Author Archives: Ryan

Repairing Hole In Rib

triangle strings | technique article | repairing a hole in the rib of a cello | instrument repair | restoration | wood | luthier | woodworking

By Ryan Hayes A hole in a rib can be two large pieces connected to the rib, or forty pieces in a plastic bag.  Each situation is different, but this article is going to focus on the more complicated situations rather than the simple. Whenever a customer brings a plastic bag containing pieces of their […]

Applying and Removing a Rib Protector

triangle strings | technique article | woodworking | luthier | violin | cello | viola | contact paper | rib protector

Rib protectors are commonly found on the upper treble bout rib on violins and cellos. This rib ends up getting more contact with skin because players are touching the rib wile shifting into higher positions. The acidity, natural oils, and sweat wear away the varnish and begin to discolor the wood. Unless you want the […]

Repairing Rib Cracks Perpendicular to the Grain

Triangle Strings | technique article | instrument repair | woodworking | luthier | violin | viola | cello | restoration

Rib Cracks are a common problem on violin family instruments, and cracks running perpendicular to the grain present different challenges than cracks running parallel to the grain. Without the support of parallel grain lines, cracks perpendicular to the grain need more substantial reinforcement. In this article I will go over how to double a rib to […]

Repairing Rib Cracks Parallel to Rib Grain

Rib cracks occur because of extreme changes in relative humidity, or from being struck with force by a foreign object.  Rib cracks can come in many shapes and forms, and each crack requires a different repair technique. Due to the many different techniques required to repair rib damage, this article will be one of many […]

Making a Soundpost

Why bother making a sound post? Making a sound post for every instrument allows you to constantly be familiar with your tools and your hands, and with each one you are honing your skills for other tasks that demand accuracy. It’s also quality control for your sound post stock. If you buy sound post stock it […]