This instrument had two cracks in the top that appeared never to have been repaired before. The lower crack extended toward the saddle, so the saddle was carefully removed and a portion of the nearby top seam was opened to provide access for the repair. A thin piece of hard plastic was slipped between the top and rib beneath the crack, allowing hot hide glue to be worked thoroughly into the crack without accidentally gluing the top to the rib. After clamping and allowing the repair to cure overnight, the plastic was removed and the seam was reglued. The saddle was then narrowed slightly to relieve pressure near the repaired area. The upper crack was repaired using a similar procedure, and both cracks were cleaned and sealed with clear lacquer to help protect them from dirt and moisture.
- Clean the Cracks: Carefully clean dirt and debris from both cracks before beginning the repair.
- Remove the Saddle: Carefully remove the saddle to gain access to the lower crack and relieve pressure in that area.
- Open the Lower Seam: Open the lower-left top seam from the corner block to approximately one-third of the way across the end block.
- Protect the Rib: Slip a thin, hard piece of plastic between the top and rib beneath the crack to prevent the top from accidentally being glued to the rib.
- Glue the Lower Crack: Work hot hide glue thoroughly into the crack, bring the edges into alignment, and clamp the repair.
- Remove the Plastic: Allow the glue to cure overnight, then carefully wiggle the thin plastic strip out from between the top and rib.
- Clean the Repair: Remove the excess glue from around the repaired crack and opened seam.
- Reglue the Seam: Work hot hide glue into the opened top seam and clamp it securely back to the rib.
- Refit the Saddle: Make the saddle slightly narrower so it does not place unnecessary pressure against the repaired crack.
- Reglue the Saddle: Fit and glue the modified saddle securely back into place.
- Repair the Upper Crack: Follow the same general procedure to glue and clamp the upper-left top crack.
- Clean the Cracks: After the repairs have cured, carefully clean the repaired areas and remove any remaining glue residue.
- Seal the Cracks: Apply a thin coat of clear lacquer over the repaired cracks to seal the exposed wood and help protect it from humidity, moisture, and dirt.
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