Violinmaker reacts to "Ancient Violin Restoration" Video

The stringed instrument repair world varies greatly. Many repairs are done by poorly trained techs and not people like Olaf who is classically trained and does repairs the correct way. Thanks, Olaf!

The thing is, whenever I see the, "OMG, I restored a thing!" type video, I calmly select the "Don't Recommend Channel" option and continue to live a happy life!

Youtube: You like restoration videos and you like musical instrument videos. You’ll really like this video! Me: Oh, dear god, no. Make it stop.

In the beginning when he showed the tools I giggled so much lol. And at the part when he started to scratch (?) the violin, I can feel the pain, let alone Olaf! I love reaction videos like this! Thanks for sharing the pain (?), I mean the knowledge of violin repair. Please do more when you got time!

legit luthier, sassy sense of humor, reaction video, just perfect.

I'm so glad you reviewed this! After watching your videos for a while, when this came up in my feed I was suspicious because even though I'm not a luthier, it seemed to not fit the standards you've always talked about in your videos. It's great to see that my intuition was spot on and I have learned things from your videos after all!

When I first saw that restoration video with quite a few questionable procedures (I'm just a violin-learner who has visited video workshops for a few times to take care of my violins), I immediately thought how Olaf may respond to it... Thank you!

NoOooo Olaf beat me to this reaction idea! 😱 Oh well, he did an excellent job of it! Great video, Olaf! 👍👍❤ That Titebond glue he used is a type of hide glue, sure. The big problem with it is that unlike the normal hot hide glue that luthiers use, the Titebond reacts very easily with moisture, and can become soft. Some folks swear by it, but really, there's no substitute for real hide glue that you cook yourself!

Ernie Ball shirt, defiantly guitar guy. The Titebond was hide glue, not PVA (wrong but not horrible). From what I found, its the closest to real hide glue that doesn't require heating. I never used it (it expires quickly), but looked into it for convince. Its for people that want to use hide glue, but don't want to mix/heat it. Olaf is right, just use hot hide glue. Its not hard and has way more advantages over anything else.

I would love to see you do a restoration. I love to see you work 😍 It is always interesting ☺️

You should ask him to send you the violin so you can restore an ancient destroyed violin

What always sounds funny to me is the term of "hide glue" English speaking people use to speak about the hot glue used for violins. In fact there are no hides involved but bones and nerves. (hide glue only is too soft, the mixture of bone glue & nerve glue makes the best compromise between the hard (brittle) and soft (that could damp the vibrations)). You do not mention the other option often used by old German violin makers : fish glue. This is easier to use because you do not need heat and the time to set is longer... which is also a disadvantage in some cases. Thank you for your interesting and instructive comments particularly on this video. In general thank you for the topics you choose, the way you skilfully cover them (and also the pinch of humour you use to season them). I am a big fan : two thumbs up ! Sorry for my perfectible English (some may have guessed that I am French), this is a matter I try to improve day by day. I do think that there are many old violins that deserve some work to get back to life again. Unfortunately, the labour costs of a professional luthier is generally far higher than the commercial value of most of these violins and this is the reason why some are thrown away and lots of them are just not taken care of. I try to contribute (and I am certain to be one amongst many) to resurect (for free) some outcasts and try to do this better and better... Best regards, Thierry-Antoine

Love your videos! I played violin for a few years in the mid 50's when I was about 12. Started with a "practice" instrument when an uncle who was 2nd chair with the Hollywood Bowl sent me a violin that he had made in Nancy France when he was there in WW1. It was like getting out of an old rattletrap and into a Jaguar! It went back to him a few years later...but I still miss it and long for the feel of it - it was a work of art and a delight to play. Ah the memories!

Dear Olaf, I work with microcontrollers and stuff like that but your dedication and detailed attention inspire me during handworking tasks. Those tasks are different but the attitude is common to both.

The major concern, for me, is the use of non-reversible glue. Titebond is a nice glue for usual woodworking… not for violin restoration.

Olaf! Thanks for sharing your reactions to this tragic violin "restoration." You were so kind in your critique, too. I'm really, really enjoying your channel. Thanks a million for sharing!

I am a master carpenter and have been doing furniture repair and restoration for 30 years. I cringed when I saw him go after the neck with a scraper, and I noticed there was not a plane onsite. Over the years I have had several customers approach me to repair various stringed instruments.... I always refer them to reputable luthiers, with all my experience I know it takes a special craftsman to work on these instruments. Thanks for a great video.

The only people who should do violin restorations is an experienced violin maker with years of knowledge and proper tools.

Olaf: "There's nothing too wrong with the way they fitted the pegs . . . I think my son can do better, though." That was the greatest roast I've heard in a long time, OMW-- ~ Ana

You are a very kind and forgiving of the video maker