that of Bowed Instruments--Removal of a
Fixed Sound Post--Fitting a Fresh Part of Worm-Eaten Rib--
Bringing Together the Loosened Joint of the Back Without
Opening the Violin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

CHAPTER XVII.--Insertion of Studs along the Joint Inside
without Opening the Violin--Lining or Veneering a Thin
Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

CHAPTER XVIII.--The Bar in Olden Times--The Modern One--The
Operation of Fitting and Fixing the Bar--Closing and
Completion of the Repairs--Varnishing of the Repaired
Parts having Fresh Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

PREFACE.

An ancient writer once asserted that "of making many books there is
no end"; had the violin been invented and used as far back as his day
he might have added, "and of repairs to violins," inasmuch as the number,
nature, and variety of the damages that constantly occur and find their
way into the presence of the repairer, are such as could not be counted
and seemingly are endless. The readers of the following pages will
therefore not expect to find every possible ailment to which the violin
is liable, mentioned and its appropriate remedy marked out. If the more
minute kinds of injuries are endless, they may yet be generalised under
a limited number of headings, or in groups. It is with the hope that
a sufficient number has been treated of, and the way of meeting
difficulties pointed out plainly enough to enable the intending
practitioner to follow on in the same lines, that this work is placed
before the public. All the repairings referred to, have, with the
accompanying annoyances and pleasures, been gone through by myself,
and therefore the present little work may be taken as the result of
personal experience and it is hoped may be acceptable to the readers.

H. PETHERICK.
_July, 1903_.

The Repairing and Restoration of Violins.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.

The art of the old liutaro of Italy may be said to have become during
the last two or three centuries, identified with the art of
constructing such musical instruments as are played with the bow.

As was the case with other and kindred arts, that of violin making had
its rise in one of the old cities of Italy, where from small beginnings
it gradually spread to other places and over the borders, until there
are very few places of importance where it was not practised with