What is the name of this tool?

November 25, 2022, 11:48 AM · A soundpost setter?

If you've never done it you probably should just take it to a professional.

Edited: November 25, 2022, 12:39 PM · AW is certainly correct. It is best to have a good professional move or "reset" a soundpost.

The most important thing missing from that video is what to do after you have knocked over the soundpost and have to extract it from the interior of the instrument and reinstall it - because - BELIEVE ME THAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOU!!!

If you are working with a violin, removing the soundpost can be tough enough - if you are working on a cello it can require feats of strength with strong arms and additional ingenuity.

The device in the video is an "S-type soundpost setter." A number of them are sold on Amazon.com. There are other types too. If you have one of this type I suggest you wrap some soft tape around the middle to avoid damaging the violin ff-hole edges with the metal of the setter.

For an aamateur I would also recommend having a "scissors-type sounpost setter" that makes it easier to move an erect soundpost without knocking it over - but you must not exert too much force with the scissors-type because you could permanently damage the wood of the violin.

I have both types of post setters for violin/viola and for cello. The were very handy when I lived "out in the countryside" many miles away from our luthier in the days before freeways. More recently I have gone to my local violin shop, which is only 2 miles from my home. I could purchase a half-dozen soundpost setters for what they charged me - but it was worth it.

If you must work on your soundpost yourself look for a source you can READ rather than having to go through all the BS of typical YouTube presentations. The process is really quite simple, a few sentences and a couple of simple illustrations will suffice - but the necessary skills must be practiced and developed - and the instrument-dependent limitations you may face should be anticipated.

November 25, 2022, 1:26 PM · Thank you for your answers. Maybe the link is wrong? I don't know, but this is what I thought:

1.) https://ibb.co/zS2QdKN

2.) https://ibb.co/4psx0Yx

Edited: November 25, 2022, 2:11 PM · If you were thinking that the strip under the top locates the top of the soundpost in relation to the bridge, you are correct. However that bridge in the video is completely unfinished in relation to it's final "contours" for that instrument and the post will actually be located by a good luthier to optimize the sound and "playability" (with strings on, of course) when a properly finished bridge is positioned in the right place.

Check the internet for information, for example:
http://www.makingtheviolin.com/Soundpost

for starters!

Every instrument will have a "sweet spot" for the soundpost (sometimes not sweet enough). It will frequently not be exactly the same as the "default" or (supposedly) "idealized" position.

November 25, 2022, 4:42 PM · Soundpost position gage... most folks make them for their own use; it's not hard. I did find one online for violin/viola at: https://www.swstrings.com/product/lutherie/viola/R501V

Edited: November 25, 2022, 8:53 PM · I have quite a bit of practise setting soundposts and I've honestly never used one of these. If the post is the correct height, which can be checked from the endpin hole, then you can comfortably set it by feel alone.

Nonetheless, you can make one out of some stiff card or foil.

November 25, 2022, 9:14 PM · Aluminum flashing is a good gauge of material to make such small measuring tools.