Violin Disaster! - Can it be Fixed? Part 1

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  • Опубліковано 3 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 113

  • @bottasegreta
    @bottasegreta 2 роки тому +21

    A minute into this video I sprinted out of the room to go de-tension my 135 year old family heirloom violin. I had an open seam by the end pin hole and I had been putting off repairing it. I never imagined this kind of damage could happen from such a seemingly small problem. Now it's safely at the luthier. Thanks Olaf!

    • @jessicaengle3160
      @jessicaengle3160 Рік тому +2

      Did you get it back from the luthier? Will you play it? I hope maybe

    • @bottasegreta
      @bottasegreta Рік тому

      Yes I did! And yes I do! The luthier tells me the two pieces of maple that were used for the back were probably from two different trees, so they contracted at different rates, so a seam opened. All fixed now. Got some new ebony pegs and re-haired one of my bows while I was at it. Now I can be 100% sure if the violin sounds bad, it's me, not the instrument....@@jessicaengle3160

  • @edmiller4149
    @edmiller4149 3 роки тому +32

    I find it so interesting to follow the repair jobs you do. I helped a friend with a one hundred year old mandolin that had come apart from neglect. Basically , it folded at joint between neck and body. With my advise they were able to steam it apart and reassemble with fresh glue. They were pretty happy. It was originally my friend’s grand fathers instrument! Thanks Olaf.

  • @screaminggecko7660
    @screaminggecko7660 3 роки тому +18

    I have a worse off violin. It was my first violin from when I was 7 or 8. My step brother took it and flipped it over in the case, then slammed the lid down shattering the neck. I quit playing for a long time after that but always kept it. One day when I have some money saved up I'd like to get it fixed for sentimental reasons

    • @gke3800
      @gke3800 Рік тому

      Is your step brother still an idiot?

  • @violaisreallycool
    @violaisreallycool 2 роки тому +2

    At work today I had a cello that had a spookily similar level of separation at the lower block near the tailpiece with the seams. Also, it was even depressed inwards towards the body of the instrument! I was mortified and I immediately remember the thumbnail of this video. Amazing content as always, your positivity is so refreshing :)

  • @harveyblankenship564
    @harveyblankenship564 3 роки тому +8

    I don't play any stringed instruments but I am fascinated by the skills necessary to repair (and make) these instruments. I play the Saxophone & Clarinet and I loved watching the Instrument Repairmen (and women) when they replaced pads, springs, corks, etc. I really wanted to learn how to repair instruments but my parents were quite against this choice of mine. This was back in the 1970s. Today, I find it difficult to find a good Repair person for my horns.... and it appears this is the norm in many areas. Now, I really do wish I had learned how to repair musical instruments!

    • @zappzapp1350
      @zappzapp1350 8 місяців тому +2

      Its never too late....just buy a broken one and try your best.

    • @harveyblankenship564
      @harveyblankenship564 8 місяців тому

      @@zappzapp1350 That is how I learned to make basic/simple repairs on my horns. I still do the most simple/basic repairs, myself, but have found an excellent instrument repairman for the bigger jobs.

    • @zappzapp1350
      @zappzapp1350 8 місяців тому +1

      Never too late....buy broken once read books and try and error....it is such a pleasent work to do.....

    • @zappzapp1350
      @zappzapp1350 8 місяців тому

      @@harveyblankenship564 what horns you have? Sound interesting.....i play didgeridoos....and like the selfmade once the best.

  • @lrstaf6
    @lrstaf6 3 роки тому +4

    Hi Olaf;
    If you would like to see a violin with worse damage at the tail block, watch the video by Jerry Rosa listed here, "433 RSW Chocolate A Bittersweet Restoration." Jerry has been doing instrument repair for at least 40 years now, so I guess that makes you two birds of a feather. I watched part 2 first and I have really enjoyed watching this repair.
    I watch several luthiers videos and I learn something from all of them. I'm really glad that there are guys like you willing to share their knowledge with us who only do this sort of thing as a hobby. Thanks for sharing your videos.

    • @frag4007
      @frag4007 2 роки тому

      Do you know about ted woodford his channel is twoodfrd

  • @violagang842
    @violagang842 2 роки тому +1

    Another very interesting video. I had a rib come apart from the top plate of my violin when I went somewhere very dry for a couple of weeks. I'm glad we had it fixed immediately! You showed us how bad things can get when you neglect them!

  • @Vokabre
    @Vokabre 3 роки тому +8

    Thanks for the video!
    This made me wonder, how would a repair on a soaked violin/violla/cello would look like. I can imagine there are some instruments that did suffer from water during floods or tsunamis.

