Bringing a 100 year old hardanger fiddle back to life.

A customer recently brought an old fiddle into the shop that belonged to her great grandfather. The fiddle was in poor shape and hadn't been playable in many decades. There was even a mouse living in the fiddle for a period of time. This video shows the process of repairing and brining the old fiddle back to life.

[@reglindiseckhardt9777]

After all the amazing work done on this fiddle, I was really disappointed that it wasn't played. I would have loved to hear it's sound.

[@andydepaule3296]

Not all luthiers know how to play well or some not at all. I've been building guitars since 1969 and only know the most basic chords, but I do know how to play a pedal steel guitar which few will even attempt. I've made a few fiddles, dulcimers and mandolins too and can't play them at all.

[@Henry1814]

And to think I watched it all! Seeing skilled hands at work--incredibly moving. With no annoying narration, either, but useful subtitling. Win-win.

[@colly1952]

There is one man who restores old furniture and explains everything and he's not at all anoying. He must have been a teacher in his younger days and he's fascinating to watch and listen to. But this man is really great to watch as well.

[@sydneyevans2637]

@@colly1952 Thomas Johnson?

[@SKEptic-mg2dd]

Aww! After all that reconstruction I wanted to see it played. Excellent craftsmanship and video though.

[@paulmitchell5349]

The Hardanger fiddle is a traditional stringed instrument considered to be the national instrument of Norway. It is very similar to the violin, though with eight or nine strings (rather than four as on a standard violin) and thinner wood. Four of the strings are strung and played like a violin, while the rest, named understrings or sympathetic strings, resonate under the influence of the other four 1. The understrings are tuned to vibrate according to the main tuning. For example, when the main strings are tuned A-D-A-E, the understrings are tuned B-D-E-F♯-A 1. The tuning largely depends on the region in which the instrument is being played, or the requirements of a particular tune

[@rossbulcock552]

Thanks for this, very helpful.

[@merryprankstermatt]

Now that is super cool. What a wonderful idea. Thanks for sharing!

[@user-dz8vy9hc7p]

Спасибо. Не знал

[@acharyajamesoermannspeaker6563]

The mouse living in the fiddle is the best part. What a life it must be to live in a fiddle. Looks like the luthier's own left arm has been put back together at some point.

[@hanovergreen4091]

Yep. And had a Hoffmann on for some period of time. Good catch! Best Regards and Best Wishes!

[@michaelwhisman]

@@hanovergreen4091 So-called mouse holes are the work of people resetting sound posts who did not have the proper tools or ability. 100 years ago luthiers were not common. This is another example of how rumors get started.

[@hanovergreen4091]

@@michaelwhisman No. Was talking about his arm. A Hoffman device is an external brace used to keep bones in geometry. Thanks though for the info on the other holes. Thats actually interesting. :). Best Regards and Best Wishes!

[@suetendy6589]

This is the most amazing thing I've ever seen. To know that an instrument like this can be repaired and restored, as opposed to discarded, is truly a miracle. I held my breath during the dismantling, but watched in wonder as it all came back together. Thanks for a truly inspirational video!

[@amarissimus29]

I agree, it looks great. Kind of makes one wonder how it sounds. I guess we're supposed to imagine that part.

[@pegasus210563]

@@amarissimus29 You wonder how it sounds like heres an exmple :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/epqUd2t9itt4qsksi=ioGSPflgHxAEG7T_

[@magdamagyar-maclean3216]

I have a violine that needs some repair, would you accept to repair it? How can i ger in touch with you? Magda

[@patriciajrs46]

Agreed.

[@magdamagyar-maclean3216]

@@patriciajrs46 ⁸

[@jameskenney5623]

You are just as much as a craftsman as the original guy who made it. I hope you've been able to pass on your skills. It's this type of dedication to craftsmanship that our modern society is lacking.

