Violin Crack Repair Without Removing Top | Cleats, Seam, and Varnish Touchup

This violin came in with a top crack just below the left f-hole that did not align cleanly, leaving noticeable pressure along the joint. After carefully bringing the crack back into proper position, the next challenge was installing a larger cleat without slipping it between the rib and the top. The method shown here allows the cleat to be inserted and clamped entirely through the f-hole; a workable solution, but one that requires careful planning and precise execution for everything to seat correctly.

• Clean the Crack: Carefully clean the crack to prepare the surfaces for proper alignment and gluing.
• Align with Mold: Make a mold to help bring the crack back into correct alignment.
• Lift and Position: Use two clamps and a soundpost setter to gently lift and position the uneven side.
• Clamp Laterally: Apply lateral clamping pressure to draw the crack together evenly.
• Plan the Cleat: After drying overnight and confirming alignment, determine the best way to install the reinforcing cleat.
• Prepare Thin Cleat: Make a thin wooden cleat that can be slipped through the f-hole.
• Create Internal Caul: Fabricate a small internal clamping surface so the cleat will fully conform to the top.
• Drill Guide Holes: Add two small holes to the internal clamping piece — one for wire and one for string removal.
• Attach Caul to Cleat: Use a small drop of CA glue to temporarily hold the internal clamping piece to the cleat.
• Bend Positioning Wire: Bend a wire so the cleat can be guided through the f-hole at the correct angle.
• Apply Glue to Cleat: Apply glue to the cleat. Tip: Lightly warming the glue with a heat gun helps prevent it from running off.
• Add Center Glue: Place a small additional dollop of glue in the center for full contact.
• Insert and Clamp: Fish the cleat into position and secure it with the first clamp.
• Remove Wire: Once clamped, remove the positioning wire.
• Remove Internal Caul: Pull the plastic internal clamping surface free using the attached string.
• Final Clamp: Attach the second clamp to complete the installation.
• Inspect Removal Piece: The final photo shows the internal plastic clamping surface after removal.

IMG 20251205 130335 543	IMG 20251205 134113 562	IMG 20251205 134134 988
IMG 20251208 170035 302	IMG 20251209 100956 866	IMG 20251209 101015 726
IMG 20251209 102615 938	IMG 20251213 164903 206	IMG 20251213 164911 111

This violin had two significant cracks positioned closely together and near an older, previously repaired crack. A small piece of wood had become jammed between the newer cracks, preventing a proper glue joint. Rather than removing it, I carefully pried the wood back into alignment so the cracks could close properly. I glued each crack individually, then Working through the open lower left top seam, I installed two cleats spanning all three cracks for added stability. I also repaired a crack near the f-hole, reglued the seam, and touched up the repaired areas. With a bit of varnish left over, I took the opportunity to restore a missing section of varnish on the right side for a more complete finish.

• Opened top seam: Accessed the repair area by opening the upper right seam of the violin.
• Leveled jammed wood: Carefully pried the jammed piece of wood back into position so the cracks could align properly.
• Glued cracks: Glued each of the two new cracks individually to ensure a strong bond.
• Installed cleats: Added two cleats spanning all three cracks to reinforce the area and maintain long-term stability.
• Repaired f-hole crack: Glued a nearby crack running from the f-hole.
• Closed seam: Reglued the opened seam after internal repairs were completed.
• Crack touchup: Lightly touched up the repaired cracks to blend them with the surrounding varnish.
• Varnish restoration: Used leftover varnish to restore a missing section on the right side of the violin.

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IMG 20250522 135159 334	IMG 20250525 153834 882	IMG 20250525 153843 963
IMG 20250527 100202 297	IMG 20250529 133649 133
IMG 20250530 133530 269	IMG 20250530 133603 581

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