I am new to refurbishing violins and have just been working on cheap, factory models from the 60s (replacing mechanical pegs, putting in new sound posts, etc) for fun, but I really want to start opening up violins and fixing cracks, finish, etc. I purchased this Stainer(hopefully copy) for $10. It will need to be stripped, no getting around it the paint is about an inch thick. It will need a crack fixed on the f-hole and re joined at the center which is exactly what I’d like to do. I just want to make sure this is in fact a cheap copy and not something that I need to take to a professional. Thanks!
