How to Really Clean and Polish a Fine Violin / A "Natural" French Polish / How to Remove Rosin
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- Cleaning your Violin is important whether it's inexpensive or worth millions of dollars. Here is a rare example that allows the demonstration of almost every technique.
! CORRECTION !: I got so distracted making thIs video that I called the Chinrest a Tailpiece!!!
Thanks Kilimanjarno
NOTE: I do not have the owner's permission to publish information about this violin.
Many original masters put black ink on the chamfers = don't try to remove it!
CONNECT WITH KEVIN LEE LUTHIER!
/ kevin_lee_luthier
/ kevinlee.luthier
websites:
www.kevinleelu...
the-romantic-sc...
List of items:
I DON'T GUARANTEE SUPPLIERS or products, especially if they've changed.
These are direct links / I don't get paid anything for suggesting them.
Startex Denatured alcohol 0 8623670041 9: Sherwin-Williams Paint Stores.
Optivisor
www.amazon.com...
GoPro Hero 5 Black, try a new Hero 7 or 8 Black?
Lens
www.amazon.com...
Microphone
www.amazon.com...
I cut and bent it out of 1/8" aluminum plate.If someone has a better idea, I am open minded!
T-Shirt = At your local Thrift Store. Make sure they are 100% cotton.
Cutting Mat
www.amazon.com...
Rotary Cutter
www.amazon.com...
Joha Varnish Cleaner
www.violinpros...
theviolincente...
Brushes:
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Grumbacher 7702 1" brush = I couldn't find it online = use your best judgement.
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Liquitex Basic 1/2 Stroke 693 U.S.A. (same thing), then I cut the bristles to 13mm or 1/2 inch long to stiffen it up.
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4mm ( 0 size) stiff bristle brush = at you local craft store
Surgical scissors
???
www.amazon.com...
Violin Restoration:
www.amazon.com...
Two Trees
the-romantic-sc...
Squeeze bottles:
I purchased:
hvchemical.com...
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or?
www.amazon.com...
Steel Wool
???
www.amazon.com...
Diamond Round Toothpicks
www.amazon.com...
HILL Peg Compound
www.amazon.com...
Minwax ebony stain & sealer
www.lowes.com/...
Lightbulb on my light
www.amazon.com...
18 gage multistrand wire = local hardware store
scoop for wires
www.amazon.com...
The Plastic Case
www.amazon.com...
Tiny Q-Tips: ?:
www.amazon.com...
Wow! This was a lot of work. You can donate in $2 increments at:
the-romantic-sc...
I thought I was a perfectionist when it came to cleaning my acoustic guitar, but this man wrote the book on it!!! Beautiful!
and with such patient passion.
Why the hell would you do this with strings on. Perhaps the owner told hom to leave strings on. Like trying to clean a table with things still on it. Can never be as thorough with strings on.
Edit: finally got around to explaining at 35:50. Sheesh
@@jonshomo1167 Thanks for your comment. It is amazing what I've had to do "with the strings on" and while the customer running late for their next performance. :)
9😊
I had no intention of watching the full 46 minutes one sitting but I ended up doing just that! Thank you for posting this!
You are very welcome!
Thank you for spending the time.
the best way to remove old rosin/dirt from a violin is to use xylene, since almost all violin varnishes are totally unaffected by this solvent (of course try a small area first). Once the violin has been cleaned up, traditionally it is french polished, however there is an alternative way to polish a violin that does not use any solvent or add any finishing material such as shellac or oil; this is by using a wax finish that is very long-lasting, repels dirt and rosin which can easily be wiped off with a rag. The wax finish can easily be removed. The best wax finish I have found is Saphir Medaille d’Or Mirror Gloss - Natural Wax Polish (for Leather Shoes & Boots) it also works great as a polish for wood. This hard wax finish is easy to apply and polishes to a mirror gloss shine extremely easily with very light buffing with a soft cloth. Another very highly recommended polish for violins is Wyman's Furniture Cream, which gives a somewhat softer finish than the Saphir wax.
Wow. I’m a violinist but I guess it turns out I know next to nothing about what happens in the shop when I take my instrument in for maintenance. I personally will leave all of this to professionals such as yourself but I thank you so very much for sharing what tremendous skill and artistry is involved with this work. Thank you so much for the video!
