Restoration - Reconstructing damaged and lost original substance

Reconstructing damaged and lost original substance

Elaborate restorations of antique string instruments are an important part of my work. Only very few types of damage or defects cannot be successfully restored. Gentle treatment and respect for the original substance are my natural guiding principles and require careful consideration of functional, aesthetic and conservation aspects.

If you are considering having your instrument restored, I am happy to offer a non-binding initial inspection and a detailed consultation. During our meeting, we will discuss which interventions are indicated and what the extent of the work might look like, also from an economic perspective. Based on this, I can prepare a quote and outline a possible timeframe.

Working steps in a restoration

Cleaning of varnished surfaces and removing (distracting) retouching.

Making negative and positive plaster casts of the archings of front and back, as well as other parts.

Interventions on the archings by making corrections to the castings.

Repairing old cracks by cleaning, gluing and filling.

Renewing old or fitting new patches, e.g. doubling the edges, soundpost patches or
fillings on the gluing surfaces.

Replacing missing or severely damaged parts, e.g around the edges or purfling.

Filling minor defects with varnish or other filling agents.

Bushing peg holes in solid or veneer technique.

Grafting and setting a new neck.

Retouching of varnished surfaces and area of repair.

Restaurierung: Ein geöffneter und gereinigter Riss über die gesamte Länge eines Geigenbodens

Restaurierung: Der Boden einer Geige in einem vakuumierten Sack aus Latex vor dem Abgießen der Außenwölbung

Restaurierung: Ein Positivabguss eines Bodens während des Nacharbeitens der Wölbungsform

Restaurierung: Leimen eines Bodenrisses mit drei kleinen Zwingen nach der sogenannten Klötzchenmethode

Restaurierung: Ein Stimmfutter am Boden einer Geige vor dem Leimen

Restaurierung: Ein Stimmfutter an der Decke einer Geige nach dem Verputzen

Restaurierung: Ein Futter für den Unterbug eines Geigenbodens zur Randdoppelung

Restaurierung: Der Boden einer Geige nach Abschluss der Restaurierungsarbeiten

Restaurierung: Einleimen eines Anschäfters in eine Geigenschnecke

Restoration to an authentic playing condition

For historical instruments in good condition an extended concept of restoration can involve rebuilding them to an authentic playing condition. This involves not only restoring the instrument structurally, but also functionally transfer it to a condition appropriate for its era.

This intervention is extensive, affecting the bassbar, the side-view geometry of the instrument and the mounting parts, and requires great dedication and mutual trust. It promises success when questions in music history, playing technique and instrument specifics are considered together.

Restaurierung: Eine Celloschnecke vor dem Einschäften eines neuen Halses

Restaurierung: Ein gesetzter Barockhals während des Leimens

Restaurierung: Ein fertig gesetzter Barockhals mit handgeschmiedetem Nagel zur Sicherung der Leimfuge

In these projects, I do not follow a rigid, unadaptable “formula”. This can be just as unsuccessful as in new making. Classification within the context of music history and playing technique provides initial guidance for my considerations. Study of the sources and, if possible, originally preserved instruments or parts thereof, often in consultation with collections, museums, or colleagues, further guide the parameters. However, sensitivity for the specific instrument and its condition and characteristics ultimately determine what is possible and sensible in detail. I consider this to be essential, as no comparative instrument can be an original of the instrument being restored.

Project

Jacob Stainer
“ex William-Corbett”

Restoration to an authentic, high-baroque playing condition

Updates & Documentation

During a restoration of your instrument I like to stay in continous contact with you. When it comes to detailing aspects of playing technique and sound, I naturally take your wishes into account.

All work and interventions are documented and transparently summarized in a technical report.

Please feel free to contact me for further questions.

Reconstructing damaged and lost original substance

Restoration to an authentic playing condition

Project

Jacob Stainer “ex William-Corbett”

Updates & Documentation

Jacob Stainer
“ex William-Corbett”