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Fiddler on the roof - Posted - 06/27/2007: 00:15:03
Does anybody know how to reposition a sound post in my fiddle without using that special sound post tool. Unfortunatly I have no access to one of those tools.
SlowPockets - Posted - 06/27/2007: 00:27:28
This guy might be able to help.
M-D - Posted - 06/27/2007: 00:57:43
Myself, I wouldn't even think to begin the task without the proper tools.
_________________________________________________________________
M-D
voodoo - Posted - 06/27/2007: 03:56:27
Make a tool. A variety are described in US patents. Generally made from bent wire. Coat hangers are good. Careful! I'm assuming you know what you're doing, the post fits, etc.
www.giannaviolins.com
Friendsville, TN
G-string - Posted - 06/27/2007: 10:17:32
Cut a section of straight clothes hanger. Beat the end with a hammer to flatten and form like a really rough flat screw driver. Bend to the desired shape and have fun. A small set of curved kelley forceps will do as well.
I recognize many names from the Mandolin cafe!!! Waz up guys!! Lp
allenadale - Posted - 06/27/2007: 10:55:24
I've done it using string and a pair of tweezers or forceps. It's been a while, and it's not something I want to do again.
Tie separate strands of string to both ends of the sound post, feed one string into one f hole and out the other. Then lower the sound post in through the f hole. Use the tweezers or forceps to maneuver the post into the basic position, then tug on both strings to set it. This process works, with a lot of effort and cursing.
Great grandpa Feldpausch built his own sound post placing tool on the farm. Don't know what happened to it.
Really, if I had to reset a soundpost now, I'd probably just buy the tools at someplace like Stewart MacDonald. They're cheap enough.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/S...Setters.html
fiddlingurl - Posted - 06/27/2007: 14:02:51
i can't think of any other way but with the right tool!!!!!!
Katie
"SON!!!"
hardykefes - Posted - 06/27/2007: 15:15:14
Best way for fine tuning use soundpost setter and soundpost plier together. You can get them at internationalluthier.com ot internationalviolin.com
But be careful, easily you can damage the top inside. Soundpost must have proper length and angle. Release string tension before doing it for initial setting.
Initial setting: Use busines card and cut half length. Slide card half in, half out and compare position with foot of bridge on the e-string side. Soundpost should be about half soundpost thickness away from bridge foot towards endpin, but in the middle of the bridge foot. From there it is experience and a good ear to find perfect position.
Have fun
Hardy
Violin/Fiddle Instructor and Repair Service
handyman - Posted - 06/27/2007: 16:09:45
Come on guys, Your suppose to be handy. Tell you what Fiddler on the hoof. Go to ACE hardware and buy a half-inch aluminum sheet metal, or whatever type and size they have. I'm sure they'll have something. Cut it down to around a foot an a half. At one end, groove out some notches to be used as a pusher/ tapping end, and the other end, grind it down to a long, long, long sharp point and twist the end perpendicular to the tool. Now just bend it out to a curve, just like you see in other sites. Now, jab the sharp end into the wood, and insert it into your F hole. Hope that helps.
krugwaffle - Posted - 06/28/2007: 03:15:26
If it helps, I use an old dental pick that came as part of a set I bought from a flea market years ago. It's nothing special. Just happens to have a longer straight section that tapers to a point.
When my soundpost falls over I just stab it with the pick - usually using the same hole the original postsetter made - and lower the peg with the pick into the f-hole. Once inside, it takes a little twisting and turning of the wrist to get the post to stand up properly. I pull the pick towards the f-hole to seat the post into it's wedged in position somewhat and to extract the dental pick from the post. This usually leaves the post slightly tilted and slightly loose so that's when I pull out my little shepherd's hook made of coat hangar wire and pull the post in to place tighter and straighter.
I have made one special soundpost tool however. I cut the handle off of an ornate serving spoon and bent it slightly to make a weighted hammer to whack soundposts with. Sometimes you don't have to set them, you just want to move them - slightly - either towards or away from the bridge. For these minor adjustments, it's very easy to just bump the post a little at a time until you've adjusted it the way you want.
If you found the right kind of spoon or ladle handle you could make a very good soundpost tool that would do it all. A nice heavy handle, that would be fairly smooth, tapering to a thin shank at the bowl end. Cut the spoon part off and taper the end down to a point. Hammer or file the end flat and sharpen it to a 1/8" wide screwdriver blade looking knife. The handle end could be slotted/modified to make the 'shepherd's hook' part. The heft of the handle would work as the hammer to budge the post into position. I may look in to making one myself to keep in my fiddle case. I rarely have soundposts fall when I'm standing in my workshop so it would be good to have a setter available in the field.
oldtimer - Posted - 06/30/2007: 14:47:04
I have set hundreds of sound posts. I use two scissors type setters, one from each f-hole at the bottom and top of the post. Be careful or you can scar the edge of the f-holes. The old tools that I have are slimmer and smoother than the tools on the market today, but the new ones work if you are careful:
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/S...html#details
I also have used the curved piercing type tool, but I much prefer the scissors style>
stay tooned....
Glenn Godsey
"Time passes unhindered"
scrubber - Posted - 06/30/2007: 16:08:47
Sound post tools are not that difficult to obtain -- I got one on e-bay lickety-split! My problem is that I'm afraid to use it!!
Optimus - Posted - 06/30/2007: 23:45:22
I generally get a professional to adjust my sound post if adjustment is necessary. I'm always afraid that I might damage the instrument if I attempt it. However, if you must do it yourself, the required tools are available on e-bay.
Bill Rogers - Posted - 07/01/2007: 00:41:56
I use the "curved piercing" tool that Glenn mentioned--which I prefer to the scissors tools. Either will do fine.
Bill
'Shenandoah Valley Jams' 2 hrs
