Violin Forum/Message Board

Mat Roop · Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 11:33 pm Post subject: Regluing a removed top

I would be interested in hearing how you or what the best way is to reglue a top that has been removed for interior repairs. The Weisshaar book has nothing on it, and I have tried many methods, but none have met the standard of perfection.
The problem seems to center on the fact that if the rib tends to drift to the inside... how do you pull it outward while glueing? The reverse is of course easy.
Thanks for your advice!... Mat

Michael Darnton · Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 12:22 am Post subject:

Always start with the corners. I begin on one side, and get the corners lined up perfectly and clamped. Then I clamp the c-bout. Then go to the other side, and do the same. Once you have that, the upper bout is easy, one side at a time.

The lower is a bit harder because of the problem of distributing things. I start with the side that wants to go inward, and push everything over in that direction and put on a temporary clamp or two elsewhere to keep everything bunched up in excess where the problem is, while I get the problem spot pushed around and clamped, then move around to everything else. On a violin with no problems, I'll put two or three clamps on distant spots on the lower bout to get it all about right, in average, then go back and push things around a bit as I clamp each region down finally.

If you have problems with spots that want to go inwards around the corners, you have to clamp the problem spot first, then push the corner in afterward and clamp that. The trick is, generally, to push more than you need over to the problems and do them first, then push back in the stuff that they make stick out.

Mat Roop · Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 11:55 pm Post subject:

Thanks Michael...makes sense... I have usually started at the upper block.... will try your method next.
What type of holding jig do you use to hold the violin during the pushing and gluing exercise?
I find that some violins that have been unglued for some time take a lot of pressure to push them back into shape... I find that dry clamping and holding the correct position for a few days seems to make the fitting at gluing time just a little easier.
I appreciate your help! ... Mat

Michael Darnton · Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 12:19 am Post subject:

I just hold the violin and push things around. Often it's not easy, but taking things in the right order I can usually get things as good as I think they could be.

It's important to start with the corners because they're the only things that have defined locations from several different directions.

If I'm having a lot of problems, I do the upper bout last, in case I have to shim the neck pitch up a bit.

Mat Roop · Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 9:57 pm Post subject:

Thanks Michael...You are of great help!... Mat