repair advice needed

[MikeC]

Being kind of a hack I probably shouldn't but someone asked me if I could do a repair.  He said the back was coming loose.  I asked is it off or just a little bit.  He said just a little near the neck.  I have not seen it and don't have pictures.    If a back is coming off a little near the neck, I assume the button area.  What would be the best way to clamp that?  Assuming I can get some glue into it.    He said it's about 100 years old so I'm assuming it's the typical early 1900s German type fiddle.  

[GeorgeH]

I would assume it is a seam, not the button. And I personally would never try to repair somebody else's violin, so I think the first clause of your first sentence is correct.

[MikeC]

don't know if it's the center seam or if it's where it attaches to the ribs or button.   If center seam then I definitely would not mess with it.   Maybe I'll get a look at it sometime soon and if so, will post a picture. 

[deans]

If its just a seam separation its a relatively easy fix--for a luthier who has the right clamps. This is a repair that most shops dont charge a lot, so its well worth taking it in.

[MikeC]

I'm not a shop though, just a home hobbyist.  I may have to fabricate a custom clamp.  Still haven't seen the fiddle yet  though.