Endoscope - is it useful for soundpost setting?

[violins88]

https://www.internationalviolin.com/ProductDetail/t997_wifi-endoscope-55mm-tip-androidiphone-use
 

thanks

[Aurella]

It's easiest to just look through the f holes and endpin hole. If I need to I shine a little torch as well. Endoscopes can be useful but I don't see how they would make setting a soundpost easier.

[FiddleDoug]

Probably not much. A real key for setting sound posts is having good lighting inside the instrument (like Luthier Lights). It’s also difficult to keep proper orientation with the endoscope..

[David Burgess]

I have an endoscope, but still use a dental-type mirror and a bright interior LED light (from Doug above) for fitting soundposts.

[Shunyata]

Dental mirror and simple inspection is sufficient for soundpost setting.

[charliemaine]

5 hours ago, FiddleDoug said:

Probably not much. A real key for setting sound posts is having good lighting inside the instrument (like Luthier Lights). It’s also difficult to keep proper orientation with the endoscope..

 

2 hours ago, David Burgess said:

I have an endoscope, but still use a dental-type mirror and a bright interior LED light (from Doug above) for fitting soundposts.

Yup. Doug's Luthier Light changed the game for me. Thanks Doug!

[Barry J. Griffiths]

I’ve had Doug’s Luthier Lights for several years and I’m pleased to say that they’re one of the best shop investments I’ve ever made. The larger model lights up cellos beautifully. 
 

Thanks Doug

[Michael Richwine]

I have an endoscope, and I can't see where it would be anything other than in the way when fitting a sound post. One more endorsement for Doug's Luthier Light. Indispensable.

[The Violin Beautiful]

The endoscope comes in handy if you’re trying to look inside for  something like a signature or construction feature that’s not easily visible with a mirror. As others said, a dental mirror gives you all the visibility you need for a soundpost, as you can see all the way around at the top and bottom of the post.