Stainer Copy Worth Repairing?

[Theghostis]

I have a Stainer copy violin that I used when I was about 12-15 years old and I just pulled the instrument out of storage wanting to take up playing again. The instrument is not a family heirloom, so its only sentimental value is really the fact that it was my first and only full size violin. I would like the instrument to be useable, however, I do not believe it will be worth repairing and wanted to get some opinions on the topic. The issues I have detected are: a wing crack in each f hole; a crack under the tailpiece on the treble side; a possible crack under the chinrest however I am unsure if this extends beyond the purfling; the endpin is protruding at an upwards angle which I have concerns may be contributing to these issues; and  the pegs are difficult to keep in place when tuning (I haven't done much to try to remedy this in case it is just an issue with climate etc.); the bridge is leaning and likely warped. Does anyone have any opinions on how old the instrument might be and if the necessary repairs look costly and not worth it? 

 

 

[MarkBouquet]

It looks to me like it needs pretty minimal work, just a good setup really. The neck doesn't appear to have sagged significantly. It appears to have reasonably nice wood. If I had it I'd try to bring it back to usability. Of course I might be missing something that I'd see if I had it in hand. Take it to a shop and get an in person estimate.

[FiddleDoug]

I agree. Really minimal work. A new end pin, or bushing the end pin hole will take care of that. Some peg compound might take care of the tuning. The cracks are probably not a big issue. Take it to a good luthier. If I were doing it, I would recommend a center mount chinrest and a new tailpiece with integrated tuners. The wing cracks appear to be very minimal, and a little hot hide glue worked into them might be OK (let  your luthier determine that). New bridge is not a n issue.

[GeorgeH]

5 hours ago, MarkBouquet clearsky said:

It looks to me like it needs pretty minimal work, just a good setup really. The neck doesn't appear to have sagged significantly. It appears to have reasonably nice wood. If I had it I'd try to bring it back to usability. Of course I might be missing something that I'd see if I had it in hand. Take it to a shop and get an in person estimate.

Agreed. The bridge could likely be salvaged by straightening. (I use a steamer, but there are other ways.) The endpin just looks like it is slightly pulled out. If the cracks are stable, they can probably be filled. The other stuff is likely just set-up, and maybe a new sound-post. Let us know how it turns out.

[Alma]

I have an old Stainer copy, and it sounds great! Especially with a Baroque bow...if yours sounds as good, it would be worth fixing up, IMHO.

[WorksAsIntended]

That is not really something to draw general conclusion from

I too think it might be worth as the wood is not bad. 

[Theghostis]

Thank you all for the feedback. I have an appointment with a luthier in about a week for an evaluation. Alma, do you have any string recommendations based on your experience with your Stainer copy? 

[FiddleDoug]

I'm not sure about the Stainer model, but I put Zyex strings on a lot of old German fiddles with very good results. I typically get a rich, powerful sound. They are also usually reasonably priced.

[WorksAsIntended]

Although this is of course specific for each instruments the old German Stainer copys usually like strings with a bit mote tension (Zyex are in that category, or EP, VTS and similar)