What a beautiful repair and restoration! The violin is really gorgeous, and the owner chose wisely to have you do the work and document the repairs. A treasure in every way.
Wonderful and inspiring - I learned so much watching this - as a lifetime woodworker but not an instrument maker, I am in awe of your skill levels. My Grandfather made violins (I have one he made in 1953), as did my uncle, who left me the tools from my grandfather in his will. Maybe one day I will have a go.
Do you have any tips for learning how to become a luthier? Unfortunately I'm set in my current job so I don't have the means to go back to school, but do luthiers accept part-time apprentices? Any info would be appreciated from how you see it. P.s your videos are why I want to become a luthier
I have no idea why UA-cam brought me here. I am not into Violins at all. I do not understand anything thats going on. But here I am for part 2. I just keep thinking. Buy a new one. I am guessing that's a rude thought. So I apologize. This is amazing and his craftmanship is really eye opening and I wonder how someone gets into this line of work. Edit. Holy shit. Ok it is from the 17/1800's. Thats why you don't just buy a new one i guess. That's amazing
Im not a violin player but have watched the whole thing. Fascinating. Love watching such skill and attention to detail from a master craftsman. Beautiful looking and sounding end product.
I agree with this comment. So impressed with the craftsmanship and the obvious enjoyment Olaf takes in his work. It was a pleasure to watch and to listen to the narration. Thank you.
G'day Olaf, from Bonnie Scotland! I have had the pleasure of playing many lovely fiddles in my time, including one once owned by the famous 18th century Perthshire fiddler, Niel Gow of Inver (1727 - 1807), so I know how it feels to play music on a fine instrument. Many thanks for sharing these two videos of this repair and restoration with us. It was fascinating to witness the dedication and hard work people like yourself put in to bringing an old musical instrument back to life again and what an stunning job you have done on that lovely German fiddle. It's such a delight to watch a real craftsman at work!
It's wonderful bringing back to life this beautiful old violin. You have improved the tone and the owner is so happy. I really enjoyed this. Thank you.
Love it ! So nice to get a letter of appreciation. Not something in my trade i ever recieve , ha,ha. Have you tried Chinese calligraphy brushes for fine work. The Sable and Rabbit fur ones are incredibly fine at the tip.
Was an inspirational two-part repair video. The patience to take a work to the end, without compromise, putting aside impatience, to finish, comes with age. I was deeply motivated to exercise more patience and diligence on a current repair I am doing to an acoustic guitar that fell from 3 feet onto a concrete floor. It was going to lacquer today, until I watched this repair. A few more small cosmetic touches are in order to take this repair to the highest level I am capable of. Thank you, Olaf the Violin Maker.
It always amazes me how you switch from pretty coarse tools and methods (think butter knife) to very fine, exacting work. There's something to be learned for woodworking in general.
I am really curious why with an earlier repair on the neck (with that "japanese" dove tail) the gap in the violin was filled in so that it only would go in about 2,5mm instead of the required about 5mm (at least that's what you stated in part 1). And also with that change the mesure into an incorrect value. Was it repaired maybe by a woodworker instead of a violin maker?
I've watched quite a few luthiers build and repair acoustic and electric guitars but watching this violin repair is a first for me. I was totally engrossed by your method, explanation and your phenomenal attention to detail. Fantastic work and I'm not surprised to hear that the owner was enthralled with your work.
It's wonderful to have people in this world such as yourself that have love , pride , and skill to enable them to positively impact people's lives . You are a Godsend .
Hi Olaf I have something to ask you: Whenever I losen the strings on my Suzuki cello, a loud CRACK sounds. When I retighten the strings, the same CRACK sounds. I suspect that the soundpost is too tight. It seems to curve at the top, as far as I can see. As the Suzuki cello is made of plywood, which I’m happy with as a former furniture maker, I’m not too worried about the soundpost poking through the plates, but I still wonder about it. Should I worry?
I am so glad your channel was recommended to me. I have only watched the two videos associated with this violin so far, and I've enjoyed them a lot. You are very good at demonstrating how you work and the experience needed to fix such a precious instrument. At 69, although I play a little guitar, being an actual musician was not in the cards for me. I love music and when listening to violin, piano and guitar music, and I have always imagined myself (even in my dreams) being the musician playing. After seeing the full transformation, and most importantly reading the response from your customer today, I immediately liked and subscribed. Thank you so much!
Hey olaf, I want to become a luthier. 15 years playing violin, now I want to learn how to make them. Do I need prior woodworking experience to get approved for an average luthier course at university?
Not sure if you have seen the tiny point brushes they make for working on minatures but one of those might work well for your retouching. The bristles are a bit stiff and very pointed. Thank you for sharing your work! So enjoyable to watch!
I agree, the brushes designed for hand painting small figurines/miniatures is the way to go as long as the brush materials can deal with the chemicals you need.