    • @AskOlaftheViolinmaker
      @AskOlaftheViolinmaker  3 роки тому +12

      I had a violin like that which ended up in about 10 pieces...
      If I get a repair like that again, I'll definitely film it.

    • @Vokabre
      @Vokabre 3 роки тому +3

      Ooof, that sounds terrible, that probably would make an interesting video, but hopefully there won't be a repair like that

  • @Cakebattered
    @Cakebattered 3 роки тому +10

    How do you prepare a stringed instrument for storage? Maybe you could do a video on it. Granted, we should all be using our instruments daily, but sometimes life gets in the way.

    • @clemensgruber6213
      @clemensgruber6213 3 роки тому +2

      ... or for transport.

    • @louisabone2614
      @louisabone2614 3 роки тому +1

      I personally would loosen the strings for storage

    • @Cakebattered
      @Cakebattered 3 роки тому

      @@louisabone2614 How loose? Lose enough to remove the bridge? Would you loosen the strings for 1,2, 3-12 months in storage? Many questions.

    • @louisabone2614
      @louisabone2614 3 роки тому

      @@Cakebattered not enough to move the bridge as that can let the sound post move if knocked just slightly loose so it's not so tight

    • @AskOlaftheViolinmaker
      @AskOlaftheViolinmaker  3 роки тому +3

      I would keep normal tension foe transport but loosen down by a 4th or 5th for storage.
      If an instrument is in storage I would check it over every 4 to 6 months.

  • @eiralinnea
    @eiralinnea 3 роки тому +3

    Leaving your violin with the strings on - ouch I felt that... My granddad's violin was left like that for 27 years, the string tension had pulled the neck/fingerboard right down to the top plate. I guess the strings should've all been loosened up for storage. (Now I know!)

  • @conradgittins4476
    @conradgittins4476 3 роки тому +3

    It looks to me like it was subject to heat for quite some time. I was offered a violin that had come apart due to heat but the deciding factor against taking it was that someone had tried to glue it back together with some unknown substance which probably did more harm than the heat. I didn't think it was worth my time.

  • @terraprime
    @terraprime 3 роки тому +26

    With the amount of work needed to (attempt to) repair this violin, I am wondering if it's even worth the monetary consideration. Sure, rescuing an old instrument has its onw virtue, but as a consumer, I wonder if the cost of repair exceeds the cost of a mid-low tier instrument.

    • @louisabone2614
      @louisabone2614 3 роки тому +15

      I guess it depends on what it means to the person... sometimes an instrument may be given by someone special and hold a special significance
      For example a mid range violin maybe has a value of 5000 to most
      But a mid range given by maybe a grandparent who supported or encouraged them to learn
      Or used to be the grandparents handed down
      The personal value could be higher than any high end instrument

    • @cpt_nordbart
      @cpt_nordbart 2 роки тому +3

      twoodfrd talked about that when repairing guitars. Is it worth the repair? Probably not. But throwing away a broken instrument that can be repaired is something no instrument maker will like. Also it's an environmental thing. Always getting a new thing because the old is broken isn't feasible in the long run.
      Will repairs be as good as new? Maybe. But if not it ads character and gives the instrument history.

    • @andron967
      @andron967 2 роки тому

      I normally would agree with a violin in this condition. But his speed and skill level will pull it off.

    • @andron967
      @andron967 2 роки тому +3

      I once put a guitar back together that had been crushed by a very drunk girl while on a river rafting trip on the Colorado River. It was a cheap guitar. They would have put it in the camp fire but the owner didn't want the girl to feel bad. The owners wife put it in a plastic bag and hid it under the rowing seat here it stayed for several days in the canyon sun etc. His wife told him she threw it out when the got home. I spent a couple of months rebuilding it. A great surprise at his birthday party.

    • @samuellourenco1050
      @samuellourenco1050 2 роки тому

      It is worth if it is an old instrument. For new, low quality, mass produced instruments, nah.

  • @SRoyce87
    @SRoyce87 3 роки тому +4

    I love these kind of videos of you the most! Totally epic!
    I always wonder how much does a customer get charged for a thing like this?

  • @gnm109
    @gnm109 Місяць тому

    That will be an amazing repair. I'm confident that you will do a great job.

