| Author |
Subject |
Lisa
Shipman
Registered
User
(10/5/00 9:19:19 am)
Reply |
Restoring string instruments
I know this is a little off of the
cello subject but I don't know who else to ask. My grandfather
passed away some time ago and being the only one in the family who
plays a string instrument my mother asked if I would take his
violin. I don't think he played it much and I have found out that it
originally belonged to my great grandfather. My mom thought it would
be cute to hang on the wall in my music room!
My daughter has
shown some interest in playing violin (I know, I've desperately
tried to get her interested in cello)
and I would like to get it
fixed up. The last time I saw it which was several years ago it
looked pretty good. I don't remember there being any cracks in it.
My question is, can I put new strings on it and play it? The
soundpost is in place (I'm only assuming the correct place) and I
don't see any major damage. Should I have it restored first? I feel
a bit protective of it as it's been in the family a long time and is
a part of my grandfather who I miss terribly. If the general opinion
is taking it in for a repair/restore job, does anyone know of a good
place in or near Michigan who does this work? I'm clueless here and
would love to hear opinions.
If I've offended anyone by bringing
up violins I apologize, but I really could use some input
here.
Thanks
|
jekerry
Registered User
(10/5/00 11:13:49 am)
Reply |
restoring violin
Hi Lisa,
I just got my
grandfather's fiddle set up (he was a blue grass playing cowbow, so
I can't call it a violin) "restored". I would take it to a luther,
just to be safe. I also thought mine was ok, but it turned out that
the nut at the bottom (holds the strings on) was coming loose and
needed to be replaced. If that had come off when playing it could
have really damaged the violin. The cost of having that replaced,
putting on new strings, having the bow rehaired and the tip repaired
(it was loose) cost under $200 (a lot cheaper then the same stuff
for a cello!!), so I'm glad I did
it.
Best,
Jane
|
Andrew
Victor
Registered
User
(10/5/00 12:08:11 pm)
Reply |
Re:
Restoring string instruments
The relationship of bridge and
soundpost location to the f-hole marks, etc. on a violin are about
the same (scaled for overall size) as for a cello - so you probab
can easily tell if thibgs are in the right places. If nothing is
loose, it should be ready to go.
The big choice is what kind
of strings to use.
If you are going to use this violin for a
child to learn on, I would suggest that you substitute a metal or
composite tailpiece with built-in fine tuners. This will help the
child get over the physical problems of tuning (which-as a cellist-
you can appreciate. As children get to age 12 or more, they can
usually "graduate" to peg tuning -although if you've noticed-even
Anna Sophie Mutter uses a fine tuner on both A and E strings (every
one uses a fine tuner for the E).
My recommendation for
starter strings would be either Helicores or Tonicas. Both are quite
low priced (you can get the from Ellen G. (who may have other
suggestions), neither seem to have the problems on some violins that
Thomastik Dominants (the first synthetic fiber strings ever on the
market) do --although the Dominants of spendid on some
instruments.
For violins (or violinists) requiring more
petting, it's worth exploring Pirastro Obigatos, Evah Pirazzis or
the new Thomastic-Infeld BLUE and RED sets that (reportedly) allow
one to balance tonal properties while keeping the string tension
unchanged. (Personally I use both the BLUE and RED and Obligato
strings on 3 different violins, and I have my granddaughter's violin
(which is from my "collection") strung with Helicores - that give it
better tone than it got from either Tonicas or
Dominants.
Finally, for the choice of chinrest, it is very
important to match the physique of the player to make playing
non-painful or injurious. A shoulder rest is also frequently an
add-on (only while playing) that must also be selected carefully. A
good dealer can help (or better yet, a teacher). For exxample, for
my playing, there is only one style of chinrest I can comfortable
use--and it is no longer manufactured to the proper measurements. If
I ever want another one I will have to have it
tailor-made.
DO NOT GO IN FOR ANY RESTORATIVE "IMPROVEMENTS"
BEYOND WHAT IS NECESSARY TO ALLOW THE INSTRUMENT TO PLAY AND TO KEEP
THINGS FROM FALLING OFF (OR DOWN) OR CAVING IN (OR OUT). NO
VARNISHING!
Andy
|
ruthann
Registered User
(10/5/00 12:45:18 pm)
Reply |
Re:
Restoring string instruments
I confess that I, too, have violin
playing children. And I confess that did it on purpose. For one,
because of the expense of cellos, and two, because the two best
music teachers in town teach violin.
I have to second Andy's
remarks about physical setup. The violin can be an awkward beast and
the right shoulder and chin rests make all the difference. By all
means, take it to a violin shop to have it checked for cracks, open
seams, loose parts, etc. And don't be tempted by price to put on
cheap strings. An instrument that old may not be able to withstand
the higher tension strings. Ask at the violin shop.
I hope
you and your daughter enjoy your family heirloom.
cello_suttonr@hotmail.com
|
Lisa
Shipman
Registered
User
(10/6/00 7:57:26 am)
Reply |
Re:
Restoring string instruments
Thank a lot guys. I just want to
keep this instrument is an good a condition as possible. My daughter
who is interested in playing it is 12 and not a small child in the
least. She is quite tall for her age (5'2") slender with long arms
and fingers. I've always thought she'd be a great pianist. Hmmm...I
have another daughter who's 9, maybe I should get her on violin too
and get the husband to play viola. We could have our own family
string quartet!
Probably not a good idea 
|
JanJan
Registered
User
(10/6/00 8:03:17 am)
Reply |
Re:Sounds like a GREAT idea to me!
Janet
http://www.nese.net
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