Thank you Olaf , my violinmaking teacher died couple years ago , and I have so much more to learn before I restore my three violins , I really really appreciate your detailed descriptions and camera angles , great job ! I have been making cedar flutes for 27 years so I am ready :o) , I will wait for the dryer temperatures coming this winter for in my country it is a little humid these days ...and thanks again for this great entertainment as well as professionnal making it super fun sharing your thoughts out loud with us , genius !
Okay, just to qualify I know nothing about violin repairs, but wouldn't your job be easier with a hot-air de-soldering station for melting old glue patches? With these (unlike typical hot air guns) you can control the air temperature and as it works from a smaller nozzle (about 5mm diameter) you can focus the air on a smaller area and have greater control. BTW something that could enhance the 'playing test' at the end is if you could do it as a 'before and after' segment with you playing the instrument before you start work and taking us through your impressions as a first inspection kind of piece.
Those player comments were extremely wholesome. The mindset to cherish the fact the instrument is now in a better condition than how things started is something that strikes right in the feels.
Olaf reminds me of my own father who was a professional restorer of antiques, particularly small fitted boxes. Olaf's workshop reminds me of hours and hours of my childhood spent watching and learning. Great videos, thank you for sharing
The part 1 video crossed over into guitar UA-cam (how I discovered it). Pretty fascinating and surprisingly emotional. I've done a little work on my own guitars, but they're not as delicate and I've never done a major surgery on them. I'd be a wreck working on someone else's instrument.
its certainly one of the highest skill crafts imaginable and olaf is a master at work, its simply jaw dropping how great he is as a luthier, he makes it seem so ridiculously easy
Somehow, I got here because pt 1 was in my search results for something I was searching for. I started working on my own guitars almost right after I bought my first one. It needed a new nut so I replaced that around 3 months into learning to play. Then i replaced all of the pots, cap, & wiring when I swapped a humbucker into the Silvertone S-style I bought. Also had to cut a hole in the pickguard because a normal strat pickguard is different and didnt cover all of the routed out parts at the very bottom, below the last tone pot. It turned out great. But I'm an automotive technician so I was sure I could handle it with no problem.
Great master repair job! The first pling pling already uncovered the rich potential of this violin. What is the recipe of your filling varnish? Greetings from Münster, NRW.
The cracks are sealed and a beautiful neck to make a sound deep with life! It's revived! I hope your eye feels better. Thank you for the woodwork that you do! When you work, all the pieces of materials are fascinating! ^o^
I’ve watched plenty of guitar luthier repairs and other woodworking restorations, but this is my first with a violin maker. Absolutely love your passion, patience and….pedagogy! ($10 word there, mate, plus a bit of alliteration, so let’s just call it an even $11.) Learned a whole bunch about proper cleating, retouching and hide glue application, and you’ve made me want to use my chisels more. You make me think of what would happen if John Malkovich, Christoph Waltz and Jemaine Clement fused into a mad-genius luthier!
This is a really impressive restoration. If you ever wondered what "attention to detail" is all about, this video and the previous one will clear that up.
What a great video guiding us through the process of the restoration! And what a beautiful instrument, even through my earbuds it sounded wonderful and I can only imagine what difference in sound you made possible!
You are truly one very rare amazing technician and individual... you are close to being the last of your kind... I have a harp that’s been in my family since 1780... for 20 years I’ve been trying to get it restored... I’ve been all over Ontario looking for the right technician to restore it so I will either pass it on to my family or possibly donate it to a museum with the family name on it... the care and percussion and effort and time and LOVE 💕 you put into your craft is truly priceless... I thank you 🙏 from the bottom of my heart ❤️ for your astounding services...🥰
Loved seeing all the planning and work. I was looking forward to seeing the sound post go back in, and probably get a new position, now that the top is solid. But noooo--- not even a mention.
Hi Olaf, do you document all the repairs you do? (especially on the inside of instruments). Let's say another guy opens this same violin 60 years from now and check some sort of document to see which glue you used, why you did the patches like that, etc.
Not really... I believe it's the maker that deserves most of the credit. It's always interesting what I do find inscribed into instrument... Usually in pencil.
Very enjoyable video, I watched it until the end even though I don't play the violin, however have repaired one or two acoustic guitars. All guitar "acoustic" folks out there could learn a lot from your impressive skill set. ta very much QQ in Edinburgh.
In the replacement video for the top glue up - @13:58, you glued the top on with a little sliver of spruce (like a matchstick) floating around in the case. I'm not trying to be critical and I don't know much about violins, I just thought your customer might like that removed from the case before you ship it.
it's the soundpost, he leaves it in there not standing upright so he doesn't lose it. He later on sets it back right up and adjusts it before giving it back to the customer. So, no, its not just a "matchstick" :)
I thought you said this was a 200 year old violing. It surprised me that you said it was good for a hobby player. It sweems like an expensive hobby. It takes a lot of bravery to take apart such an instrument. I enjoyed watching you and helps to understand why violins often cost more than expensive that cars.
