Violin Back Soundpost Patch

Initial photograph showing a sound post crack on the Back of the Violin.

Initial gluing of the back using a clamping system to ensure that there is no stepping of the crack as the glue dries.

Initial gluing of the back using a clamping system to ensure that there is no stepping of the crack as the glue dries.

Cleaning and preparing the inside of the Back for a patch.

Using a template to create the appropriate dimensions to fit the patch.

The patch insert is created and shaped to the curve needed. The violin patch insert area is then chalked and the patch is pressed into the hollow to see which area of the patch needs to be shaped to conform to the exact dimensions of the patch. This will be repeated until a thin even film of chalk is transferred to the whole patch.

These pictures show the violin in a stand in front of the window – the area in the centre of the patch area shows light coming through the violin demonstrating how thin the patch area needs to be.

Now that the patch fits exactly into the hollowed-out area it is glued in place and clamps are used to securely hold it in place until the glue dries.

Once the glue dries the patch is slowly shaped down until it is flush and follows the contours of the inside of the back.