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steveh_2o - Posted - 08/27/2023: 08:48:34
Yesterday at the Nashville Flea Market I ran across a bin of instrument parts. I started digging around and found part of an old fiddle in the bottom. Gave the guy $5 for the pile, it was worth that to me to use for a size pattern on cigar box projects.
I keep looking at it. I'm really tempted to try to put it back together. I'd probably just buy a beat up old neck from eBay or something and try to fit it. Before I get sort of radical with the Titebond and scraps, I thought I might better post some pics.
Five dollar fiddle.
I have been wanting a real relic fiddle for a while. I just don't know anything about them. I'm guessing this was originally hand made by someone who wasn't exactly the master buider. Anyone have any speculation on what this was?
The Violin Beautiful - Posted - 08/27/2023: 11:06:00
quote:
Originally posted by steveh_2o
Yesterday at the Nashville Flea Market I ran across a bin of instrument parts. I started digging around and found part of an old fiddle in the bottom. Gave the guy $5 for the pile, it was worth that to me to use for a size pattern on cigar box projects.
I keep looking at it. I'm really tempted to try to put it back together. I'd probably just buy a beat up old neck from eBay or something and try to fit it. Before I get sort of radical with the Titebond and scraps, I thought I might better post some pics.
Five dollar fiddle.
I have been wanting a real relic fiddle for a while. I just don't know anything about them. I'm guessing this was originally hand made by someone who wasn't exactly the master buider. Anyone have any speculation on what this was?
It's a typical lower-end German factory violin from the early 20th century. In good shape it could be made into a decent instrument.
The body of the violin is salvageable, although it takes a lot of skill and time to rectify the damage. It's lost quite a lot of varnish on the top. Someone replaced the bassbar with a terrible one that would absolutely need to be removed so that a proper one can be put in. There are very few people who can do this work well.
The biggest problem you face is the missing scroll. You either need to find another neck that matches or buy a new one. Replacing the neck will necessitate a full neck reset, another sizable job.
In the end, it's a doable project, but it's not one that's DIY-friendly, and the cost for the work would be considerable, easily over $1000 for anyone that can do the work well.
steveh_2o - Posted - 08/27/2023: 11:59:36
quote:
Originally posted by The Violin Beautiful
In the end, it's a doable project, but it's not one that's DIY-friendly, and the cost for the work would be considerable, easily over $1000 for anyone that can do the work well.
Thanks for the info! I have quite a bit of instrument repair experience, but all hobby not professional. I've built 2 violn necks that were playable, but attached to cigar boxes, and not with carved scrolls. (see avatar). I've also done a few dovetail neck resets on guitars with some success. I haven't done much actual fiddle repair other than one cracked top and a bunch of cussing over sound posts... My thing is, I'm willing to take apart a yardsale Stella that probably should have went in the trash, but I'm not going to do serious work on someone's sentimental or expensive instrument.
I'll probably tackle it myself at some point. Doesn't sound like I'll be committing some sort of crime against music if I mess up and do a hack job.
For now it can ride the shelf while I have a few other projects needing finished. Maybe I'll run across a properly distressed neck that can be adapted in my travels.
wrench13 - Posted - 10/03/2023: 05:28:20
Just skip the Titebond, fiddles are put together with hide or fish glue, so they CAN be taken apart and messed with. This project, while looking fairly simple, is deceptive. To make a wall hanger - easy. To make a viable, playable instrument, well your time is your own. As an amateure fixer upper myself, I would not bother with this. Top and bottom plate wood is not terrible, but other then that - scrap.
'The Coleraine jig' 1 day
'Woodchoppers reel' 2 days