I want to share how I found your channel, I was watching one of Australian TV series about forensics etc. anyway suddenly UA-cam offered your channel and I checked your website and your address on
I know practically nothing about violins. Tried and failed to learn it when I was in 4th grade. I have no idea why youtube decided to show me violin repair videos, but this was incredible. I love watching a craftsman at work.
Would you be willing to share your recipe for the filler varnish? I do violin restorations in Colorado in America. Love your videos! I always learn a ton from watching your work. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us!
What a marvelous and informative set of videos! I taught music in public schools for many years and endured many interesting string instruments. I had a colleague in my early years of teaching who was a violinist, taught privately and was a professor and orchestra conductor at the local junior college. He also had a violin repair shop. I appreciated his efforts to make some of my students' instruments playable. I also endured the early influx of cheap Chinese violins. I know that he was proud of making a few violins that received prizes in local shows. Thank you for your videos.
A real craftsman is one who can get in, make the fix, and get out - and you can't even see that he was ever there. Generally, that's the sign of good workmanship and attention to detail. 👍
Hi Olaf! I'm always so curious when you put on patches, why do you glue them on when they are so thick and then cut them back after, as opposed to thinning it first and then gluing it on?
I am no violin maker , but the logic seems to me to be in the clamping making sure the surfaces are very very well glued with just the right pressure , where sometimes maybe using the thin thin band aid could crack or would be in other words too fragile to clamp properly , just my six sence ...
Yes, So it is basically it's own clamping block... I do have to say that these ones are slightly more chunky than the ones I used to use. Also I've only recently switched to angled grain after doing a whole lot of research.
Have you seen soldering/desoldering stations with a small hot air pen? They're made for soldering very small parts, but the good thing about them is that you can get very precise hot air at a very precise temperature in a very precise spot. Think of it as an airbrush compared to a spray can, comparing it to your heat gun. Might be something you'd enjoy if you didn't know about them!
Nice work Olaf. Just wondering how you delt with the moisture damage on the front edge by the neck? Reason I ask is because on my guitar, the finish where my arm touches goes opaque if I play for a while and interested in how you would go about dealing with that!
Thank you for letting us see the reaction of the customer to receiving his repaired violin. I'm glad he was so pleased with your work. It was nice to hear that the instrument exceeded his expectations in its performance.
Very well done. I have not a musical bone in my body but this is one instrument I love to listen too. As a wood worker I have always wanted to make a stringed instrument but not be able to play has always stopped me from from attempting it. Now I have arthritis bad I doubt I could ever learn now. But Just coming from a wood working background I was very impressed to see some of the techniques you have for repairing the wood. Thank you for the upload
Way to go!! A lot of people can make things but sometimes fixing things is a lot more difficult. The instrument owner is very lucky to have enjoyed your services.
Bravo wonderful... Fantastico.... what it needs now is a month worth of good playing and resting to once again awaken this instrument. That is how I bring a acoustic guitar to life.... sometimes with dedicated playing I can actually work the bugs out of a instrument
Fascinating to witness an artisan at work, thoroughly enjoyed the journey, surprised, and saddened perhaps? that you do not include pasting a small paper inside indicating date and whom repaired, it would have been lovely to read its provenance over the past 200 years, and who had designed that unusual joiner design. Great Video work.
By the way are you British or Australian?You do have that accent. You certainly did a great repair on the violin, beautiful work, congratulatons!!! Israel Perez viewing from Guatemala, C.A.👍🙏
Hi guys, l’invenzione all’italiano G. da Salò, primo liutaio bresciano di grande fama, la cui opera fu proseguita da G.P. Maggini. Il primo violino conosciuto che abbia tutte le caratteristiche dello strumento è quello di A. Amati, risalente al 1570 circa. Con Amati e con i suoi figli ebbe inizio la scuola cremonese di liutai, che contò nomi famosi come quelli di G. Guarneri del Gesù e di A. Stradivari.
I really enjoy watching your craftsmanship. Fascinated by your accent. I am American, and I have an easy time understanding, but it’s a curious combination of Norwegian Australia I guess. Unless perhaps Swede?
As a pseudo-musician who has suffered and recovered from G.A.S. I personally have to add something to your last bit while disageeing with some of it. I will agree with buying what is in your means, but I will add what I have learned that I think the owner of this violin did instinctually, that is. Tone is King. If you don't love the tone, you will never be truly happy with the instrument. I have owned a number of high-end instruments over the years, still own some. However, I found myself going back to one of my cheapest ones that I just adore the tone of.
Great video, thanks. Don't take this wrong, but are you any relation to another UA-camr in QLD that has a channel name DIYForKnuckleheads? Your looks, voice and mannerisms are very similar
Have you considered getting the Japanese water stone for your Tormek? I know $500 is pricy, but it seems that with the detail your work requires, the additional edge refinement would be worth it. Maybe a couple of fine Japanese chisels could be justified then. What are yours? Sheffield?
