Category Archives: Techniques

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 […]

Grafting a New Neck

triangle strings | technique article | woodworking | instrument repair | violin repair | restoration | final graft | setting | luthier

A neck graft is often necessary after a break in the neck, or as frequently occurs in cellos, a break at the neck heel. A neck graft may also be necessary to correct neck measurements, a poorly executed graft, or to modernize a baroque setup. This procedure involves removing any remaining neck pieces from the […]

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 […]

Making and Installing Cleats

triangle strings | technique articles | cleats | luthier | violin | viola | cello | woodworking | restoration |

Efficiently making and installing cleats to reinforce cracks is a necessary skill for luthiers. This article will discuss the concept of cleating cracks, provide a simple method for making cleat stock, and fitting cleats. This is the first article in a series I will be writing on the subject of cleats and crack reinforcement methods. […]

Removing a Crack in the Thumb Projection

A common crack on the thumb projection of the frog has long been repaired using super glue and ebony dust as fill; this repair leaves a conspicuous shiny line. The technique that we prefer utilizes the end mill and matching ebony strip to remove the crack.   Materials &Tools Paper Towels Cyano Acrylate (CA) – Thin Red ‘Hot […]

Resetting a Neck, Part 3

A neck-reset is a common repair for most shops. In order to do the job properly, a thorough knowledge of the materials and processes involved is required. Because the subject is too large and difficult to comprehend in one sitting, it will be split into multiple parts. Click here to revisit the article, “Resetting a Neck, Part 1” or […]

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 […]

Resetting a Neck, Part 2

A neck-reset is a common repair for most shops. In order to do the job properly, a thorough knowledge of the materials and processes involved is required. Because the subject is too large and difficult to comprehend in one sitting, it will be split into multiple parts. Click here to revisit the article, “Resetting a Neck, […]