[@nikjames2965]

You are mistaken. Dedication to craftsmanship is alive and well. Watch a skilled toolroom machinist, or a brain surgeon at work... or a full orchestra performing a Beethoven symphony... or Yujah Wang.... or the Hiromi trio

[@yhwhtlc9217]

Fascinating to watch this. My dad was a music teacher and knew how to restore instruments he passed when I was 5..now 65.....watching this I couldn't help but think on him restoring that violin... I have my mother's father banjo that I had repaired years ago... Was missing parts like pegs, and head ties.. And skin had shrank... I don't know how to play one but he was self taught from what a cousin told me... Grandpa died when I was 2......so I would imagine the owner of this violin was quite pleased having it back to its original self..

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Wonderful! Tremendous work, especially the inlays and bridge. What craftsmanship!

[@mememachine7044]

What a great luthier video! I thoroughly enjoyed watching your skill and patience.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

You did a good job saving this old Fiddle (Folk Violin) from the Dump, this is common with old Pianos but it should become more common with old Fiddles.

[@121dough]

Mesmerized! Watching the precision and craftsmanship used to bring this old world instrument back to life was a privilege'. Thank you for sharing with us. .

[@redlaur]

Looks like the hardest part is putting strings on the fiddle!!! LOL Nice job restoringing the fiddle!!

[@mariewintersteen7098]

The original owner is in heaven smiling down and thinking about owning that fiddle! You do fantastic work!

[@ciarchitecturali6050]

I also think the original manufacture 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Faronthefiddler]

I have an old fiddle, (violin), that my great grandfather, John Benedict played. I restored it, as there were cracks in the sound board. I removed the top and repaired the cracks with hot, hide glue. It is really loud and plays very well. Great grandpa John had huge hands and played it as the violinist that he was. It was made overseas in the 1700’s. By who, is not known. Subscribed! I cleated the cracks, replaced the bass bar and the sound post.

[@oemytech]

I love watching skilled craftsmen restoring a piece of history and yes I watch the whole thing.👍

[@vettemaniac2237]

What a pleasure to watch such incredible craftsmanship. The patina on that instrument is off the charts.

[@kenpollard7266]

Thank you, Bevan. Plenty of good shots in there. I liked your spool-clamp management (up/down). Cheers, Ken

[@neinkalando2519]

Thank you so much for sharing your time with me I have learned so much that I could have learned no other way and I will miss you loving passionate work. The Pleiadian Golden Harbinger Compass

[@davidcrossley7145]

It’s so inspiring to watch a craftsman who as the patient of Job ,repairing this old violin to eventually bring it back to life “superb” 👍

[@markfreedman2470]

Magnificent workmanship. Very well done!!!

[@Tocsin-Bang]

I know nothing about fiddles or violins, but I do know something about art, and I knew this was a thing of beauty from the starr!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Wulffenstejn Hardanger Fiddles It's basically a Violin w/ Sympathetic Strings that act as a reverb pedal

[@davidcrossley7145]

So nice to see the violin brought back to life to be used and loved again thank you for filming your work wonderful work 👍

[@Diecast_Roof]

A masterpiece violin, and a very fine work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Hats off to you for bringing this beautiful instrument back to life.❤🌹👍🙏

[@Joe1935429]

Absolutely beautiful work! The hands of a master! Thanks!

[@victorjoines6369]

wonderful

[@clintautrey3776]

Absolutely stunning work. Thank you for sharing. Lovely violin brought back to life.

[@Manuelordorica880]

Perfectly worth watching. Thank you😊

[@knottyal2428]

Fascinating rebuild of an unusual instrument! Thank you for demonstrating the delicate and very patient work needed. Those spool clamps are ingenious, yet simple! Beautiful result which must give great pleasure to the customer and their family.

[@fusion-music]

Beautiful work and dedication. Love the workshop layout.

[@TorbenHolmelund]

I heard this type of violin when I was visiting Norway when I was 12 years old. There were a normal violin and this model. I still remember this.

[@davidthomas1424]

This is stunning. I've just had some work carried out on my violin, and I love it that people invest so much in this wonderful craft to keep the story of beautiful instruments going. Thank you 😁👏👍❤️

[@EddyEE1968]

Great workmanship, what a piece of art!!

[@floydloonie4880]

Your skill and patience are truly amazing!!! Fantastic job repairing that fiddle!!

