Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Finding The Best Quality Violin Luthier To Repair Your Instrument

By Joyce Tucker


Finding 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.

The name of luthier has been handed down for generations from those who fixed lutes. These early stringed instrument predated the more modern strings we know today, such as violin, viola, cello, double bass, and guitar. In the ancient times, a repair craftsman fixed them all. But today, people tend to specialize in one or two. Some will eventually study long enough to be able to make their own brand on instrument.

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.

Some of these repair craftsmen also build fine instruments from scratch. They begin with beautiful woods and painstakingly build piece by piece. Many use early models of the finest versions as their primary design. Others add additional focus on acoustics, ensuring that the best sound quality emerges from each one.

For some, the search for the best wood is crucial because it often determines how the tones will resonate through it. Much attention is paid to creating rich, warm musical when the strings are finally played. When repairs are needed on existing strings or parts, additional care is taken so that new repairs fit into the existing tonal mix.

Thanks to the Internet, comparing information about shops and violin makers is easier than it used to be. Information about top recommended repair people is available for violinists. The key is to discover is the expert in question deals with violins or strings such as guitars. Professionals and students alike may compare services from all over the world to discover what is available.

Be certain you keep documentation such as photos and any identifying numbers engraved into the wood. Some unscrupulous repairers have been known to switch labels, so do not rely on those alone. Ultimately, word of mouth is the best way to find top quality repairs in the world of strings.

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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