  • @zepherine7237
    @zepherine7237 3 роки тому +5

    I want to know if you have repair it ! where is the next episode ! It is so much of a clifhanger :')

  • @neonsamurai1348
    @neonsamurai1348 3 роки тому +4

    This is why I store any violin for longer terms with just a bit of string tension. Enough to keep the sound post seated

    • @Fidi987
      @Fidi987 3 роки тому +7

      I inherited a probably very cheap violin from 1934. Everything that had been in the case at the time of purchase still was there. And there was a little leaflet from the violin maker detailing how to care for the instrument. Maybe that should be standard today gain, too.

    • @neonsamurai1348
      @neonsamurai1348 3 роки тому +5

      @@Fidi987 Ya, my main violin purchased in the 1980s came with a care pamphlet too

    • @AskOlaftheViolinmaker
      @AskOlaftheViolinmaker  3 роки тому +4

      Mine come with an instru care ebook 😀
      It totally makes sense

  • @PaVIThRa9188
    @PaVIThRa9188 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you olaf for sharing this !!!

  • @ahh1180
    @ahh1180 3 роки тому +2

    Olaf you would be some much fun to chill and have a coffee with

  • @kokeskokeskokes
    @kokeskokeskokes 2 роки тому +1

    Hi Olaf, I have a question. I bought a violin that appears to be baroque, with short fingerboard and small holes in a tailpiece and so on, smallish with a case that fits length of the violin but no longer, so for a short bow. It cost me 40 dollars after conversion. Should I buy another violin prior I crack it open, or should I practice on the one I bought as it was sub 100 dollars? I would like to check the bass bar and perhaps the label if it is still there. It is the only violin I have. I own 12 guitars I could practice on if it is relevant.

  • @mandolinic
    @mandolinic 3 роки тому +1

    My first impression was that it was going to be like the brush which has had the bristles replaced 3 times and the pole replaced twice - but it's still the "same" brush! So, you give the violin a new top, a new bottom, new sides, a new neck and new strings - but keep the original tuning keys ;-)

  • @4Stryngs
    @4Stryngs 3 роки тому +1

    Where’s part 2??? Can’t wait to see how this turned out 😅

  • @michaelwhisman7623
    @michaelwhisman7623 3 роки тому

    Do you have a video showing how to remove a top attached with a peg on each end??

  • @masonjones1506
    @masonjones1506 3 місяці тому

    Had to give a thumbs up just for the thumbnail! 😄

  • @Runoratsu
    @Runoratsu 3 роки тому

    Abou leaving strings on an instrument you don’t play for a couple years: guitar makers say the opposite about guitars-don‘t take the strings off for too long, the instrument is made with that tension in mind, and without it, the neck may warp and twist, etc. Interesting how it’s different for different instruments.

  • @aznboycols
    @aznboycols 2 роки тому +1

    My concern is how will the sound be affected with the repair. Visually, it could appear fine and unnoticeable.

  • @xxPenjoxx
    @xxPenjoxx 3 роки тому +2

    Highly audible gasp! Oh my.

  • @richhyde4834
    @richhyde4834 Рік тому

    when is the integrity of a pieced together area worse than replacing that part/area? It seems at some point the glued jig saw puzzle would be much worse than a replacement wood?

  • @talamioros
    @talamioros 3 роки тому +13

    who'da thought Glad wrap was a crucial tool in a luthier's arsenal?

  • @danielphendarko2651
    @danielphendarko2651 3 роки тому +4

    I agree with the thumbnail

  • @michaelwhisman7623
    @michaelwhisman7623 3 роки тому

    IN the USA Timber is usually trees on the stump. I have also heard it used for logs cut to go to the mill. I love hearing you call a tiny piece of wood TIMBER. I'm not criticizing.

  • @karatefuman
    @karatefuman 3 роки тому

    Scary, I just got a new violin I love and the back is coming unglued right where you pointed your finger at this one! Time to take it to a Luthier.

  • @Helz777
    @Helz777 3 роки тому +1

    Question. How often should a violin be returned to you for upkeep, so that we spend less in the long run and keep our babies in top condition? I have noticed that the more you play, the warmer and fuller the sound, and I would hate to lose that.

  • @christianvanderstap6257
    @christianvanderstap6257 3 роки тому +2

    Do all your special clamps/blocks even fit on your worktable?

  • @henrys3629
    @henrys3629 2 роки тому

    Wow. I saw a WM Lewis violin regraduated in 2017 on EBAY. Most of the varnish was "replaced", but you can tell what color it was based on what was left on the scroll. I don't think it is a $1500 instrument. PS don't advertise repairs in ball point pen on the inside. As bad as the repair job was, 12 watchers!

  • @windalkaid7088
    @windalkaid7088 3 роки тому +1

    Hi, Olaf. I like your channel. May I ask a question please? I am looking for a new violin, and last week I tried a German violin was made by J.H.Z, it is NO.4009. It is around 6000AUD. I could saw some repaired of the back. Would you please give me some advice? Thank you so much for your time.

