Violin/Fiddle: Refinishing A Violin or Fiddle

Subject: fiddle fingerboard refinishing
Date: Fri, 2 Jul 2004 10:41:13 -0400

I have an old fiddle with a fingerboard of material orther than ebony. Probably rosewood. The finish is in very bad shape and needs refinishing, what would be the best way of doing this? Blessings..

Well, first you'll want to determine if the violin is vintage or not...if it's a collectible piece, please steer away from altering it in any way...now, if it's a production model fiddle, which it does sound like it might be with a painted rosewood fingerboard, then, yes, it would make sense to refinish the fingerboard. Do not refinish any other part of the violin for that will alter its tone drastically.

The best way to have your fingerboard refinished, would be to find a violin technician or builder locally...and have them paint it black again, or, you might consider having it stripped to the rosewood...and then having a clear finish put on the rosewood...this would be better for eventually, the black would just wear off again...

Mickey