Christian Pedersen

Darkened pegboxes (black or what ever color) in older instruments is a typical step after a scroll graft and bushings. Most of the expensive instruments where I work have darkened pegboxes. If you like it, do it. If you don't, don't. It's not a big deal!

Who are the new members?

Bump!

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Matt, Those strings are the Chinese ones that come on the bass originally. I believe most folks toss them. I would replace them with D'Addario Helicore strings. --Chris

Mr. Wall, I would think some "L" patches or cleats (whatever your preferred terminology is) would be the safe way to go. I've seen these on some rather old repairs with few problems. --Chris

I've had great luck with unstained boxwood. Several years ago I picked up a bag of pen blanks from Woodcraft. --Chris

Are these instruments by a father and son? --Chris

I'm with Martina and Manfio, I would purfle. Without purfling, I think this would be a hard instrument to sell where I work. --Chris

haxxorpoop, I would check the purfling channel to see if some of the purfling has come loose. --Chris

Melvin, Outstanding! Are any of your fiddles in the States? --Chris

Omobono, Is this instrument from a well knowm music collection? --Chris

I would try Howard Core. An 8th size does sound large for a 4 year old. --Chris