This violin came in with a center seam that was visibly bulging along the middle of the plate. An earlier repair had addressed the opening without removing the top, reinforcing the seam with glue drops as interior cleats; a method that often holds well under stable conditions. However, after the instrument moved to a more humid climate, the seam did not reopen but instead expanded and pushed outward. At that point, the only reliable solution was to remove the top, fully reglue the center joint under controlled clamping, and install properly fitted cleats to stabilize the seam and prevent further movement. - Remove the Top: Remove the top plate, which is easier and safer than attempting to remove the back.
- Soften and Remove Old Cleats: Humidify the previous glue cleats and carefully remove them.
- Address Wood Movement: Note that the maple had expanded significantly with even slight humidity.
- Create Matching Molds: Make interior and exterior molds that precisely match the original curvature of the plate.
- Assess the Seam: Once opened, observe that the center seam was more separated than initially apparent.
- Glue and Clamp the Seam: Work hot, fresh hide glue into the seam and clamp firmly between the molds, applying lateral pressure as well.
- Support Under Fingerboard: Use posts beneath the fingerboard area so clamps can slip properly into place.
- Allow Proper Drying: Let the seam dry for several days before removing clamps and molds.
- Prepare Reinforcing Cleats: Make multiple thin, wide cleats to help prevent future expansion of the center seam.
- Closer Cleat Spacing: These cleats are spaced closer than normal to help prevent the arch of the back from expanding.
- Install Cleats with Molds: Use the clamping molds again to ensure the cleats are aligned evenly and conform to the arching.
- Replace the Top: Reinstall the top plate once the repair and reinforcement are complete.
 IMG 20251207 154659 160 | IMG 20251212 120632 222 | IMG 20251212 120728 104 | IMG 20251212 120753 200 | IMG 20251215 170557 579 | IMG 20251215 170614 837 | IMG 20251217 102005 550 | IMG 20251222 111819 346 | |
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