Steve K.
I love your comment, because these videos are just as much for the education and appreciation of musicians as they are for those who actually perform the work.
As a keen violinist and amateur violin maker, I found this absolutely fascinating - really interesting and clear explanations, and super filming. What a transformation in the instrument.
Thank you! It just so happens that I'm doing this same operation on an instrument this afternoon, only the strings are coming off this time (which makes the operation easier).
And the difference before and after "feels" even better. These instruments really do have wonderful "souls.'
OMG! It's astonishing how you are sharing this precious knowledge with us this way!
Thank you so much!
It is my pleasure. If my videos can keep just one more master instrument from being ruined, it will all be worth it!
I just found your video Kevin and it is amazing. Thank you for all the effort to video the cleaning and varnishing. Now - I’ve got to take a close look at my 71 year old violin!
Why didn't you remove the strings 1st?
What you do is a poety for me.
I can't stop watching and listening.
The violin...I bought and started practicing a few months ago at the age of 62. I feel priviliged.
This is fabulous! One doesn't even fully realise the terrible state in which this violin actually was until the final reveal! To me in the beginning it just seemed a bit dull yet bit by bit I realised how much buildup there really was. Thanks for sharing such a fascinating video!
Thank you so much for your comment. Since this instrument (also the violin in my recent fingerboard refinishing video), I'm on a crusade to inform musicians not to store their cleaning cloths on top of their violins!
Hi Kevin, Sir.
You just made my day, and probably more after today.
I am so impressed with your talent and skill set. I haven't seen anyone come close to the finesse, perfection, and detail, while patiently performing the task I just witnessed
in a very long time.
Probably about 40 years ago.
I used to help my father repair, refinish, restore,and touch up many
many pieces of antique furniture and any thing related, even antique cabinetry and moldings in antique homes.
Wow, I still have some of the knowledge from those days.
I was 12 years old and until about 20.
Im glad I found your channel!
Im thinking of learning the violin.
I have two to work with.
I feel inspired and want to Thank you for your time and knowledge. Also I look forward to watching more of what you do.
People like you are far and few.
Best Regards,
Brian Hoffmaster
Lancaster County Pa
Brilliant video! The best video on this subject available. I’ve watched every one. Wow! I can hardly wait for the next video.
Thank you so much for your positive comment. My next video is already in the works.
Can not agree more. This is the best video I have ever seen on violin cleaning
How can someone allow a fine instrument such as that to get into that condition? Amazing results! Beyond cleaning or maintenance to the highest level of conservatorship! Impressive!
Very helpful! I’m in the process of purchasing a old 19th century violin. It’s a little dirty. Watching this video has me asking the Luthier to clean and polish it. Thanks!
My dear, you are such a precious master luthier. I enjoy your style and your love for these beautiful works of art.
Thank you.
Just love the way you share your knowledge Kevin, romantically, poetically and with a purpose. For the love of music.
That thing turned out gorgeous, absolutely stunning 3d flame on the maple parts after the polish! Loved the narrative explaining each step too as well as the playing part at the end, I watched the entire thing twice.
I fix guitars as a hobby and am always absolutely blow away by the techniques, knowledge and materials you violin guys use for work like this.
We generally deal with Polyurethane on our side of the Luthiers genre ... you can basically windex that stuff and it will shine like a diamond without hurting the finish, sometimes in the rare case of a "good" or expensive guitar nitrocellulose lacquer with which you have to be a little more careful but you can get away with a slightly damp cloth with hand soap and it will be just fine. Fingerboards we can use lighter fluid (Naphta) and Linseed oil ... it's basically idiot proof.
Stuff like you did here with the cleaners and polish knowing how careful you have to be with the instruments and their varnish (and the staple/sound post ... another good reason to leave the strings on) to avoid ending up ruining the instrument .... This is true mastery in my opinion!
Both enticing and humbling to watch, thank you.
Watched this once again after a year went by, and still fascinating. No, not carried away at all. I do the same thing, writi9ng, and reworking each sentence, each phrase, into just the right pattern to suit the whole. It is not an obsession; it is the quest for perfection.
