Finding A Top Quality Violin Luthier To Fix Your Instrument
April 28, 2011Finding the finest violin luthier can be a pretty scary thing. Most people hesitate before simply allowing just anyone to fix their violin. If this makes sense to you, then you want to know how to avoid leaving your treasure in a less than scrupulous repair shop.
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.
The best may produce their own stringed instruments, selling them as they go. It is not uncommon for each to have a small selection for purchase at their workshops. Some offer recordings of strings for sale so that prospective buyers may hear their tonal quality. When focus on tones is pointed, one might also expect that repairs receive the same amount of attention to detail.
Some of these craftsmen seek out high quality woods for the products they build and also for the repairs they make. The wood in each instrument is essential to the tone it will make when played. Rich warm sounds are preferred, so great care is taken that any additions allow the music to resonate beautifully.
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.
Documentation is the key to protection at any level of performance. Do keep photos and engravings in the wood of your own instruments. Some less than scrupulous repair people have been said to switch out labels. The labels can easily be counterfeited, so be vigilant about your documents. Top quality repairs come along with top quality references. The string world relies on word of mouth to find top quality.
An excellent violin luthier will not be hurried about fixing yours. The repair process takes skills, experience, and good musical judgment. You will want to consider the references, training, and any recordings of completed works available before you give any stringed instrument into the hands of this professional.
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