Back post crack repair cost

April 5, 2013 at 06:50 AM · If you really want one it shouldn't cost much to put one in. Many people would probably do it for nothing. On the other hand, if you want one fixed... £££

Cheers Carlo

April 5, 2013 at 04:21 PM · In a reputable shop it will cost a lot. You want it done right the first time, so do not try to save a few hundred dollars on repairs.

A real question is about the cost of repair vs. the market value of the instrument or the investment potential.

On a very expensive violin with a pedigree and investment potential, it may be reasonable to spend a couple of grands on repairs. Unfortunately, that is not the case for a no-name violin with great sound and medium to no investment potential.

Another question is: how much will the sound change?

Not so long ago, this type of crack meant a total write-off. These days not anymore.... even the dealers are getting more flexible, but this patch will inevitably lower the market value of the instrument.

[Last summer I had a hard time to let go of an antique violin with a great sound and poorly repaired back sound post crack (done with cleats and a veneer instead of an egg-shaped patch). I just could not gamble with it, knowing that it could give in anytime and that there is no way it could be re-patched. ]

April 6, 2013 at 11:57 AM · The instrument was damaged years ago and the back crack not properly repaired. It has a deep, mellow and strong sound, but lacks clarity. When the air is dry it becomes even more unclear, even with a humidifier in the instrument. I believe that a good repair of the crack would improve it a lot. It is Italian, not sure who,labelled Testore, but not one of his unfortunately. It is well made though.

Thanks,

Mark

April 6, 2013 at 02:43 PM · John hints at an interesting question: is there an electronic method to detect tiny cracks that might develop into significant problems (such as located near the soundpost)? This is, I believe, a major issue in the aerospace and concrete construction fields.

April 6, 2013 at 03:04 PM · Yes, there is:

http://www.instrumentalinsight.com/

April 6, 2013 at 04:21 PM · Thank you very much. Very interesting. The crack extends to and through the edge of the instrument and is about 6 inches long. Maybe I can post a photo.

Have a good weekend.

Mark

April 6, 2013 at 06:13 PM · Mark,

If this would be the 2nd repair on the top of the previous one, it may not even be possible, especially if the first repair included a veneer or any removal of the wood. You will need at least 2 independent expert's opinions from someone you can trust.

Violin makers on this site will confirm that the physics is against you - the vertical forces are significant and this spot will always be under a lot off pressure per square mm. Even if the repairer makes it structurally safe, it may not resonate and sound good any more.

If you are into Baroque music, it may be better to convert it back to the original, with lower neck angle, thinner sound post, lower bridge and less vertical pressure.

The alternative is to get it repaired, keep it as is and use thinner strings (lower gauge) if the sound is still good.

April 6, 2013 at 08:38 PM · Thanks for the input. I will have it looked at by a couple of good luthiers and see what they say.

Have a good weekend.

April 9, 2013 at 03:51 AM · I guess is that the main difference between the sound post patch on the back from that on the belly is that there is no bridge to provide at least a bit of counter (or centripetal) force from the outer side. One can easily visualize a bow with an arrow; in this case the "arrow" is violin's sound post - pointing downwards. Bad.

Also, the back is made of maple, where the top is made of spruce. Maple is harder to break, but may be more difficult to patch. Hope to hear from violin makers if this makes any sense.

April 13, 2013 at 04:06 PM · Mark, what is the verdict from your luthier?

April 13, 2013 at 05:04 PM · Have not yet gotten it to him. Hope to soon. The instrument has a beautiful, dark tone and power. The family who gave it to me in the UK also had an Amati, but preferred the tone of this instrument. But I would like it to have more clarity, which I think a good repair would bring.

Thanks,

Mark