Fiddlover Blogs

Violins are known to heavily rely on luthiers, and repairing a violin can be quite costly. But why spend so much money? What exactly gets repaired?

Most damages to violins can be restored. One shouldn't easily give up on a beloved instrument. The craftsmanship of many luthiers is truly admirable. In the UK, there was once a famous violin that was crushed by a car, yet it was restored to its original state. Repairing a violin is not just about "repair," but about "restoration."

Repairing simply involves structurally and functionally repairing a certain damage. In addition to repairs, restoration involves rebuilding the violin to its original state and the style of its original maker. Restoration strives to use original materials and techniques to restore the instrument to its former appearance.

Antique violins are a part of human cultural heritage and are also considered cultural artifacts. According to the international conventions on the restoration of cultural artifacts and stringed instruments, antique violins should preserve their original appearance and cultural characteristics and should not be altered.

Principles to be followed

· Preserve the original color and appearance.

· Use original or similar materials.

· Employ traditional techniques and methods.

· Avoid dismantling and rebuilding unless necessary.

This entails respecting the original maker's design and stylistic treatment of sound.

Changes In the Concept of Violin Repair

In the 17th and 18th centuries, damaged parts were typically discarded and replaced with new ones. In the later 19th century, Spanish luthier Ortega, to modify the tone of the "Bass of Spain," a Stradivarius cello, actually replaced its top plate with a new one he made himself. 

While this might seem incredible today, it was perhaps a common belief at the time that replacement was sturdier than repair. 

For antique instruments, the original varnish contributes to their value. Stripping and refinishing would diminish the value of the instrument.

Qualities of an excellent luthier include:

· Proficiency in violin-making techniques and possessing dexterity in craftsmanship.

· Respecting the styles of different makers and not disparaging schools of craftsmanship different from their own, refraining from criticizing violins they do not favor.

· Understanding principles of acoustics.

· Having a sensitivity to artistic aesthetics.

· The highest art of violin repair is preserving the style and appearance of the original work while harmoniously repairing damaged parts.

· Most violin repairers come from a background in violin making, but violin repair is an independent skill slightly different from violin making.

Repairing violins requires not only top-notch violin-making skills but also sharp judgment and patience to discern the key issues. Additionally, it demands an aesthetic sensibility to maintain the maker's style.

Fiddlover's CR(Classic Reproduction) Series Violins

To bring back the classics of historically renowned violins, Fiddlover Violin Shop has crafted the CR Series violins based on models and parameters of famous violins from history. 

Each violin is made using premium wood and ancient violin-making techniques. The shop has already released replicas of well-known violins by masters such as Stradivarius, Guarneri Del Gesú, and Amati. These replicas are ideal for intermediate and advanced violinists. Each violin is uniquely handmade. 

If you're interested in purchasing, please visit our Fine Violin page to make your selection. Before placing an order, please contact us to ensure that your desired violin is still in stock.