[@franciscobentoalmeidaurios8350]

Congratulations ! A very special job by the best profissional dedicated person !

[@RLM1943]

Outstanding,beautiful,great craftsmanship!

[@charliemckay6402]

Considering the massive crushing injury to your forearm and hand your manual dexterity is amazzing as is the surgeons repair's appearance.

[@mikebaguley9092]

Seeing is believing, thank you for sharing your time and patience with all the people who attended your wonderful video 🕊 💖 💯 🌻 🐞 📹 🕊 💖 Have a awesome day.

[@imochiexe5056]

Great to have info for Deeper understanding. Skilled, knowledgeable and caring repair and restoration before our very eyes. Thank you for sharing. Betcha Nels would love what you've done. ❤🎉😊

[@williamsiyanko4631]

Bringing back this Violin Fiddle is a masterpiece.

[@michaelryan6884]

Nice work...good to see great craftmanship!

[@michellemonksfield2171]

Brilliant restoration.

[@neinkalando2519]

This guy has the patience of a saint

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

The Hardanger Fiddle is basically a Standard Violin (or Fiddle) w/ Sympathetic Strings added to it like a Sitar so that it's really resonant.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@einjunger8370 I found that out myself by looking very closely at it.

[@TheMLittle5]

@EinJünger llllllllllllll

[@Walter-ri1li]

I really did enjoy watchin' this video and I love the sound of the track Id like to know the name of if you could let me know please I love it

[@whammond511]

@@Walter-ri1li I believe it’s called “Tenting Tonight”. I think it was a Civil War era song but was picked up again during WWI.

[@pollyrobinson3877]

Thanks, I wondered and appreciate your explanation.

[@michelnagumaqmorton]

He probably came back as a mouse to look over his masterpiece again :o) . Great job , wow , thanks you !

[@grantwriter7777]

How wonderful! I had no idea!! What a beautiful job of restoration. We only got a glimpse above your workbench where you had a line of beautiful hardangers.

[@kevingeaney7741]

Amazing techniques and skill. I never heard of a hardanger violin before!

[@kenolson3064]

Watching good craftsman is very relaxing to me.

[@kylmatsmil]

Found this to be incredibly moving, thank you

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

2:09 There's a Row of Cleats running up the center of the back to help patch of a crack that was previously there.

[@chuckbowie5833]

Beautiful work!

[@cryingdemocrats1460]

Wow , what a fantastic job ! It doesn't even look like it was broken, simply amazing craftsmanship bravo 😎👍

[@mohammadrezakoochekiansabo7214]

I don't know what to say but I try to express my feeling regarding to your super , wonderful and beautiful reconstruction of the old violin . You are a unique good artist in this field of work . You are a big treasure for this Job . Hope, the world of music will give you remarkable gift .

[@terrellprice6627]

A job well done for future fiddle lovers to enjoy.

[@johnharvey9321]

Incredibly impressive! Thank you. :-)

[@sr633]

A lot of time and work finding things that needed to be put right. A victory !

[@mattbunch1159]

I have been looking for an in depth hardanger video and this really helped Alot thank you so much

[@gongcyclist]

I love the rotary tool index at the top of the bench.

[@nikolajskrabelj4503]

Young boy , brilliant work .

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Great restoration /repair, I was wondering why the neck went back on before the top and bottom were glued first. but the explanation solved that mystery fo rme. thanks for sharing

[@olgreywolf9688]

I must happily add to all your kudos here following. I too, very much enjoy this type of fine, detailed work. Only thing is, I don't do it well. You are clearly a master!! I have just made a solid page of notes regarding your specialized tools. I learned so much just in this all-too brief hour. I have some of your tools, and plan immediately to make, and/or purchase others I saw you using. I MUST add a compliment and comment as to the wonderful, beautiful SILENCE!!!! The images and written commentary say all that needs be said, perfectly!! THANK YOU for your kindness and courtesy in allowing us all to see how a master works. (One additional 'thank you'!! In addition to all the other wealth of information you provided, I had NO idea Titebond made real hyde glue!!!!) Lastly, I love the sound, the music this instrument provides. Thanks for also for 'showcasing' the sounds there at the end. It is beautiful!!!

