Questions and answers about violin building

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Problems in Winter

Cold winters and the dry air from indoor heating present a huge challenge to an instrument and in the winter months, our workshop is often besieged by customers whose instruments are cracked or have openings between ribs and belly or back. Of course this problem goes hand in hand with changes, sometimes big ones, of the instruments sound.

The humidity of a heated room can sometimes fall to 20% and lower. Violins cannot compensate for such a lack of moisture and the result can be that the glue between belly or back and ribs dissolves (which might not be that serious, aside from the rattling noises that can ensue). If the parts are connected too tightly, however, cracks appear in the belly and back and this always results in costly and elaborate repairs.
 

Please follow the following tips for the care of your instrument:

Regularly tap the rim of your instrument with your knuckles and, should a hole exist, it will become noticeable by the cracking noise made.

See to it that there is sufficient humidity in your rooms. An electric humidifier will benefit you as much as it will benefit your instrument. Dry air greatly increases the chances of respiratory infections.
 

I recommend the purchase of a Dampit Geigenbau online Dampit zur Luftbefeuchtung

a plastic tube that is hung damp into the instrument (approx. 10,40 Euro), visit Stradivarishop.

Before use, the tubes excess water should be squeezed into a towel. Water drops cannot be allowed to enter the instrument. The Dampit dries surprisingly quickly in very dry air.

Should you notice a crack or a hole, take your instrument to a master of violin making without delay to avoid any further damage.

Last update on 2012-02-02 by Haat-Hedlef Uilderks.

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