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1907 out of Bayern. A close friend gave me this violin and other than play it i am unsure what to do with the finish. No structural problems, maybe a new nut. The rest only cosmetic it seems. Don't think I would be able to match that finish, any suggestions or recommendations? Thanks in advance.

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美智え

Personally, I recommend leaving it alone, and enjoying the instrument as it is.

That said, if you'd like some fun reading, check out this astounding Austrian varnish Web site:

http://www.ennemoser.com/c37theory.html

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Cheers,

Frank Ford

FRETS.COM
HomeShopTech
FRETS.NET

Thank you for the read Frank Ford.

I may just leave it as you said. It is over a hundred years old and maybe it would be taking away from it if i redid the finish. Do you agree on that?

It's label states its from J. A. Baader, who apparently is known well enough, from the low to high end on instruments. It is though an awesome feeling to hold an instrument in your hands that someone spent time building long well before i was born.

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美智え

Leave alone. Generally speaking they tend not to 'restore' Violin varnishes. The marks on the top (central) are caused by the bridge feet and (probably) metal fine tuning adjusters on the tailpiece.

Michael, indeed those marks were right under metal fine tuners. Thanks for the second on leaving it alone. I believe what it is will be just that and not mess with it. I will though replace the nut, it seems to have worn down and not providing any function.

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美智え