The Nashville Fiddle Fixer works with fiddles and violins to repair and restore them, with a special emphasis on improving the tone of the instruments.
Over the past 17 years or so, I have worked out sets of instructions that can be followed to complete a large number of tasks for the repair and restoration of fiddles and violins. As I continue to work, I continue to learn, and I update my instructions accordingly.
I now hope to produce a number of YouTube spots to go with these instructions. I will post the written instructions on this site as I add new YouTube spots.
You are invited to work with these instructions. Remember, however, you should also pay attention to your own ideas and to the ideas you find in books and on the Internet (especially YouTube). In addition, try to profit from the wisdom of people you meet along the way.
The art of working with violins and fiddles is developing rapidly. If you pursue this art, you must constantly watch for new information. NEVER depend on me or any other person or source as the absolute last word. The more you read and observe, the more balanced your approach will be.
Recommend Reading:
This list is limited to a few good books I've used. There are countless other books you may want to explore. Chances are, your local library will not have them on their shelves, so try finding them through Interlibrary Loan.
The Secrets of Stradivarius by Simone F. Sacconi, 1979
My favorite and perhaps the greatest work ever on violin construction. Alas, the retail price is around $1,300.
The Art of Violin Making by Chris Johnson and Roy Courtnall, 1999
My other favorite. It is thorough and well illustrated.
Violin Making: A Practical Guide by Juliet Barker, 2001
Much the same as The Art of Violin Making but perhaps less thorough.
Violin Repair Guide by Michael Atria, 2004
An excellent resource for those of us who do violin repair and restoration. I used it extensively for my presentation on cutting a new bridge.
Useful Measurements for Violin Makers by Henry A. Strobel
Another excellent resource. It contains a wealth of information on the minute details of violin construction, as well as viola, cello, and bass construction.
You may also be interested in a series of books written by HS Wake. They contain a good deal of practical advice.
One famous book I do not recommend is Violin-Making as It Was and Is by Ed. Heron Allen, 1883.
A charming and long-honored work, it was my first book on violin construction, and it took me several years to break free from its misinformation. If you can pick one up for not too much money, it's fun to have around.
The Fiddle Fixer's Collection of Instructions
1. Useful Adhesives (Glue)
2. Cutting a New Bridge for an Old Fiddle