I just restored a 1946 violin this video helped tremendously
I applaud for your tenacity and great attention to detail. The violin is truly a work of art and will be in service for years to come.
Spectacular video, Sir. I love French Polishing. The smell, feel, and results are hard to describe unless you have done it. While watching this video, I could almost feel the perfect friction of the pad on the surface and smell the alcohol and shellac. "Don't ever stop while on the varnish", truer words have never been spoken. You have a gift for presentation.
BTW, I use a medical endoscope to do inside work! I paid $40 for one at an auction that sold for $18,500 when it was new. Then I changed to a Meade eyepiece camera to hook up to my computer and view on a 47" screen. I have all sorts of gadgets that run inside the fiber optic part to the tip of the endoscope. I have done all sorts of repairs on all string instruments without taking them apart, and I charge a very large amount of money for my repair work! It beats taking the instrument apart, which is such a hazard to the instrument!
I have been looking for several years for the answers you give here. Few how to videos give enough information about tools and materials as you do! I am a violinist who just wants to know how to maintain or refurbish beautiful old instruments I find online or in thrift shops to pass on to young students. You are helping me do that. Please keep up the good work.
Thank you so much for your comment. It's a very long story, but I will begin making videos again after being gone for a while.
Exceptional craftsmanship, patience and resolve. Great great work on a classic!!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
This video is the most useful at the whole internet! I thank you Kevin!
I just can't express how grateful I am!
Your appreciation is my best reward. Thank you!
I must admit that I am too impatient when working with varnish. I must be the sledge hammer to your tender touch. Later today I am going to retackle a bad varnish job and this time take a breath, pause, work small and often. I thank you for showing me the way to what I hope is better restoration and cleaning.
Kevin is tenacious in his quest to make the best violin luthier videos on CZcams
lovely video. I wonder why he refers to chinrest as tailpiece. The tailpiece is not removed; only the chinrest is. It's not a tailpiece wrench, but a chinrest tool. However, lovely very detailed and informative video. A lovely watch.
You are CORRECT!!!! I can't believe that I got so distracted making the video that I did that. Yet, instead of redoing the video, I will apologize, and mention it in the description.
kevinleeluthier it’s a beautiful video and I thank you for it.
Beautiful video, Kevin. I'll never do this to my own instruments (well, I might have a go at my electric guitar) but It's awesome to see it in process. It's also nice to see you making videos again. Thanks for some relaxation and joy in these weird times.
Since it looks like everyone will be spending more time at home, I have made it a point to spend more time making videos over the next couple months.
@@kevinleeluthier and it's much appreciated. I know you did a video where you talked about wood selection before. I'd love to see a video where you talk about the wood you have in your inventory. I'm sure you have some interesting boards with some interesting back stories.
Probably the best video I've seen on this subject! Your passion for the instrument is infectious :)
Would like if possible , Mr. LEE, DO A COMPLETE BOW RE-HAIR AS AM STUDYING DIFFERENT BOW REHAIR TECHNIQUES. I DONT BELIEVE IVE EVER SEEN MR. LEE TACKLE A BOW REHAIR. AND THIS IS WHAT POWERS A VIOLIN AFTER ALL. THANK YOU MR
LEE, FOR YOUR WONDERFUL TEACHINGS.
OK. It's on my list. I don't do nearly as many re-hairs as I used to, but at one time Rene Morel was impressed enough to offer me a full time job at an unbelievably high wage to do all his re-hairs. Of course in Manhattan, it was simply a very "nice" wage.
I bought a violin for my upcoming retirement when I will finally have time to learn, so I'm a total clean slate. I was blessed to find your videos & will use them as my base for learning. I had a small stint with a music teacher on a rental while waiting for mine to be made. I did not like the way she had a time table regardless of how I was progressing, throwing too much at me at once even thou I explained that I wanted a teacher to learn proper techniques, so not to learn bad habits. When I saw one of your videos talking about practicing one thing until you master it I was thrilled, exactly what I wanted! You are now my go to person for learning everything violin. I read & enjoyed your book too. I do have a question on what I've watched so far, (still watching at this time) why would't you clean everything 1st and then do all the varnish touch ups? Thank you for all that you share with us.
