Violin f-Crack

 February 2025

This is an heirloom instrument of some value.

Made in (estimated) the 1890's for the German trade, it is a classic Maggini copy (extra turn in the scroll, double purfling) from an extraordinarily highly-flamed maple, with the neck likely carved from the same timber.

There had been an earlier single-cleat repair on a long f-crack, but the single cleat had not kept the crack from opening again.

Removing the face showed the repair history, with a second (smaller) crack cleated alongside the major crack.

As replacing the cleat would not suffice, I cut a cross-grain filet from some larch that I had already sized (see my post about a dulcimer build!).  A sharp pencil outlined the filet when placed over the crack, and some careful work with a scalpel and carving chisel soon excavated a light recess in the violin face.

Some fresh hide glue was used on both surfaces, and the filet was then clamped in place for a few days for the glue to properly cure and set.

The glued filet was then dressed down to a shallow curved profile that was lower than the original cleat.  By cross-graining it the filet gives a greater structural strength to the face along the crack without sacrificing tone.

I then reinstated the face, and late completed the normal set-up (soundpost, check-ream the peg holes, lubricate the pegs, restring).  The chin-rest was a little tired, so some linseed oil rejuvenated it nicely.

Result?  The violin has a tone worthy of a soloist's instrument, with a warm rounded sound, no treble squawk, and precision of pitch and clear projection.  Ready for another century of playing!