Pressing hard is simply incorrect on the violin. You don't need to press all the way down to fingerboard to stop a string. As a matter of fact, you shouldn't. Unlike a guitar, yeah. These two videos came in really handy. I have one neck that could use just that, and I was too harsh at cracking the violins, I didn't know about the spirit, and I was unaware of counermolds completely.
I noticed you keep saying the word "timber" , but in your titles you use "wood"? Is this a regionalism. Here in USA, "timber" usually means un-milled tree(s).
Love your videos .I've just been given a violin I haven't played for 35 years and I'm loving having a violin again ,but it's not great it's a strad copy makes in Czech ludy cremona, sounds nice though but I've watched your video about setting up a cheap violin to get the best out of it , I think I will get new strings and want to replace the tailpiece maybe , has tip of 2 of the C curves chief of and some varnish off on top edge looks like it may have been dropped , but fingerboard is bit worn ok pegs are OK but bit tatty . What I was wondering is can I do this myself , I feel inspired by you and although I couldn't do large restoration I could maybe do this . I live in uk
I use 12% peroxide here and I'm always amazed at how good it works for many uses. Got to be careful though, it can burn the skin if in prolonged and direct contact.
The sheer fine work you need to do is a sight to watch, not just how delicate you need to be but also the range of skills and tasks you need to do. It looks like a fine woodworker, modelmaker, jeweller and musician all came together in one job. Such great feedback too, that is great praise indeed.
Rather than using tape, wouldn't glad wrap work better ? Hahahaa, on second thoughts you probably tried that already and found issues with it. Very interesting watching your videos, thanks for sharing. 👍😊
Hmm.... So, why don't you create an inner mold which has the same contour as the re-shaped outer mold? Seems a bit crude to just use the regular clamp ends to push down the face.
A very interesting pair of videos. The restoration was beautifully done, if I wasn’t on the other side of the world in Canada I would being my violin to you to restore.
Really enjoyed watching this restoration but did I miss the bit where you fitted the sound post? Keep up the good work, your so skilled and knowledgeable.
Olaf, what kind of finish is used on violins. It seems it reacts with spirits (denatured ethanol) but it's not really a shellac. Very interesting (to me). Could you shed some light on the whole thing? Thank you. Great work. I like it.
It appears to me that overhauling a 777 engine is easier than overhauling a violin! Both jobs require artists and craftspeople, but the nod goes to the violinmaker!
I love watching your videos but I wish you would lower the camera a little when you’re working lower than chest height. Sometimes a portion of what you’re working on is covered
Google map found out your place is close to where the show took place. by the way I am learning to play cello. sooo AI is working so deligently....scary at the same time...
Enjoy your cello. It's a wonderful instrument to play. I play violin, viola and celo and by far my favourite to play is the cello, and the only one I actually care about practising on.
@@heathermcdougall8023 ohh thank you, yes I love to practice and to hear that every each practice my cello sounds differently. I found viola and violin are not possible for me to learn. I am really adult beginner:)))
that was very interesting to watch. What a fine and delicate job. When you closed the other Violin body, there was a round lose piece rolling around inside and you left it in there. What was it or why did you leave that in the body? When you said the neck is too long I expected it to be in a 10-15mm range but it seams all you changed was 1-2mm? As a non Violin player I would have loved that you went into a little bit more detail on this.
What a beautiful repair and restoration! The violin is really gorgeous, and the owner chose wisely to have you do the work and document the repairs. A treasure in every way.
Wonderful and inspiring - I learned so much watching this - as a lifetime woodworker but not an instrument maker, I am in awe of your skill levels. My Grandfather made violins (I have one he made in 1953), as did my uncle, who left me the tools from my grandfather in his will. Maybe one day I will have a go.
Beautiful work, sir!
Olaf, Now I wish I played a violin, epic video(s), and to the lucky owner jam on my friend :)
Do you have any tips for learning how to become a luthier? Unfortunately I'm set in my current job so I don't have the means to go back to school, but do luthiers accept part-time apprentices? Any info would be appreciated from how you see it.
P.s your videos are why I want to become a luthier
I have no idea why UA-cam brought me here. I am not into Violins at all. I do not understand anything thats going on. But here I am for part 2. I just keep thinking. Buy a new one. I am guessing that's a rude thought. So I apologize. This is amazing and his craftmanship is really eye opening and I wonder how someone gets into this line of work.
Edit. Holy shit. Ok it is from the 17/1800's. Thats why you don't just buy a new one i guess. That's amazing
Id pay a hundred bucjs just to piddle around in the work shop all day
Im not a violin player but have watched the whole thing. Fascinating. Love watching such skill and attention to detail from a master craftsman. Beautiful looking and sounding end product.
I agree with this comment. So impressed with the craftsmanship and the obvious enjoyment Olaf takes in his work. It was a pleasure to watch and to listen to the narration. Thank you.
