When sufficient time has elapsed for this according to atmospheric conditions, the binding may be removed and the surface along the crack wiped with a damp rag until only the line is apparent.
If the foregoing is done neatly and cleanly, there will be very little evidence of damage remaining. In such instances as the present there may be occasionally necessary two, three or more bindings with proper wedges, according to the length of the crack, the size of the violin and the model. If the latter is rather high, or of the kind called by our French neighbours bombé, the disinclination for the edges to come evenly together without help will be much greater, and therefore binders and wedges should be at once made ready after a glance at the model.
CHAPTER XIV.
REPAIRING LOST PORTIONS—MARGINS OF SOUND HOLES—MATCHING THE GRAIN—FIXING AND FINISHING OFF—REPLACING WITH FRESH WOOD LARGE PORTIONS OF UPPER TABLE—LOST PARTS OF PURFLING—RESTORING IT WITH OLD STUFF.
As the repairing now under consideration is of a kind requiring not only skill, but experience in the handling of the tools and necessary appliances connected therewith, we will still suppose ourselves in the trained repairer's rooms at the rear of his premises, and that professors and amateurs frequently call at the shop in front with violins of various kinds with all sorts of injuries that they are desirous of having put right.
Just at this moment a lady of highly fashionable appearance glides in, followed by her footman carrying a violin case. She has brought a violin that has been laid aside and forgotten for a long time at a friend's house, for generations in fact, it used to be in repute as a violin by Cremona. It has been given to her daughter, who is making great progress under the guidance of one of the most eminent performers of the day, and she wishes to have it put in good playing order if it is worth the expense.
The footman obediently brings forward the case, unfastens the string that holds the lid down, the hinges being out of working condition, and places it on the counter; the lid being raised, a strong mousy odour comes forth.
Our chief takes the violin from the hands of the man and turns it over, raises his eyebrows and remarks, "Yes, madam, the violin has been sadly neglected, the case having been left open mice have been residing in the snug retreat afforded them." "Yes," is the lady's rejoinder, "I believe the case was found a little way open, my friends have not been musical at any time and took no interest in the matter. Is it a good violin, Mr. ——?"
"Good, madam? it is very fine, one of the masterpieces of Cremona. The mice have turned the sound-holes into doorways, the nibblings have gone nearly half through one of the wings."