Thank you so much for your compliments. I am working on an entire series of simple violin lessons from the very beginning right now!
All of the raw wood is initially cleaned and sealed first so that the dissolved rosin from the varnish next to it does not get accidentally pushed into it. Raw wood is so thirsty!
It is possible to carefully do as you are suggesting, yet the finish product always seems to turn out better this way, at least for most people.
Wow. My mother gifted me her violin she played as a child. A luthier told me it's not worth refurbishing it. But still it has some family value. So may have my luck on it. Your video may help me not destroying it. Thank you :)
Please be careful, and always keep in mind the word "finesse" while working.
Kevin thank you so much for spending time to teach us about the violin in more detail. I am a luthier also here on Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. I must say I learned so much from you spending time the different aspects of repair and clean the violin. Thank you much. T Farrell
Huge appreciation for your skill and the work that went into sharing it with us. I recently bought a cello circa 1850 which has been well cared for but is ready for a cleaning. This video confirms I am correct that it needs to be taken to a professional for cleaning. Thank you so much.
What a wonderful video, as a piano restorer wish I'd taken up violin restoration instead. Thank you for a very interesting and informative video, Happy new year.
It's never too late. :) Happy New Year!
Incredible. I thought I would skip through parts, but I've watched every second :D I started playing violin ~2 weeks ago and have been LOVING your videos as well as your general style - detailed and knowledgeable, but without losing the love and art of it. Thank you so much for sharing your mental treasures with us, you are a wonderful human being.
You may not refer to me as a "wonderful human being" after reading my second book (Choice of Loves/"The Book of Honor"), but when it comes to violins and violin making, Thank You So Much! I'm working on another violin lesson right now.
Absolutely beautiful and stunning violin!!!…. Great job on the thoroughness of your video. Very educational.
I know. I not only didn't ever get bored doing this cleanup work, I couldn't get enough of the beautiful violin underneath! :)
I did not expect to watch the entire but here I am. Amazing video and invaluable knowledge provided here! Thank you so much for your work and I hope you're having a great time all the time!
Not 3 minutes in & I'm learning things.
Awesome video, thanks!
Thank you so much for this wonderfully done lesson. I watched every little bit of it completely inthralled. I’m blessed in many ways... and one is that usually I know when I’ve been given a priceless timeless gift, and then try to show my appreciation. I don’t always choose the perfect words, but please understand that I want what I say to help to give whatever you need inside to feel your time and effort is worth it... and has touched this guy right here, in California, once again. Thank you very very much!
Thank you, once again. That means so much to me.
I wish I'd found these before making 5 violins and repairing more than 10. Very informative videos and exceptionally well narrated! And I did order Two Trees!
Thank you so much! Thanks for watching, and don't forget to leave a book review!
@@kevinleeluthier Will do!
truly, a masterful work.
Outstanding job. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I don't want my violin to get like this one, that's the reason that I always clean it after playing.
Thank you very much for making this! It's really interesting to learn about (violinist). It also looks like if you don't get into medical school, you can still do surgery pulling dust bunnies out of violins, it looks like a game of Operation.
I am a luthier who has uses *exclusively* oil varnish. It just looks Italian immediately. It has taken many years to develop a varnish (cooked amber, gum arabique, lavender oil etc).
My viola is in need of a "shine" but I don't want to polish it too much. I have taken it to show a handful of luthiers (that's all we have in my part of Australia, perhaps 3 decent ones including myself) and they all agree for a clean/polish: NO alcohol, just some water and limestone or "rotten stone" applied sparingly, linen cloth for the first run, then silk for the final run.
I have considered French polish for extra shine but when I tried this on another ($1200 oil varnish violin) the French polish sank right into the varnish and sure enough stripped the instrument of it. Luckily that was okay since I wanted to re-varnish that violin anyway!
How could I go about a new shine? All I can think of is: put a new coat of varnish on and really look after it by placing it in a large box at night and covering it with a big silk scarf to stop dust from getting in but allowing the viola to "breath" and not be affected my temperature too much.