    • @AskOlaftheViolinmaker
      @AskOlaftheViolinmaker  3 роки тому +4

      It really depe on the repair...
      If it has a repaired back soundpost crack, you have to be super careful... also if the crack or repair is really visible, it probably wasn't well done.

    • @windalkaid7088
      @windalkaid7088 3 роки тому +3

      @@AskOlaftheViolinmaker Thank you so much for your advise, Olaf.

  • @rossthefiddler5890
    @rossthefiddler5890 3 роки тому +4

    Ouch! Learn on a $100 violin you say. Can be an even harder & destructive experience if they have used an aliphatic or PVA type glue in manufacture. ;) I do agree though & one needs to know their limits too.
    BTW, I ended up making my end block clamp like that a couple of decades ago. Files can be shaped into gauges too when on a tight budget. :)

    • @nskimharris
      @nskimharris 3 роки тому +2

      yeah but then you really learn how not to crack the wood

    • @rossthefiddler5890
      @rossthefiddler5890 3 роки тому +4

      @@nskimharris Yes, that's true & also learn how to repair the damage from it (if it unfortunately occurred). My first experience opening up a violin that had been worked on by a backyard person using PVA glue (& western red cedar for a bass bar) was not kind, but learning how to deal with foreign glues was something I had to come to terms with real quick. That first violin was muted & nasally before I repaired it but when returned it was clear & powerful.

    • @nskimharris
      @nskimharris 3 роки тому +1

      @@rossthefiddler5890 I have yet to put one back together haha...just started. That is very neat that you were able to improve the sound so much!

    • @rossthefiddler5890
      @rossthefiddler5890 3 роки тому +2

      @@nskimharris Learning violin making is a good start to understand the aspects of construction & applied physics etc. together with the artistic finish. I gave that particular violin a properly fitted & tuned bass bar (using the tap tone method) in place of the rough one he had glued in & then followed through with traditional set up procedures with an accurately fitted sound post & bridge etc. so that gave it the voice it should have had. I can't remember the other reasons I offered to do it (a couple of decades ago), but one would have been the careless placement of the belly that allowed the fingerboard to be too low because he must have had the scroll sitting on the table without any knowledge of what a fingerboard projected height should be.

    • @nskimharris
      @nskimharris 3 роки тому +1

      @@rossthefiddler5890 fascinating, thank you!

  • @nskimharris
    @nskimharris 3 роки тому +1

    oh my!

  • @clemensgruber6213
    @clemensgruber6213 3 роки тому +1

    So that means -- in sense of lession learned -- that you have to un-tie the strings in case of an accident to unload the pressure? Or was the following seconds damage immediately after the first break? ... [edit] Ok, i'm now at the point where you mention "2 years"! ;-)

  • @ALAPINO
    @ALAPINO 2 роки тому +1

    Is that Albin Ludwig Paulus particularly valuable?
    I get the distinct impression you are a straight-shooter with your clients. How many repairs do you take on where the instrument is "Beyond Economical Repair" (as it's phrased in my field) because the client had a sentimental attachment?
    As much as I am attached to the Corelli violin my late mother bought me when I was a child I couldn't see myself trying to save it from something like that. I could only imagine she paid $200, 30 or so years ago from how it was constructed. I could only imagine that it's worth $50 now.

  • @louisabone2614
    @louisabone2614 3 роки тому +1

    I can't be the only person who visibly recoiled and said ooooof when they saw the damage

  • @joelhoffman8277
    @joelhoffman8277 3 роки тому +5

    You can tell this is serious because Olaf is wearing his Black Sheep Coffee t-shirt.

    • @AskOlaftheViolinmaker
      @AskOlaftheViolinmaker  3 роки тому +5

      Definitely... you have to wear the right gear for a tricky repair like this

    • @phillefever1934
      @phillefever1934 3 роки тому +1

      I came to the comments just to find the origin of the shirt, the simple graphic is superb!! Now to see if I can get one to the States…

  • @msPaulaA1
    @msPaulaA1 3 роки тому

    Olaf I know you’re busy but I have a question if I may.
    When trying to reinforce the rib at the end block to enable the instrument to withstand the string tension, would placing a full rib sized cleat (same height as the rib) spanning the damaged region between the end block and rib would have upon the sound quality and resonance quality as opposed to reinforcing the area after the end block is glued into place and then trying to strengthen the area?
    Thank you for your time sharing your thoughts. I’m a big fan from over in the states. Be well and stay safe.