G'day Olaf, from Bonnie Scotland! I have had the pleasure of playing many lovely fiddles in my time, including one once owned by the famous 18th century Perthshire fiddler, Niel Gow of Inver (1727 - 1807), so I know how it feels to play music on a fine instrument. Many thanks for sharing these two videos of this repair and restoration with us. It was fascinating to witness the dedication and hard work people like yourself put in to bringing an old musical instrument back to life again and what an stunning job you have done on that lovely German fiddle. It's such a delight to watch a real craftsman at work!
It's wonderful bringing back to life this beautiful old violin. You have improved the tone and the owner is so happy. I really enjoyed this. Thank you.
Love it ! So nice to get a letter of appreciation. Not something in my trade i ever recieve , ha,ha.
Have you tried Chinese calligraphy brushes for fine work. The Sable and Rabbit fur ones are incredibly fine at the tip.
Was an inspirational two-part repair video. The patience to take a work to the end, without compromise, putting aside impatience, to finish, comes with age. I was deeply motivated to exercise more patience and diligence on a current repair I am doing to an acoustic guitar that fell from 3 feet onto a concrete floor. It was going to lacquer today, until I watched this repair. A few more small cosmetic touches are in order to take this repair to the highest level I am capable of. Thank you, Olaf the Violin Maker.
It always amazes me how you switch from pretty coarse tools and methods (think butter knife) to very fine, exacting work. There's something to be learned for woodworking in general.
It reminds me once more that woodworking is not all about instruments
I am really curious why with an earlier repair on the neck (with that "japanese" dove tail) the gap in the violin was filled in so that it only would go in about 2,5mm instead of the required about 5mm (at least that's what you stated in part 1). And also with that change the mesure into an incorrect value. Was it repaired maybe by a woodworker instead of a violin maker?
I've watched quite a few luthiers build and repair acoustic and electric guitars but watching this violin repair is a first for me. I was totally engrossed by your method, explanation and your phenomenal attention to detail. Fantastic work and I'm not surprised to hear that the owner was enthralled with your work.
I’m looking forward to watching this. I enjoyed part 1 very much.
Very well presented! Just curious if you wrote some notes in pencil on the inside of the violin describing what you did and the date?
It's wonderful to have people in this world such as yourself that have love , pride , and skill to enable them to positively impact people's lives . You are a Godsend .
Hi Olaf
I have something to ask you: Whenever I losen the strings on my Suzuki cello, a loud CRACK sounds. When I retighten the strings, the same CRACK sounds. I suspect that the soundpost is too tight. It seems to curve at the top, as far as I can see. As the Suzuki cello is made of plywood, which I’m happy with as a former furniture maker, I’m not too worried about the soundpost poking through the plates, but I still wonder about it. Should I worry?
Thank you so much! Lovely experience going along with your journey on this. So glad the owner was happy and so expressive.
I am so glad your channel was recommended to me. I have only watched the two videos associated with this violin so far, and I've enjoyed them a lot. You are very good at demonstrating how you work and the experience needed to fix such a precious instrument. At 69, although I play a little guitar, being an actual musician was not in the cards for me. I love music and when listening to violin, piano and guitar music, and I have always imagined myself (even in my dreams) being the musician playing. After seeing the full transformation, and most importantly reading the response from your customer today, I immediately liked and subscribed. Thank you so much!
Fantastic comment, I agree with every word. QQ.
Hey olaf, I want to become a luthier. 15 years playing violin, now I want to learn how to make them. Do I need prior woodworking experience to get approved for an average luthier course at university?
Not sure if you have seen the tiny point brushes they make for working on minatures but one of those might work well for your retouching. The bristles are a bit stiff and very pointed. Thank you for sharing your work! So enjoyable to watch!
I agree, the brushes designed for hand painting small figurines/miniatures is the way to go as long as the brush materials can deal with the chemicals you need.
Thank you Olaf , my violinmaking teacher died couple years ago , and I have so much more to learn before I restore my three violins , I really really appreciate your detailed descriptions and camera angles , great job ! I have been making cedar flutes for 27 years so I am ready :o) , I will wait for the dryer temperatures coming this winter for in my country it is a little humid these days ...and thanks again for this great entertainment as well as professionnal making it super fun sharing your thoughts out loud with us , genius !
Okay, just to qualify I know nothing about violin repairs, but wouldn't your job be easier with a hot-air de-soldering station for melting old glue patches? With these (unlike typical hot air guns) you can control the air temperature and as it works from a smaller nozzle (about 5mm diameter) you can focus the air on a smaller area and have greater control.
BTW something that could enhance the 'playing test' at the end is if you could do it as a 'before and after' segment with you playing the instrument before you start work and taking us through your impressions as a first inspection kind of piece.
Those player comments were extremely wholesome. The mindset to cherish the fact the instrument is now in a better condition than how things started is something that strikes right in the feels.
