albertus bekker

violinmaker

76 seventh street

linden, 2195

johannesburg

south africa

phone: 0829035832

e-mail: albertus@bekkerviolins.com
Text Box: The damage

Broken neck

© 2008 Albertus Bekker. All rights reserved.

This beautiful violin by the French maker that relocated to London. It had an unfortunate accident that resulted in a broken neck and button. Since the button was not original it was decided to replace it completely with a button graft.

The complete photo essay as a PDF file (1.1Mb) can be downloaded here.
Text Box: Another view Text Box: Signature

The maker’s signature inside
Text Box: Previous repair

The button was replaced before
Text Box: Making a mold

A partial mold is made of the button area
Text Box: Cutting the mortise

A mortise is cut into the back
Text Box: Completed mortise

The mortise has been completed
Text Box: Wood selected Text Box: Cutting the button

The button replacement is cut
Text Box: Fitting the button

The button is fitted to the mortise
Text Box: Inside view Text Box: Gluing

Paul Bailly violin button repair

Inside view of the new button

Removal of wood to fit a patch

Button is broken off at the purfling

New button is glued
Text Box: After gluing

After gluing and rough trimming

Text Box: Neck fitting

The neck is fitted
Text Box: Varnishing Text Box: Completed

The new button is varnished