  • @herr_barus
    @herr_barus 3 роки тому +8

    You could strengthen it with a god pillar. :-P

  • @mellissadalby1402
    @mellissadalby1402 8 місяців тому

    Looks like a Dingo ate the violin.
    You are a brave (and extremely skilled) man. I would have written off that instrument as unrecoverable.

  • @luiggier1903
    @luiggier1903 3 роки тому +1

    Wow

  • @michelevolz7769
    @michelevolz7769 3 роки тому +2

    Ugh that looks painful, I expected the rest of the rib to fly off when you removed the chin rest…lol your cauldron of glue bubbling away!

  • @JeanLucCoulon
    @JeanLucCoulon Рік тому

    It is very difficult to "try this on a 100$ violin": most are glued with modern glue, like epoxy or Urea-Formaldehyde… and it is almost impossible to break the joint… The wood breaks.

  • @AulisA.O.T
    @AulisA.O.T 2 роки тому +1

    0:11 😖 OOoouf!

  • @SculptyWorks
    @SculptyWorks 3 роки тому +2

    I would totally put it in my labels if I made instruments by appointment to some royalty. 😁

    • @emilwandel
      @emilwandel 2 роки тому +1

      An English label, when you are a Saxony Violinmaker. Maybe it was some kind of English workshop line.
      I would ask myself if it is real, I would expect the label to be in German or French.

  • @Rotary_Phone
    @Rotary_Phone Рік тому +1

    Needless to say there was definitely a lot of damage to that violin. That, I can tell you!

  • @SantaWithaViolin
    @SantaWithaViolin 3 роки тому

    I didn't know violin can be used as a clue bat back then :)

  • @terry1965
    @terry1965 Місяць тому

    My Old Violin the strings 15:30 have been on it and tune to pitch for almost 38 years no problem so far knock on wood

  • @andron967
    @andron967 2 роки тому

    Yes it's repairable. That's not even a question. But is it worth it ? Time,money,value is the issue.

  • @shipsahoy1793
    @shipsahoy1793 3 роки тому +1

    At that point, I think it would’ve been better to buy or build a new one.

  • @aimilios439
    @aimilios439 2 роки тому

    9:38 Sudden bass drop is the shit. :Ρ

  • @Rotary_Phone
    @Rotary_Phone Рік тому

    It's not a dust ball....It's called a "tone ball"..... At least that's what they call it in the acoustic guitar world.

  • @maxheadroom1506
    @maxheadroom1506 Рік тому

    you need a 3D scanner and printer for your casts

  • @rjlchristie
    @rjlchristie 2 роки тому

    Why would the signed label of a German instrument be in English?

  • @kathysviolindiaryadultbegi3378
    @kathysviolindiaryadultbegi3378 3 роки тому +1

    Maybe I just can't stand bugs, but the second I saw bugs, I would have went outdoors to brush them out. Weren't you worried that the bug issue might spread into the studio workshop and other violins? I picture their eggs similar to tiny mushroom spores and would imagine hundreds drifting off. Yuck! Do moths or the larvae eat glue or wood fibers? Would you normally quarantine infested instruments or cases before letting them into the shop?

  • @StidhamFamilygospel
    @StidhamFamilygospel 3 роки тому +1

    Its just a scratch. Lol 😆 🤣

  • @zappzapp1350
    @zappzapp1350 8 місяців тому

    You are interested in old german violins? Have some french too.

  • @LaskMaestro
    @LaskMaestro 3 місяці тому

    It almost looks like it is "totaled"....a total loss. I guess it is a multi thousand dollar instrument?

  • @49mrbassman
    @49mrbassman 3 роки тому

    OUCH!!!!!!!

  • @johnjriggsarchery2457
    @johnjriggsarchery2457 2 роки тому

    Oh wow, that's an ugly break. If I came upon it, yes I would have it repaired because of its history. If it was an equal quality modern violin made by an unknown group of people in a bigger shop in a certain unnamed Country, it would be firewood. This, btw, is why our instruments should live in climate controlled rooms.

  • @rjlchristie
    @rjlchristie 2 роки тому

    Glad wrap = cling film to those outside the reach its marketing empire.

  • @Dimitri-Jordania
    @Dimitri-Jordania 3 роки тому +1

    Hahaha "don't try this at home"

  • @SeanAnwalt
    @SeanAnwalt 2 роки тому

    Would that be called a "mothball?" Baaahahahahahahaha

  • @wonghow
    @wonghow 3 роки тому

    are you sure? is worth repairing? just buy a new one.