Olaf reminds me of my own father who was a professional restorer of antiques, particularly small fitted boxes. Olaf's workshop reminds me of hours and hours of my childhood spent watching and learning. Great videos, thank you for sharing
The part 1 video crossed over into guitar UA-cam (how I discovered it). Pretty fascinating and surprisingly emotional. I've done a little work on my own guitars, but they're not as delicate and I've never done a major surgery on them. I'd be a wreck working on someone else's instrument.
its certainly one of the highest skill crafts imaginable and olaf is a master at work, its simply jaw dropping how great he is as a luthier, he makes it seem so ridiculously easy
Somehow, I got here because pt 1 was in my search results for something I was searching for. I started working on my own guitars almost right after I bought my first one. It needed a new nut so I replaced that around 3 months into learning to play. Then i replaced all of the pots, cap, & wiring when I swapped a humbucker into the Silvertone S-style I bought. Also had to cut a hole in the pickguard because a normal strat pickguard is different and didnt cover all of the routed out parts at the very bottom, below the last tone pot.
It turned out great. But I'm an automotive technician so I was sure I could handle it with no problem.
Great master repair job! The first pling pling already uncovered the rich potential of this violin.
What is the recipe of your filling varnish?
Greetings from Münster, NRW.
The cracks are sealed and a beautiful neck to make a sound deep with life! It's revived! I hope your eye feels better. Thank you for the woodwork that you do! When you work, all the pieces of materials are fascinating! ^o^
I’ve watched plenty of guitar luthier repairs and other woodworking restorations, but this is my first with a violin maker. Absolutely love your passion, patience and….pedagogy! ($10 word there, mate, plus a bit of alliteration, so let’s just call it an even $11.) Learned a whole bunch about proper cleating, retouching and hide glue application, and you’ve made me want to use my chisels more. You make me think of what would happen if John Malkovich, Christoph Waltz and Jemaine Clement fused into a mad-genius luthier!
Thank You for letting us look over your shoulder! Best Regards and Best Wishes!
I didn’t see you fit the sound post. I’ll see if you’ve shown that operation before.
This is a really impressive restoration. If you ever wondered what "attention to detail" is all about, this video and the previous one will clear that up.
What a great video guiding us through the process of the restoration! And what a beautiful instrument, even through my earbuds it sounded wonderful and I can only imagine what difference in sound you made possible!
You are truly one very rare amazing technician and individual... you are close to being the last of your kind... I have a harp that’s been in my family since 1780... for 20 years I’ve been trying to get it restored... I’ve been all over Ontario looking for the right technician to restore it so I will either pass it on to my family or possibly donate it to a museum with the family name on it... the care and percussion and effort and time and LOVE 💕 you put into your craft is truly priceless... I thank you 🙏 from the bottom of my heart ❤️ for your astounding services...🥰
What is the trade name or formula for the "filling varnish" please
I'm left-handed. All my instruments come in three styles. Cheap, expensive and VERY expensive! Needless to say, I have only a few instruments. 😊
what is the crack filler varnish please?
Loved seeing all the planning and work. I was looking forward to seeing the sound post go back in, and probably get a new position, now that the top is solid. But noooo--- not even a mention.
How long did it take to do the repairs on this violin?
Guitar luthier videos brought me here. Now a subscriber. Amazing skills you have and such a pleasure to watch. Thank you. 🙏🏻
Hi Olaf, do you document all the repairs you do? (especially on the inside of instruments). Let's say another guy opens this same violin 60 years from now and check some sort of document to see which glue you used, why you did the patches like that, etc.
Not really...
I believe it's the maker that deserves most of the credit.
It's always interesting what I do find inscribed into instrument... Usually in pencil.
Very enjoyable video, I watched it until the end even though I don't play the violin, however have repaired one or two acoustic guitars. All guitar "acoustic" folks out there could learn a lot from your impressive skill set. ta very much QQ in Edinburgh.
In the replacement video for the top glue up - @13:58, you glued the top on with a little sliver of spruce (like a matchstick) floating around in the case. I'm not trying to be critical and I don't know much about violins, I just thought your customer might like that removed from the case before you ship it.
it's the soundpost, he leaves it in there not standing upright so he doesn't lose it. He later on sets it back right up and adjusts it before giving it back to the customer. So, no, its not just a "matchstick" :)
I thought you said this was a 200 year old violing. It surprised me that you said it was good for a hobby player. It sweems like an expensive hobby. It takes a lot of bravery to take apart such an instrument. I enjoyed watching you and helps to understand why violins often cost more than expensive that cars.
I want to share how I found your channel, I was watching one of Australian TV series about forensics etc. anyway suddenly UA-cam offered your channel and I checked your website and your address on
I know practically nothing about violins. Tried and failed to learn it when I was in 4th grade. I have no idea why youtube decided to show me violin repair videos, but this was incredible. I love watching a craftsman at work.
Way to go maestro ! I'm so happy for both of you. Greetings from a cellist from Brugge
Would you be willing to share your recipe for the filler varnish? I do violin restorations in Colorado in America. Love your videos! I always learn a ton from watching your work. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us!
