We've gotten CT scans done of several instruments, and X-rays done of many more. The cool thing from the CT scan for me is getting a really accurate read on the form of the lute back, which could be deduced from other observations.
Even flat X-rays can often show details not apparent from direct observation, such as the grain direction in brace wood. Some X-rays show a substantial amount of ironmongery in the instrument, sometimes in odd places. One instrument had a number of wire brads inserted in the joints of the back, apparently to hold it together. I theorize that there was a point in history when mass-produced nails and even screws became available and repair-people used them because the technology was "new" or "modern" and just because they could, not because the nails were the right tools for the job. I've lost count of how many bridges I've seen that were held on with screws, and we once repaired an instrument that had had a piece of threaded metal rod inserted for use as a soundpost! One old luteback we have is liberally smeared with radio-opaque epoxy along one side of the interior, with drips along the other side. It looks as if someone thought that J-B Weld was a good choice for fixing an open joint between two of the ribs. If it's good for patching up your radiator, it has to be good for fixing your old HG, right? Alden --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "hurdygurdy" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/hurdygurdy The rules of posting, courtesy, and other list information may be found at http://hurdygurdy.com/mailinglist/index.htm. To reduce spam, posts from new subscribers are held pending approval by the webmaster. -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
