New bottom block and edging repairs to full size cello

Winter 2018
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This cello came to us in need of a new, bigger, bottom block. The original bottom block had been made too thin and consequently a small piece of oak had been glued to the block to make it thick enough to hold the endpin. The force of this, however, was pulling the cello apart around the bottom seams and, after investigation, we decided that replacement of the block would be the most suitable repair.

Removal of the front proved incredibly tricky for a variety of reasons including very deep purfling channels and a previous very strong glue mix. Inspection after removal suggested that the front of this instrument had been previously removed and that the previous repairer had experienced similar problems to us. 

Consequently, there were several edging repairs required to replace damaged sections of the front edging. We planed the front down in the relevant areas and under-layed new wood in to form the new edges. As well as repair the damaged edges this repair will also provide extra strength to the front by reinforcing the purfling channels.

We soaked out the existing bottom block to avoid damage to the ribs, incredibly vulnerable without the rigidity of the block. A new block was split and out of a piece of spruce, planed square, glued in place and shaped. 

Finished bottom block