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Trade Secrets: Making an ebony crown

2023-08-29T08:31:00

8

An intricate method for a sometimes vital part of the repair process

By Georgi Nikolov

Luthier based in Cremona, Italy

Stringed instruments from the violin family can be preserved for centuries when stored and used properly by museums, collectors, owners and musicians. However, over the years various factors can cause deformations, necessitating their restoration and alteration to prolong their life.

One violin part that can be subject to wear and tear is the back button. This is the small part of the back to which the heel of the neck is glued, and which helps maintain the neck fitting position. It is rare to find well-preserved buttons on instruments from the era of the first Italian masters…

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