Cello Neck Replacement

I'm in the process of replacing the neck of this cello for my brother.  This is the instrument he played when he was young.

 

I didn't take a picture of it, but I decided to drill small holes at the base of the tenon show here, create a shallow mortice and insert a new maple button for the disfigured and broken existing button.  It was in too bad shape (broken in half and disfigured) to use. The maple insert was around four inches long and the width of the button (under 30mm).  I chose this method rather than removing the back, which I felt was ill advised. I created the illusion of a center seam going through the button.

 

 

There was a significant base bar crack on the top.  I decided to remove the base bar and attach four cleats to the crack.

 

 

Finally I was able to get to the neck replacement!  I'm still working on refining the shape of the neck. 

 

 

 

Cello Shots

Robby's Fiddle Restoration

Singer/Songwriter and good friend, Robby, received this violin from a relative. I offered to fix some of the problems it had including a shiney lacquer on the fingerboard that had areas of a chipped finish among other problems. The back had come unglued at the bottom block leaving a gap that needed to be closed. The bridge had been poorly fitted, was warped and needed to be replaced. The strings were old, dirty and oxidized.

The violin is old but has no label inside. It is an inexpensive instrument but has pretty darn good tone and would make someone happy to play. There is no ebony anywhere on this instrument. It does have blocks and linings and a well fashioned scroll. I had fun bring this instrument back to use again.