This violin came in with a crack along the right side of the top. Fortunately, the crack lined up well, so it could be glued without opening the seam. After bringing it back together and stabilizing the area with an outside mold, the next step was to reinforce it with a larger cleat installed through the f-hole. That part takes a bit more care, using a combination of magnets, a clamp, and some careful positioning to get everything aligned properly. The goal was to secure the crack solidly while keeping the repair as clean and unobtrusive as possible. Violin Top Crack Repair with Internal Cleat (Through f-hole)- Assess the crack: The crack on the right side aligned well, so there was no need to open the seam.
- Glue the crack: Bring the crack together and glue it, ensuring proper alignment.
- Stabilize with an outside mold: The next day, reglue the upper portion of the crack using an outside mold for support.
- Prepare a large cleat: Make a larger cleat for reinforcement and soak it in water so it can conform slightly to the surface.
- Pre-shape the cleat: Allow the cleat to warp slightly so it bulges in the center, helping it seat properly when clamped.
- Mark the alignment: Draw a line on the cleat to reference the angle of the clamp for accurate positioning.
- Set a reference line: Tape the outside mold to the top and add a piece of tape with a line marking the crack position so alignment can be quickly checked during setup.
- Set up the tools: Use a sharp, thin knife to handle and position the cleat, and a bent wire with a magnet to hold the cleat in alignment with the clamp foot.
- Practice the placement: Do a dry run to work out the alignment and positioning before applying glue.
- Position the clamp: Insert the clamp through the f-hole and place a small drop of CA glue on the clamp foot.
- Guide the cleat into place: Fish the cleat in through the f-hole, using the knife to guide it into alignment.
- Engage the magnet: Place a magnet on the outside to hold the cleat against the clamp foot.
- Remove the knife: Once the cleat is held in position, carefully withdraw the knife.
- Release the magnet: After the CA glue sets, remove the magnet so the cleat remains in place on the foot.
- Glue and clamp the cleat: If alignment is correct, apply glue to the cleat and clamp it against the outside mold.
- Remove the clamp: The next day, gently wiggle the clamp free from the cleat.
- Seal the crack: Apply a small amount of clear varnish to protect the crack from dirt and moisture.
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This is the method I use when installing a larger cleat through a violin f-hole. Each individual piece can fit through the opening, but once assembled, the cleat would be too large to pass through as a single unit. On a cello, I would normally install a larger cleat as one piece, but that simply isn’t possible through a violin f-hole. By staging the cleat and clamp separately and aligning everything during a dry run, it’s possible to get a solid reinforcement in place while still working within the limits of the instrument. |
