Muz Posted November 27, 2022 Report Share Posted November 27, 2022 Hiya! First time poster, longtime reader here. Got my hands on a cheap antique violin a few months ago. Recently realised some weird patch (varnish worn down?) under the chinrest when was swapping out for a different chinrest. It’s quite the hassle to get my local violinmaker to have a look so wanted to check what you think. Would leaving it as is risk further damage? Would it be fine to ignore it? https://www.dropbox.com/sh/d6barc0lnc2iank/AAAmEzgN9LXStnhSKzmTUY9Pa?dl=0 Do have a look and share your thoughts! Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blank face Posted November 27, 2022 Report Share Posted November 27, 2022 That’s usual wear caused by sweat and/or a beard. The purfling area was possibly protected by one of the early very narrow chinrests. If it’s not worn down into the wood you can leave it as is, otherwise a thin layer of protective transparent touch up would be enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiddleDoug Posted November 27, 2022 Report Share Posted November 27, 2022 15 minutes ago, Blank face said: That’s usual wear caused by sweat and/or a beard. The purfling area was possibly protected by one of the early very narrow chinrests. I agree. You probably shouldn't try to "fix" it yourself. A good luthier will be able to properly clean the area and apply the appropriate finish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muz Posted November 28, 2022 Author Report Share Posted November 28, 2022 9 hours ago, Blank face said: If it’s not worn down into the wood you can leave it as is, otherwise a thin layer of protective transparent touch up would be enough. I think it is bare wood. You can feel the grain. Transparent touch up sounds great, I’m imagining it would protect the wood but won’t hide the wear. Is that right? That would be awesome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Bean Posted November 28, 2022 Report Share Posted November 28, 2022 I have seen worse! Back then a Gentleman-violinist may not have been able to visit a barbershop every day for a proper shave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blank face Posted November 28, 2022 Report Share Posted November 28, 2022 3 hours ago, Muz said: I think it is bare wood. You can feel the grain. Transparent touch up sounds great, I’m imagining it would protect the wood but won’t hide the wear. Is that right? That would be awesome This wear is often imitated at antiqued violins, so no flaw at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Dorsey Posted November 28, 2022 Report Share Posted November 28, 2022 You needn't worry about hiding the wear with varnish touch-up, because it will be hidden by the chin rest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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