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Restoration Of Old Violins Part Ten Restoration Of Badly Damaged Viola Belly

Gilbert Cox

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This article is a restoration of a badly damaged viola belly. The damage was caused by a fall, and the belly was badly cracked and dented. The repair was challenging, but the results were very good. The viola is now playable again, and the damage is barely visible.

The Damage

The damage to the viola belly was extensive. The belly was cracked in several places, and there were also several dents. The cracks were all located near the center of the belly, and they radiated out from the center. The dents were also located near the center of the belly, and they were all about the same size.

Restoration of Old Violins, Part Ten, Restoration of a badly damaged viola belly

by Saúl Alfredo Guevara Sánchez

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1414 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	25 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The Repair

The first step in the repair was to glue the cracks. This was done using a hot hide glue. The glue was applied to the cracks, and then the cracks were clamped together. The clamps were left in place for 24 hours, and then the glue was allowed to dry completely.

Once the cracks were glued, the next step was to repair the dents. This was done using a combination of hide glue and wood filler. The hide glue was applied to the dents, and then the wood filler was applied over the hide glue. The wood filler was then sanded smooth.

Once the dents were repaired, the next step was to refinish the belly. This was done using a combination of varnish and shellac. The varnish was applied first, and then the shellac was applied over the varnish. The shellac was then polished to a high gloss.

The Results

The results of the repair were very good. The cracks were all repaired, and the dents were barely visible. The viola is now playable again, and the damage is barely visible.

The repair of a badly damaged viola belly is a challenging task, but it is possible to get good results. The key is to take your time and to use the right materials. With a little patience and effort, you can restore a damaged viola belly to its former glory.

Photos

Here are some photos of the restoration process:

[Image of the damaged viola belly]

[Image of the viola belly after the cracks have been glued]

[Image of the viola belly after the dents have been repaired]

[Image of the viola belly after it has been refinished]

Materials List

Here is a list of the materials that you will need to repair a badly damaged viola belly:

* Hot hide glue * Clamps * Wood filler * Sandpaper * Varnish * Shellac * Polishing compound

Tools List

Here is a list of the tools that you will need to repair a badly damaged viola belly:

* Violin making tools * Woodworking tools * Finishing tools

Safety Precautions

When working with hot hide glue, it is important to take safety precautions. Hot hide glue can cause burns, so it is important to wear gloves and eye protection. It is also important to work in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes from hot hide glue can be harmful.

Restoration of Old Violins, Part Ten, Restoration of a badly damaged viola belly

by Saúl Alfredo Guevara Sánchez

4.1 out of 5