RESTORATIONS
IS YOUR INSTRUMENT RESTORABLE?
When an instrument is damaged, there are myriad factors to consider. Some are salvageable and others are not. Some can be restored to playing quality, and others unfortunately as a decorative item or memento. Regardless, I am up for the challenge.
To determine what needs to be done and your restorative investment, an assessment must first be completed, in-person. The first step is to email me photographs of the instrument and arrange a phone call discuss preliminary options. The full extent of the conversation can only occur after a physical examination of the instrument.
If you decide to proceed, the instrument needs to be carefully packed, with any loose pieces wrapped in bubble pack, and shipped to my workshop or delivered in person. Assessments are $50. Once the assessment, restoration plan and price estimate is complete, work can begin. If you decide not to continue, I will repack your instrument to pick up in person, or so you can arrange for FedEx to do the same and return to you.
RESTORATION EXAMPLE
The Chicken Coop Cello
This instrument came to me in extreme disrepair! We nicknamed it the “Chicken Coop Cello” because it had languished in pieces in a chicken coop outside of Fredericton, NB for many, many years.
The present owner (a professional cellist) bought it at an estate auction. She wanted to have it restored so it eventually made its way into my shop. I took a good look at it and thought that it had been built with good quality wood, decent workmanship and rather nice varnish. I love restoring instruments best of all and this cello was going to be a great challenge!
Initially, the biggest issue was the intense rank smell of chicken manure that permeated the wood. I eventually fell upon “skunk shampoo” for pets which worked. So now, the job of restoring could begin.
The cello is said to have come up with the “loyalists”. The handmade wooden pine case was an artifact in its own right! The cello had no label nor other indications as to where it was made nor when but is was well made. Its main issues were buckled bouts (sides) and the glue which held the instrument together had dried up and released. There were also a few missing internal structural blocks, and the neck was no longer attached to the body.
It took months to restore it. We (musician and I) had little to no idea what quality of sound the cello would have. With great anticipation, I set it up with a decent set of strings and WOW! It had a beautiful voice – warm, with great projection. Two weeks after completing the project, the owner played it (as first cello in Chamber Orchestra)! What a thrill to hear it.
RESTORATION EXAMPLE
The Smashed Violin
This violin arrived in my workshop in a variety of containers in broken pieces. It belonged to the same family for several generations and was an instrument of the finest quality.
It was smashed in an unfortunate accident. Unfortunately, a non-luthier attempted to repair the violin making the situation worse.
Once restored, the instrument's voice returned with remarkable quality of tone. It is now with its original family to be enjoyed for generations to come.
RESTORATION PROCESS
SCROLL THROUGH IMAGE GALLERY TO SEE AND READ ABOUT RESTORING THIS VIOLIN
This violin arrived in an assortment of containers in pieces.
Before coming to the shop the instrument is poorly repaired by a non-professional using the wrong wood and glues.
Upon completion, the back is also revarnished. With new accessories and strings, it will be ready to sing again.
This violin arrived in an assortment of containers in pieces.