Finding A Top Quality Violin Luthier To Fix Your Instrument

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By Joyce Tucker


If you need to find the best quality repairs for your instrument, you need to use a top quality violin luthier. Finding one can be difficult. Because violinists often discuss less than happy adventures with unscrupulous repairs, you can truly understand why this decision is not made lightly.

People who fixed lutes, the earlier form of guitar, were those first called luthiers. These skilled craftsmen repaired stringed instruments of all kinds. Eventually, specializations for violins, violas, cellos, basses, and guitars became the norm. Although many repair these kinds of strings, there are many who eventually study their craft long enough to make their own brand.

Students must apprentice for at least a year to master these skills. Many schools insist that apprentices be able to play at least one stringed instrument in order to study how to build them. Students generally take on work under the watchful supervision of a master. Tuition ranges begin at ten thousand for the first year and move upwards from there.

Though many apprentices eventually settle in on a favorite instrument as their specialty, others continue on to learn how to build them from the bottom up. They must learn about fine woods in much the same way as a carpenter, except that woods are sought out for their resonant tones. Using past designs, students build new versions of historical pieces. They learn to listen for the best sounds they can create through thoughtful combinations of wood and construction.

The goal of each is to make the best repairs and build the best stringed instrument possible. Devoted to providing the richest sounds each piece can create, each craftsman is a slave to sound. Once the work is completed, the performing begins. Each item must be tested for musical sounds before leaving the shop.

The Internet is truly buzzing with information for violinists concerning repairs and new purchases of promising instruments. Most professionals will seek out those who specialize, rather than those who repair all kinds of strings. But, the good news is that much is posted by those in the know, so students can benefit from comparing what they say about what is available.

Professionals keep adequate photo and identifying documentation for each instrument they own. Anything engraved into the wood tends to be more valuable than paper labels. These can be switched, much to the dismay of the unsuspecting. Word of mouth travels quickly in the professional string world. Relying on that is a good step for students to take.

Any top quality violin luthier will be concerned about fixing your instrument correctly. Because he or she will rely on lots of experience, many skills, and the finest musical judgment, do not expect quick repairs. Ask about time and expense involved before you let the instrument leave your hands. Do seek out the training and work experience of this person. Listen to violins currently in the shop, if you can. Beautiful tones and workmanship are on the top of your list when choosing the person who will do the work for you.

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