[@markmckenna1353]

beautiful work and music

[@ElPasoJoe1]

Oh my! Utterly beyond words...

[@warrencarnright3747]

That ,SIR, was FANTASTIC !

[@bradwiebelhaus7065]

Fantastic work.

[@theoneandonlyowl3764]

First, thanks for leaving the captions up long enough for us oldies to read. Second... great work. Very impressive. The only thing I didn't understand, not being familiar with the instrument, was the under-strings. Is this what makes a fiddle different from a violin?

[@Sonia-ju6po]

Excellent job!!

[@TheVectorious]

Incredible work

[@johnthompson2799]

Enjoyed the video would have loved to hear someone play it 🎻 🇬🇧

[@Carnold_YT]

Beatifully done!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

That Boxwood Tailpeice is amazing because Ebony is becoming really scarce.

[@patriciajrs46]

If you build, I've heard it said you can use rosewood.

[@marionchase-kleeves8311]

Luvly jubly! Like a watchmaker only with wood, shell and wire. Strange how our hobbies outlive us...

[@Juanjodesevilla]

Magnífico trabajo y excelente vídeo. Enhorabuena y gracias por compartirlo

[@MrGaborseres]

Hands of a master craftsman 😊

[@peterkohl1863]

detailed and delicate work

[@robertsalanon2909]

Très beau travail de restauration !! Félicitations ...

[@tamilouduplechin7927]

Wow 8 strings who knew!! Its super beautiful though!!!! 😍 such skills!!!

[@NCCorruption]

cheers mate ,i needed that

[@L8terdays]

Very nice work sir. I wish someone would have played it for us.

[@angellugo7407]

Skillful, and beautiful

[@FreddiCool]

I saw someone who knows what he is doing - and he is doing it very well...

[@farllon]

amazing, thanks again😊

[@131dyana]

Great job done there.

[@gk1841]

Great Work man!

[@charliemckay6402]

I am jealous of you keep shop so organizes with thousands of clamps, scrapers, and grinding tools. An economical source of scraper material is the spring steel banding used to coil up steel in metal stamping automotive plants. The wider it is the thicker it is. The one inch wide material is good for big jobs and the 1/2 inch wide material for detail work and if you ask they will give you used banding for free. Heavy duty tin snips will cut it easily it also rolls a cutting burr very quickly and lasts a reasonable amount of time and the wide heavy banding grinds nicely into forms for scraping a form on edging or repaiting just do not overheat the material and take the temper out. The coil stock rolls out flat naturally because of how it is made and heat treated. Scraping creates a minimal amount of dust unlike sandpaper, healthy bonus.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Some Hardanger Fiddles have 10 strings with a 5th playing string

[@robioptic]

Nice work!!!

[@HAL-xy3om]

Nice work!

[@dansta2k]

impressive work

[@scottthomas5999]

Very nice work.

[@stevesoldwedel]

Great job. Wish we could hear it played.

[@Hadassah-KaquoliMReno]

It’s so very beautiful!

[@Hadassah-KaquoliMReno]

And I love hearing Everlasting Arms!

[@rumeunner3245]

This is what an ideal video should be like, absolute silence with only the hand tools doing the talking.

[@user-ce1pm6yr9q]

We are witnessing a Master at work.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

21:26 The company who made this Hardanger Violin didn't use a neck block but they put the ribs into a notch in the neck & anchored them in place w/ wedges.

[@lauralake7430]

Gives me hope for my family,s fiddle. Not a hardanger, just a simple german violin. Need to find a local luthier

[@icanfixanything4u2]

alot of great information for a budding luthier, thank you for passing on the information. stupendous I say simply fascinating.

[@probindemufhoes42069]

for those wondering, the song at the end is "Leaning on The Everlasting Arms"

[@TickleThyBrain]

Great craftsmanship. If only the camera was mounted top down or facing you, it would have been more enjoyable.

[@LadyTamazin]

fantastico lavoro e quanta pazienza... e quanta ne deve avere avuta chi l'ha costruito!