Interesting point! I'd really like to know more from your perspective as someone who removes caked on rosin from the instrument only using water and stone, but particularly on using oil varnish as oppose to French polish.
PS. I'm also from Australia, in SE QLD reasonably nearby to where Ask Olaf the Violinmaker is. Just discovered your chanel and subscribed. Very informative video explaining Brett and Eddie's new violins, learned a few new things there, thanks :)
Spectacular! The end result was astonishing. I would be terrified to put alcohol anywhere near my violin. I’ve been looking for information on how to remove some rosin build up from the belly of my 1799 fiddle, and this is the best thing I’ve found. Yet I’m still too afraid to do it myself.
What a master! Your are amazing as a master violin maker and as a violinist!
Wow! A labor of love! I now have greater appreciation for French proper cleaning and French finish…thank you!
No joke, I used Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on the violin (old/used) to clean years of caked on rosin that was under the strings between fingerboard and bridge, and it removed it without damaging the varnish. Looked good as new. 🎻 👍
I haven't finished watching the whole video yet, but, wanted to share a small tip with you, Kevin, whilest I remember: you referenced using '0000' steel wool as that is just about the finest one can get. And be careful that it doesnt have any oil in it" You may have already discovered that there is a 5 ott steel wool available. However, more importantly there is a product which has no oil in it as it isnt needed to prevent the wool from rusting/oxidizing--- it's used in fine woodworking and is called bronze wool. Hard to find but much better results than steel wool. Give it a try; I think you'll like it!
Years ago, when I tried the Bronze wools, I found that the slightest residue (which almost always happened) reacted with some of the most popular violin polishes, so I left them and stuck with the highest quality Stainless Steel I could find. Thank you so much for your comment!
I can't thank you enough for this fabulous and inspiring video! I wish I could take lessons from you.
Thanks for devoting your valuable time and knowledge on the subject. I have a Amati 364 year violin which needs to go through a similar process
Last picture of the Back is beautiful
Thank you for this demo.. very nice workmanship
Thank you. These videos take so much time, I'm glad that they are appreciated.
Item # D12 ;-)
This video is fantastic with great attention to accuracy and detail. Your Go-Pro works very well even if you found it tricky. Thanks for this video Kevin. This is up there among the finest on YT! regards, Phil
Wow! It is my honor. And yes, even though I'm using the gopro more and more, it's still "tricky" with a tiny screen, and it makes me look like an amateur sometimes with fumbling hands. :) So, thank you for understanding!
What a great video, and that varnish turned out so beautiful when your work was finished. I'll definitely come back here whenether I need information on how to properly clean my violin
I've been restoring violins for 20 years, I wish I would have seen this 20 years ago. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your comment. I can't wait for this neck brace to come off so I can continue with this series of videos.
Thank you for your knowledge! One question, normally do you remove the strings and fittings before doing a full job? Otherwise it looks that at least a non expert would leave some spots untouched.
Beautiful result. Thanks for sharing.
It really was my pleasure.
Excellent presentation! Well worth dealing with the GoPro challenges! Thank You so much in taking the time in doing this and for sharing your knowledge and masterful trade tips! It was very helpful!
I'm so glad that this video is still being appreciated and doing so well. I'm getting ready to do a whole lot more videos = please tell everyone that you know! :)
Ok, where do I click to like it more than once? I loved it sooo much, Congrats Kevin.
I use whiskey for dissolving rosin and old gunk on old violins because it doesn’t (usually) harm the varnish underneath. It takes a little longer but it’s worth it
Tbis video is very hekpful to me.
I do appreciate the effort you put into making it for us.
My old violin has rosin that has assimilated inot the varnish.
I read Two Trees and I liked it very much.
Hey that is a good idea you have for cleaning the inside of the violin.
I learned a lot with this video. Thank you
Even the pegs look very expensive. Why the owner treated it like a cheap violin?
Almost every teacher and shop tell you to wipe it after playing.
I would remove ALL the fittings and strings before starting. you cannot do a proper job on an instrument in such a state without doing so.
The studios will dislocated !
