Violin Restoration

My son was given a family violin from 1920. It was in marginal shape and certainly not playable. The top and bottom were separating, the finish was cracking and scarred, the bridge needed replaced… The instructor at the local music school recommend restoring it rather then buying a new one. The violin itself was better quality then I could afford in a new instrument, all it really needed was a good luthier. I was all for it. I love the idea of hearing old instruments play again. He recommended David Lars. I found Mr Lars’s small workshop in the historic section of North East Pa. Mr. Lars was full of energy as he shuffled around the shop kindly showing me the classical tools, stains, glues, and methods he used to bring life back to old instruments, and shave quality into instruments that need a little help. Like so many other artists and craftsmen he was passionate about his trade and willing to share his knowledge freely and with a glad heart. It was fun to spend some time with him and I left his shop feeling happy, and grateful for the new knowledge. So I really thought I would like to share some pictures from his shop. The last 2 pictures are of the restoration done to my son’s violin.

www.larsviolins.com