Sheena Laurie, Luthier

Sheena Laurie, Luthier Violin family workshop offering bespoke instruments and professional restoration and repairs.

Fitting a soundpost patch to a cello. After repairing the crack I made the patch block, then scooped out a dish shape fr...
07/06/2026

Fitting a soundpost patch to a cello.
After repairing the crack I made the patch block, then scooped out a dish shape from the damaged front plate. Using locating studs to prevent the patch from twisting, I chalk fitted it to fill the hole perfectly. The grain of the patch is oriented so that the grain is crossed by one growth line, this will secure the crack and prevent it from opening up.
Once it was glued in, I left it overnight to dry then shaped it with a thumb plane and scraper. I worked it to the original thickness +0.1mm (or so 😉) in the centre for added strength.
Studs were fitted at each end of the crack and at each end of the patch where the crack lies.

Before/during/after
16/05/2026

Before/during/after

Before and after, a violin that desperately needed a wee bit of TLC.(I didn't deliberately brighten up the second photo,...
09/05/2026

Before and after, a violin that desperately needed a wee bit of TLC.
(I didn't deliberately brighten up the second photo, it's just slightly less sunny today)

I recently caught up with an old friend and, after putting the world to rights, we agreed that the best thing we could d...
10/04/2026

I recently caught up with an old friend and, after putting the world to rights, we agreed that the best thing we could do is just keep on making things and fixing things and try in our small ways to make the world a better place.
I might be down to eight working fingers (don't ask 🙄) but I'm covered in shavings and carrying on regardless.

Regrettably, 6 months of recuperation in Polynesia isn't an option right now, so I'm just cracking on with the restorati...
05/03/2026

Regrettably, 6 months of recuperation in Polynesia isn't an option right now, so I'm just cracking on with the restorations. Even slower than usual, but getting there. 😊

Before and (almost) after. It's helpful to take digital images to check on progress with retouching as it's less forgivi...
19/02/2026

Before and (almost) after. It's helpful to take digital images to check on progress with retouching as it's less forgiving than my eye! Almost there with the colour, mostly texture to work on now.

Getting wound up.
07/02/2026

Getting wound up.

I had a wee excursion to the Conservatoire today to return some restored and serviced instruments, ready to be loaned ou...
26/01/2026

I had a wee excursion to the Conservatoire today to return some restored and serviced instruments, ready to be loaned out again to the students. 😊

Yesterday's efforts.
24/01/2026

Yesterday's efforts.

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