How high is the final bill ?
beautiful repair glad I found this channel you just got another subscriber
i love these deep dive videos, violins are amazing individuals and it's so good to see them continue to live and make people happy!
What a marvelous and informative set of videos! I taught music in public schools for many years and endured many interesting string instruments. I had a colleague in my early years of teaching who was a violinist, taught privately and was a professor and orchestra conductor at the local junior college. He also had a violin repair shop. I appreciated his efforts to make some of my students' instruments playable. I also endured the early influx of cheap Chinese violins. I know that he was proud of making a few violins that received prizes in local shows. Thank you for your videos.
A real craftsman is one who can get in, make the fix, and get out - and you can't even see that he was ever there. Generally, that's the sign of good workmanship and attention to detail. 👍
Hi Olaf! I'm always so curious when you put on patches, why do you glue them on when they are so thick and then cut them back after, as opposed to thinning it first and then gluing it on?
I am no violin maker , but the logic seems to me to be in the clamping making sure the surfaces are very very well glued with just the right pressure , where sometimes maybe using the thin thin band aid could crack or would be in other words too fragile to clamp properly , just my six sence ...
Yes,
So it is basically it's own clamping block...
I do have to say that these ones are slightly more chunky than the ones I used to use.
Also I've only recently switched to angled grain after doing a whole lot of research.
Olaf, get well soon.
Have you seen soldering/desoldering stations with a small hot air pen? They're made for soldering very small parts, but the good thing about them is that you can get very precise hot air at a very precise temperature in a very precise spot. Think of it as an airbrush compared to a spray can, comparing it to your heat gun. Might be something you'd enjoy if you didn't know about them!
Thank you
Nice work Olaf. Just wondering how you delt with the moisture damage on the front edge by the neck? Reason I ask is because on my guitar, the finish where my arm touches goes opaque if I play for a while and interested in how you would go about dealing with that!
I missed that part, too, where Olaf dealt with the worn finish near the neck.
@@purplpen yes, I really could do with an explanation because it's a sentimental guitar which I don't want to damage!
Thank you for letting us see the reaction of the customer to receiving his repaired violin. I'm glad he was so pleased with your work. It was nice to hear that the instrument exceeded his expectations in its performance.
Many craftsman of all types can't master...go-pros lol. Love your work and a pleasure to watch!
Very well done. I have not a musical bone in my body but this is one instrument I love to listen too. As a wood worker I have always wanted to make a stringed instrument but not be able to play has always stopped me from from attempting it. Now I have arthritis bad I doubt I could ever learn now. But Just coming from a wood working background I was very impressed to see some of the techniques you have for repairing the wood. Thank you for the upload
Good Job
Hi Olaf, how many hours did you spend repairing that violin?
Like some others, through guitar videos I ended up here, and I'm glad I did. Subbed and look forward to more.
Impressiv
Way to go!! A lot of people can make things but sometimes fixing things is a lot more difficult. The instrument owner is very lucky to have enjoyed your services.
Olaf is an unsung musical hero of all musicians (not only violinists)!!!!!
Watching a master at work is always enlightening. It is the fine details that others never see are the ones that matter the most.
Bravo wonderful... Fantastico.... what it needs now is a month worth of good playing and resting to once again awaken this instrument.
That is how I bring a acoustic guitar to life.... sometimes with dedicated playing I can actually work the bugs out of a instrument
Fascinating to witness an artisan at work, thoroughly enjoyed the journey, surprised, and saddened perhaps? that you do not include pasting a small paper inside indicating date and whom repaired, it would have been lovely to read its provenance over the past 200 years, and who had designed that unusual joiner design. Great Video work.
I think he put his stamp on the bridge, though I don't know how many years it will last before needing replacement.
Hi new here and a viola player. Do you repair violas?
Yes he does and cello and base as well. 😀😀
Great Video!!! Great Work! Does anyone know what the product (or recipe) is for "filling varnish"?
By the way are you British or Australian?You do have that accent. You certainly did a great repair on the violin, beautiful work, congratulatons!!! Israel Perez viewing from Guatemala, C.A.👍🙏
Hi guys, l’invenzione all’italiano G. da Salò, primo liutaio bresciano di grande fama, la cui opera fu proseguita da G.P. Maggini. Il primo violino conosciuto che abbia tutte le caratteristiche dello strumento è quello di A. Amati, risalente al 1570 circa. Con Amati e con i suoi figli ebbe inizio la scuola cremonese di liutai, che contò nomi famosi come quelli di G. Guarneri del Gesù e di A. Stradivari.
I really enjoy watching your craftsmanship. Fascinated by your accent. I am American, and I have an easy time understanding, but it’s a curious combination of Norwegian Australia I guess. Unless perhaps Swede?
I am not musical, but I enjoyed watching your craftsmanship and dedication to quality. Your customer's reaction was wonderful. Thanks for both parts.
