorff.
Did you notice the fake corner blocks. These were put in so if you look through the end pin hole it would appear to have corner blocks. Even with a mirror it is difficult to see the neck end corner blocks so nothing is done there. The string on the sound post is a way that some people set the post. You can just throw that post away and get a new one. Remember the angle on the outside is the same as the angle on the inside. People sometimes struggle to get the angle of the soundpost from inside the violin. You're doing great so far. The other violin will be harder to open. To get it open use and artist paint knife heated in hot water and slowly work it in and around.
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Update on Velvet. Been busy the last months, so haven't had time to finish her yet. But I'm getting closer. The fingerboard has been planed, since the stings had made grooves in it. The back are glued back on, but I'm not completely satisfied with the seam at the lower boat. A bridge has been tried to get fitted to the violin. Not sure if it's a good bridge though, but at least I tried. A nut's being fitted at this moment, before starting on the soundpost. All went smoother than I expected it to.
'Armed with theory, practice becomes meaningful. Through practice, theory becomes fulfilled.' - Egon von Neindorff.
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The second one has great 'patina'. Don't change it's looks too much.
If 'I' owned it (and I wish I did) I would do the work that it needs to make it sound right and them leave it alone 
Seen it all. Done it all. Can't remember most of 
..... What was I saying???? 
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I've no intention to change the look of the violin. I love how it look, and will try to keep it as it is. I'm just going to do the needed work on it.
'Armed with theory, practice becomes meaningful. Through practice, theory becomes fulfilled.' - Egon von Neindorff.
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