Lutherie
Making an ebony crown
Makers reveal their special techniques
An intricate method for a sometimes vital part of the repair process
BY GEORGI NIKOLOV Luthier based in Cremona, Italy
TRADE SECRETS
Stringed instruments from the violin family can be preserved for centuries when stored and used properly by museums, collectors, owners and musicians. However, over the years various factors can cause deformations, necessitating their restoration and alteration to prolong their life.
One violin part that can be subject to wear and tear is the back button. This is the small part of the back to which the heel of the neck is glued, and which helps maintain the neck fitting position. It is rare to find well-preserved buttons on instruments from the era of the first Italian masters. Many of them are worn out, rounded off or too short, and some need an ebony crown installed. Sometimes it is necessary to replace the neck with a new one, because its length needs to be adjusted or because of excessive wear, deformation or breakage. In some of these cases, the original back button is small or short, which affects the strength and shape of the neck.