12/12/2011

The Impact Of A Master Luthier On Violin Repair

By Rosemary Morris


Violins are instruments who are handcrafted in an intricate way in order to give rich melodies incomparable to other instruments. If it will be damaged, careful ways on how to preserve its quality should be initiated. It is important therefore to have a master luthier to do violin repair.

Violins or fiddles are four-stringed instruments played by a bow. They are usually made of wood such as spruce for the top, and maple for the ribs and bridge. Its strings are crafted out of gut or steel. Rich varnish is then painted on the body for color and protection. The varnish and wood improves with age, thereby making old fiddles really valuable. The most valuable ones are those from the 16th to 18th century.

A luthier is a fiddle maker. Luthiers are also the ones who repair fiddles as repairing one will need someone who has a thorough knowledge on the construction and functions of each part.

The basic materials needed in fixing fiddles are usually just the same materials needed in constructing one. The luthier will need wood similar to the wood of the fiddle being repaired, chisels, animal glue, varnish, strings, and the like. Modern luthiers also employ ultraviolet light and endoscopes to view the insides of the fiddle without taking the top off.

Repairing a fiddle needs skillful hands. If something is not done right, the sound being produced by the fiddle can actually change. This is really a problem especially for those master violinists who rely solely on the beautiful music of their fiddles as a living. Permanent damage can result if a mistake will be done.

Fixing a fiddle is a long and meticulous process. It can be really costly as it will be really fixed by hand. It can also take weeks and even months to do especially for old fiddles where you have to be extra careful as some of them are worth millions.

Having violin repair done by an expert is really important. In that way, you will be ensured that your precious violin is safe and will continue to play beautiful music.




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