Repair to crack in the back of violin labelled 'Wilh. Aug. Glier' 

Spring 2020
​
We acquired this violin with a large crack in the back, running from the lower bass side corner towards the bottom block. The crack had been previously cleated however had reopened and subsequently changed shape. Putting a light behind the violin, as we have done in photograph 2, showed that only the ends of the crack were touching.

We began by removing the front and the original cleats. The procedure for a repair of this nature is to chalk the crack to identify where the wood is touching, then very carefully pare away wood at the high spots along the crack until the whole thing is a good fit. 

Once we had closed the crack, we fitted new cleats and glued the front back on. Only a full set up to go then we can see what it sounds like...!  

The closed crack after chalk fitting 

1 - The open crack from the back

2 - The open crack from inside with light behind to show where the wood is touching

3 - The open crack from inside

4 - The label

5 - The label

6 - The closed crack, from the back

7 - Gluing in new cleats

8 - Shaping new cleats

9 - The finished, cleated repair

10 - Gluing the front back on...

11 - Gluing the front back on...

12 - Only a full set up to go!