This is how this beautiful violin case looks before restoration: I intend to show you how the various parts of the restoration are carried out. The work done on this specific piece not only aimed to preserve the past and otherwise to be lost craftsmanship: the case is internally made of wood, externally of pressed cardboard, which provides the best thermal insulation, necessary to protect an instrument from humidity and temperature changes.
Only part of the trunk is used and made into quarters, then split again manually along the fiber and its grain. This last phase is crucial in order to check for any flaws, such as knots, resin pockets and alterations that would not otherwise be seen with the use of mechanical saws.
Most of the logs are sent to the sawmill to be sawn into lumber; only a small part of it will be carefully chosen for the production of soundboards. The trunks chosen are mostly large plants that in these mountain climatic conditions range from 100-200 and over (20-50 cubic meters per year).
One of the most important places in Italy where resonance wood can be found is Paneveggio. The spruce forests are located between 1450 and 2050 metres above sea level. There, the trees can reach more than 2.5 metres of width at their base, in an optimal high mountain climate.
The state forest of Paneveggio is managed by the State Forests Office of Cavalese and Primiero del Servizio Foreste. Its total surface covers 2793 hectares and is located in the Natural Park of Pale di San Martino. It is here that the spruce finds an ideal habitat, both because of the climate and careful forest management.
Choosing the right wood.
It is very important to check the resonance of the wood and the grain, which should be straight and free of alterations. When selecting maple wood, the quality of flame maple should also be checked.
This very first step, along with the study of model and proportions, is the most fascinating and intriguing moment of the whole creation, where all of the skills and knowledge of the luthier come together as one.