Project I
Violin Restoration

This working violin was made by Patrick Henry Coleman sometime around 1950.

Due to some misfortunate handling, the violin became severely damaged over the years and was in much need of repair.

We begin the process by disasembing all the parts so that we can determine what is salvageable and what will need to be either repaired or remade.

The ribs of this violin were not repairable, so we needed to redesign them to as closely match the original ribs as possible.

With our new ribs cut shaped and sanded, it is now time to cut the V-joint where the heel of the neck will be attached to the body.

With the ribs complete, it is now time to repair the top, and then attached the ribs, or sides.

The fret board, which had become detached from the neck, had been lost many years ago. No problem, we’ll just need to remake a matching fretboard. For this we use a nice piece of straight grained Ebony.

Over the years, one of the tuning pegs had been lost. This will need to be turned on a lathe in order to get a good match.

Not a bad match. Add a little varnish and it should look perfect.

The end pin had been broken some years ago, so this will also need to be turned on a lathe.

Now, time to add a little varnish before assembling.

With all new parts made, it is now time to assemble.

Care is take to make sure that all parts fit well.

We use center lines to insure that everything lines up properly.

Looks as good as new. What a great project, and I’m proud to have been able to restore my Grandfather’s violin for my Aunt Shirley.