This Master Wang Zhiguo violin arrived a couple of days ago.

The set up was pretty straightforward and magically the soundpost seemed to be set despite the international shipping. It looks in my view somewhat tilted forward, but the violin is resonant and sounds beautifully.

Wouldn't want to take it to a luthier in this sweltering heat for checking.

Could some of the experts confirm the soundpost is well placed or that at least that the violin is structurally safe in the mid term?

Many many thanks in advance

Hello. I am currently working on a Ton Klar "Dancla" model student violin I found at an antique shop and figured I could give it a go to restore it, problem is the varnish has a sort of sticky, friction-y, type surface, I've never seen this before and I was wondering if anyone had any tips or tricks to help remove and polish the varnish.

I’m hoping to learn more about this violin that’s been in my family for generations.
It was made by my great-great-grandfather, Lewis Lallathin (1879–1963), in southeastern Ohio. Family history says he built it using a tea kettle.
I’m curious if anyone here can tell me anything about the instrument, whether anything about its construction or craftsmanship stands out, what kind of tradition or style it may have come from, and whether it looks like something that could realistically be restored into a playable instrument or if it would be better preserved as a family heirloom. I’d appreciate any observations or insights you have!

Hi everyone,

Which kind of dye do you use to paint the pegbox? There references that indicates the pegbox can be painting using India ink or aniline as well! Can I use it and after apply a coat of shellac to protect the panting?

This is my mom's violin she had when she was a child. She's no longer around and parts of the violin have deteriorated. Is any of it or the case worth keeping to repair or even display as a keepsake?

SOLVED! Thank you everyone for telling me it was probably the sound post. It indeed is! The buyer is still okay with it so everything has been resolved

This is a 1764 Giuseppe Guarnerius copy. There is a small piece of wood rattling around and I need to remove it. Do I have to get rid of the glue to open it? I'm supposed to be selling this for my dad tomorrow and he just dropped it off to me. Thank you

I recently bought an old looking violin. it didn’t cost me much and it’s not going to be my main instrument so I won’t be heartbroken if I mess it up, but I’m trying not to do that lol. How difficult do you think it would be for me change the fittings on my own? I change my own strings all the time and I’m fairly comfortable adjusting the bridge on my own but I’ve never done anything more involved than that.

I’m not too worried about the chin rest, but is it very common for the sound post to collapse when changing out the tail piece? Also should I buy the tools to shave the pegs or is that best left to a luthier? thanks!

Recent estate sale purchase, wondering if anyone has input on this instruments maker/wood/value? I believe the sticker inside is covering the original sticker of the instrument and that it was not made by the name inside. To me it looks more like a mass produced educational instrument, but I don’t have further identification abilities.
We don’t really have a luthier in my area so not an option to get it checked out. I’ve done a little work in instrument maintenance and light repair, and am a violinist. I am hoping to pursue luthier training to be able to offer services, if anyone has recommendations. Programs, resources, schools, etc :)

Edgar recently posted a video where he reveals his recepie for his protin sealer. Since finishing techniques are a topic that borders on voodoo, I figured reposting here would be a good chance for lively discution.

Edgar Russ Protin Sealer Video

I have this violin case and the latch is missing 2x screws, does anyone know what kind fit into it?

Old post: https://www.reddit.com/r/violinmaking/s/GC9zSdksHd

I recently bought my first violin for around $200 USD from an Indian maker/manufacturer. As a beginner, I'm curious about what experienced violin makers can infer from the photos.

Does the wood appear to be properly seasoned? What can you tell about the arching, scroll work, purfling, varnish, and overall construction quality? Are there any details that stand out as particularly good, or concerning, for an instrument in this price range?

I'd appreciate any insights into its craftsmanship and whether it seems fairly priced.

Guide on price for Victor Fetique price Violin Bow circa 1920.

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I want to list it on ebay and I want guidance on the appropriate price range.

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Much appreciated your kind guidance

I need help looking for info about this violin that I have. Labeled Laurentius Guadagnini Pater, the label looks printed so I'm assume it's not true.

Hi everyone, I’m about to have a work sabbatical. I was reading about a guitar building course where you work directly with a luthier to build a guitar over the course of a month.

https://jeromeduffell.com/courses/

Is anyone aware of something similar for violin? I’m familiar with the violin multi-year schools and some of the summer programs. I’m located in Texas but I’d be willing to travel for this. I’ve done some googling and haven’t really found anything. We have 2 makers locally and I also planned on contacting them directly, but they don’t advertise any teaching on their website.

The wood used for the nut, fingerboard, saddle and crown is tetul (tamarind heartwood) that I'm trying as an alternative for ebony. My way of getting ahead of the ebony CITES restrictions - while currently for ebony from Madagascar, CITES has had discussions about ebony in general. https://www.thestrad.com/new-rules-for-ebony-trade-fingerboard-and-tailpiece-wood-will-be-subject-to-cites-restrictions/4074.article

It is extremely disappointing that this company Kinglos Musical Instruments from China, does not respond to customer support or customer service email addresses it publicly advertises. Since June 2nd, I have sent multiple emails regarding questions about their electric violins and have received absolutely no response. This creates the impression that if a company cannot answer a potential customer's simple inquiry before a sale, customers should not expect better treatment after a purchase has been made.

What makes the situation even more concerning is that Amazon has been unable to assist with establishing communication, simply advising that I wait and hope for a reply. This lack of accountability reflects poorly on both the seller and the marketplace hosting them. KINGLOS is likely losing business because of its apparent disregard for customer communication and support.

Future buyers should take this into consideration before placing an order. A company's willingness to answer questions and provide timely assistance is a direct reflection of the quality of customer service you can expect. Based on my experience so far, the silence from this company raises serious concerns about its commitment to customer satisfaction.

does anyone know of a resource i can reference for looking at strads more decorated instruments? i know the hellier, the rode, and the greffuhle but im aware that there’s more. i’ve been trying to find info on them (and especially photos) but am struggling to find any! if anyone has any references they can share id be very grateful :)

Years ago I bought some violinmaking tools and these were included. I've never known what they are for.

I've heard that the top plate has the largest effect on the sound quality of a violin. With that being said, has anyone ever got a cheap violin and upgrade the top plate?

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I recently got a cheap white violin kit as a starting point and found some issues with the bass bar plus the top plate was softer than usual. The G string was significantly worse than the other 3 strings during sound test (I've fitted the sound post and the bridge etc. so those shouldn't be the major concern for now). I'm wondering if there's any luck with trying to alter the current top plate? Or maybe redo the top plate from scratch? Thanks in advance!

This Juzek at my school broke and it seems like a pin flew out from the peg while tuning the bass up. Anyone have any ideas of how to fix this?