This old instrument came in for a restoration after it was stored in loft… at least I think I’m remembering that right! I should have known it would be a tough one when the case literally fell apart in my hands when I first tried to open it.
The vellum was broken, there was no bridge, the frets were sprouting out of the edge of the fingerboard and it was in a general state of disrepair.
To save time I thought I’d be able to get a pre-lapped synthetic skin but the ring was too large for the brakets, After doing work to the frets etc I thought the job was over but a small amount of research made me think I should have a go with a real calf skin vellum and lap it myself. Its isn’t easy but it turned out ok for my first attempt.
Unfortunately, after the strings were put on I was unable to get it playing well as the neck angle was wrong and the joint didn’t allow me to add an effective shim.