Yet he did do a proper job so go figure
Only playing or practicing better term 1 week ..im 56
Piano got 10yrs in n guitar
Si nce age 4....anyway great channel 4 learning ....thx
WOW , ! Bravo ! Great film , great job , great techniques , where have you been my whole life , just kidding , but really , my restoring violin teacher died couple years ago from Montreal , he probably knew about you , and well , thank you , I learned and confirmed a lot , merci .
Marvellous video. It is very useful indeed for all violin lovers.
Man, I do different types of woodworking, painting, etc. and that tip you gave about rounding one side of the cutter to hold the cutting edge off of the surface you don't want cut seems like a good one. I'm going to get out the diamond sharpeners and give that a shot...I'm kind of embarrassed I never thought of it.
I will give one in return...if you ever want to wrap something in electrical tape and have it hold VERY tightly (keep a seal, basically) just stretch it before you wrap. At some point it rips, and you want to stay shy of that point, obviously, but stretch a few test strips and you'll get the idea. I've even wrapped split garden hoses this way with many wraps and had them hold for many hours. Give it a shot, it works great, and will protect wrapped or soldered wires much better when this method is used. If a long wrap, just pull the roll out a few inches, stretch, wrap, and repeat. If you really need it to be at least very water resistant just take some CA and lightly coat it afterward...also helps hold the ends long term in less than ideal environments.
Nice.
You know I'm just putting some Minwax on my hardwood floor in a certain corner where it had some abuse. But this video is the best isn't it?
Thank you so much for listing most of the products you use. I had no idea where to even start looking for some of those things...
Always wonderful presentation! I have a student violin. Not the same. But I think it is beautiful.
Most student violins actually stay fairly clean, and if rosin does build up, it usually only takes the Joha cleaner to do the job.
I NEVER clean my violins with any solution at all. After playing I take an un-used cloth and wipe it off. I would be just too scared to clean them like you do. When I wipe one down, I do it lightly also, the varnish WILL come off eventually if you rub it, then the tonal characteristic change. You are braver than I am! Now I am not saying for people to do this, but if you have a super expensive violin, I'd think twice. For cheap violins... who cares! Great video still and I give a thumbs up, but just wont do it to any of my violins!
I agree I would be of the opinion that the original Patina on the instrument is more important not to disturb for sound quality and value than to make the instrument appear new.
wonderful and complete wiew of cleaning your instrument.... Thank you Kevin!
You are so welcome!
Wow excelente trabajo maestro, le ha vuelto a dar vida a ese hermoso instrumento, tiene algún tutorial sobre el puente.
What an amazing transformation!! That was very interesting. The finished "product" looks beautiful.
A year since my last viewing? And thx for listing where I can get Q'Tips & Toothpicks, darn hard these daze two get those.
Absolutely love your videos, the history is great
There is definitely a lot more history to come, since I did inherit almost everything from The Romantic School of Music. I hope to share it all eventually!
Thank you for these brilliant videos!
I just purchased a violin for AUD$80.00. Before you laugh, it does have an inscription that reads:
Antonius Stradivarius. Cremonensis
Faciebot Anno 1713
Made in Czechoslovakia
So, there's that.
I rarely "laugh" at violins, and never simply because of the price. If it looks quite old, chances are that it was made around 1913 instead of 1713 (+/- 20 years) and that it has a few cracks and doesn't sound very good. YET, if that's what you have to work with, usually these can be made into much better instruments within a couple days by fixing the cracks and open seams (always check for a loose neck), re-graduating the plates just slightly while adding "full" corner blocks. Then a little touch up and French polish gives them a lot more charm. = I'll have to do a video sometime. Thanks for sharing!
@@kevinleeluthier Would love a video on the topic, Mr Lee. I've been using a technique I observed on this video of just *breathing* on a small section, and slowly and carefully working on that (always with the grain). I'm not a violinist (yet - this will be my learn instrument) but I think it sounds really good! Put new strings on it, but the pegs are pretty much gone: need replacing. Might have to take it to Olaf in Brisbane to replace the pegs. BTW, I am chronicling my progress on a GitHub Projects page, if you're interested.🙂😊
@@kevinleeluthier I've started lessons: yes, they're online, but at the moment, with grandparenting time constraints, it's what's doable. Eventually, I'll engage a proper instructor. Your tips in other videos on holding the bow and how to relax/position/hold the hand are brilliant: constant mindfulness on your pointers are truly helpful.