As a pseudo-musician who has suffered and recovered from G.A.S. I personally have to add something to your last bit while disageeing with some of it. I will agree with buying what is in your means, but I will add what I have learned that I think the owner of this violin did instinctually, that is. Tone is King. If you don't love the tone, you will never be truly happy with the instrument. I have owned a number of high-end instruments over the years, still own some. However, I found myself going back to one of my cheapest ones that I just adore the tone of.
Bravo! Beautiful, inspired and inspiring work.
Great video, thanks.
Don't take this wrong, but are you any relation to another UA-camr in QLD that has a channel name DIYForKnuckleheads?
Your looks, voice and mannerisms are very similar
Have you considered getting the Japanese water stone for your Tormek? I know $500 is pricy, but it seems that with the detail your work requires, the additional edge refinement would be worth it. Maybe a couple of fine Japanese chisels could be justified then. What are yours? Sheffield?
Pressing hard is simply incorrect on the violin. You don't need to press all the way down to fingerboard to stop a string. As a matter of fact, you shouldn't. Unlike a guitar, yeah. These two videos came in really handy. I have one neck that could use just that, and I was too harsh at cracking the violins, I didn't know about the spirit, and I was unaware of counermolds completely.
I noticed you keep saying the word "timber" , but in your titles you use "wood"? Is this a regionalism. Here in USA, "timber" usually means un-milled tree(s).
Love your videos .I've just been given a violin I haven't played for 35 years and I'm loving having a violin again ,but it's not great it's a strad copy makes in Czech ludy cremona, sounds nice though but I've watched your video about setting up a cheap violin to get the best out of it , I think I will get new strings and want to replace the tailpiece maybe , has tip of 2 of the C curves chief of and some varnish off on top edge looks like it may have been dropped , but fingerboard is bit worn ok pegs are OK but bit tatty . What I was wondering is can I do this
myself , I feel inspired by you and although I couldn't do large restoration I could maybe do this . I live in uk
I use 12% peroxide here and I'm always amazed at how good it works for many uses. Got to be careful though, it can burn the skin if in prolonged and direct contact.
I think you forgot to show that you put in the god pillar if I remember the name for it correctly (I’m not a violinist or luthier 🤦🏻♂️🤣)
@askolaftheviolinmaker try to hold the brush in boiling water to get them pointy again.
The sheer fine work you need to do is a sight to watch, not just how delicate you need to be but also the range of skills and tasks you need to do. It looks like a fine woodworker, modelmaker, jeweller and musician all came together in one job. Such great feedback too, that is great praise indeed.
Rather than using tape, wouldn't glad wrap work better ? Hahahaa, on second thoughts you probably tried that already and found issues with it. Very interesting watching your videos, thanks for sharing. 👍😊
ok,, whats the bill?? assuming the customer wife is not seen dis? ozzies are not taboo about $$££ are they.
Hmm.... So, why don't you create an inner mold which has the same contour as the re-shaped outer mold? Seems a bit crude to just use the regular clamp ends to push down the face.
A very interesting pair of videos. The restoration was beautifully done, if I wasn’t on the other side of the world in Canada I would being my violin to you to restore.
Really enjoyed watching this restoration but did I miss the bit where you fitted the sound post? Keep up the good work, your so skilled and knowledgeable.
Olaf, what kind of finish is used on violins. It seems it reacts with spirits (denatured ethanol) but it's not really a shellac. Very interesting (to me). Could you shed some light on the whole thing? Thank you. Great work. I like it.
It appears to me that overhauling a 777 engine is easier than overhauling a violin! Both jobs require artists and craftspeople, but the nod goes to the violinmaker!
The 3 main skills of a violinbuilder are:
„waiting until tomorrow for drying glue.“
„drinking coffee“
„changing T-Shirt“
?
It's impressive to see someone passionate and knowledgeable prioritize the instrument, the owner, and future maintenance. thanks for sharing 😀
I love watching your videos but I wish you would lower the camera a little when you’re working lower than chest height. Sometimes a portion of what you’re working on is covered
Google map found out your place is close to where the show took place. by the way I am learning to play cello. sooo AI is working so deligently....scary at the same time...
Enjoy your cello. It's a wonderful instrument to play. I play violin, viola and celo and by far my favourite to play is the cello, and the only one I actually care about practising on.
@@heathermcdougall8023 ohh thank you, yes I love to practice and to hear that every each practice my cello sounds differently. I found viola and violin are not possible for me to learn. I am really adult beginner:)))
Gorgeous! Amazing repair! Also love your Studio hoodie!
that was very interesting to watch. What a fine and delicate job. When you closed the other Violin body, there was a round lose piece rolling around inside and you left it in there. What was it or why did you leave that in the body? When you said the neck is too long I expected it to be in a 10-15mm range but it seams all you changed was 1-2mm? As a non Violin player I would have loved that you went into a little bit more detail on this.
the sound of you, beautifully, explaining is far less then the very loud violin intro and that is a big problem for viewers using headphones 😔