I'm so very happy with the quality of sound my violin is able to produce - even with my extremely novice abilities - and will encourage her to sing for me. These are very happy times: I'm playing a lovely instrument!
Absolutely beautiful
And even more beautiful in person. :)
From grubby to grand! I enjoyed your video. I got a lot of useful information. I buy damaged and or destroyed violins to practice on. 👍👍👍
Very gracious of you to teach this fine technique, and you took a lot of extra effort to develop a film for all to learn; thank you kindly! I'm going to delicately clean an fifties F Style guitar, to begin with. It's safe to try your technique.
(experts have told me that it's probably just a "Sears Roebuck" model, that by the way has a model number stamped inside the neck;:so, who knows)
Hi, exquisite video, so pleasant, the definition of meticulous and thorough cleaning, outstanding craftsmanship. Thank you very much indeed, for sharing. Take care.
Beautifully done. With excellence.
Wow! Thank you. It makes me want to go apologize to my violin for neglect. This was educational and entertaining.
Always a joy watching a man with passion for his work, Bravo sir!
I'll have to contact my old friend who refinishes vintage stringed instruments for orchestra's in the Midwest after finding some of the items mentioned not being available. Sure he'll know a substitute for cleaner's and touch-up varnish you've promoted here.
Wonderful! a person who loves what he does, it must come from heart and mind..
thank you so very much..for exposing your passion..You are a major inspiration
to any one who loves making music,and the care of their instrument
Thank you. As soon as I get out of this neck brace, there is so much videos like this to come. :)
On the tailpiece of this violin there appears to be a bone or ivory "bridge" or whatever it is called. What is that part of the tailpiece called and is it bone or ivory? Thank you for sharing your time and this beautifully crafted and professionally cleaned instrument.
It's called the fret of the tailpiece, and you are correct: On old instruments, when the fret was white, it was almost always made of ivory. Now it's usually made of bone.
Do a video on how to achieve dichromatic varnish please! How to make it... etc.
I too would be interested to see such a video by Kevin Lee. Although I do know how it's achieved myself already, since I am a luthier.
My last viola: a golden ground was applied, then a thin coat of clear/golden varnish, then a coat of orange/golden varnish, then a light cochineal-red, then finally back to the clear/golden varnish for an ultimate sheen.
It is this layering that give such an effect on my violas. I have never seen dichromatic varnish achieved with just *one* layer or one colour of varnish. I think that defies science.
Gorgeous!
This channel is an underrated gem!
Violin restoration! And Q'Tips & Toothpicks. Life is grand.
Thank you for this Video. I didnt understand the name of the man who wrote the book of repairing a violine. Hans W....? Please say again and i will try to find this book in German language. Thank you! Its because my father gave me nearby 13 broken violins and i try to fix them on my own.
Hans Weisshaar and Margaret Shipman, "Violin Restoration, A Manual For Violin Makers."
Just sent my instrument to the luthier for some maintenance work last weekend and was a bit taken aback by the cost. But if he was going to do just a fraction of the work I've seen in this video, I would say he could charge me more.
Great work! It's good that you apply a thin layer of varnish!
Yes. If I didn't, fresh rosin would begin bonding to the original varnish again.
See? When I found that dust ball in my first violin, I too a bookmark, put some duct tape around it so that some of the sticky part was outside and carefully pushed it through the f-hole until it had that dust ball kept clinging to it.
Whatever works, as long as you're careful. :)
My my! This man is a master and a teacher
Thank you so much for such a wonderful video.
Great explanation of the process. In regards to the alcohol in used with the spirit varnished is that "denatured alcohol " or some other?
Yes, while I have used other "quite expensive" high-proof alcohols, denatured is just fine. :) Just don't drink it!
@@kevinleeluthier I'll make sure not to confuse with the bottle of Vodka :) Thanks for your reply.
"If not polished often, the rosin can make the violin look dull, or ruin completely."
Me: *Instantly begins rigorously sweeping violin hoping it's not too late.*