ADVANCED SOUNDPOST SETUP
for VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO and DOUBLE BASS
While setting of violin sound post with sound post mate tools is easy, there are other factors that need to be considered. This applies particularly to older and expensive instruments, and here an experienced luthier needs extra effort to ensure extremely accurate fit of bridge and sound post. Here we present some additional electronics instruments to make this task easier..
Being able to see well while installing the sound post is of utmost importance, thus we need convenient light source. The best choice is an endoscope inspection camera with built-in light. Apart from helping in work, the camera is provides means to inspect workmanship quality.
INSPECTION CAMERA
is a 5.5 mm camera with lights, Light intensity control, Snapshot button, micro USB and USB2 attachment. Among other
attachments also includes 45 degree mirror (6.5 mm) for side viewing.. System can be powered and is compatible with Windows PC and
android (4.0 or higher) phone. Included CD and CQ code. Total length 1 meter. Working with Desktop PC, an extension cable will help;
.Having longer camera cable is not much help because control switch is at the computer side. Thus it is much better to use USB extension
cable instead.
USING THE CAMERA FOR INSPECTION
in some circumstances it is best to turn camera lights off and use external light , Some examples:
Checking the bridge; we place the violin under a ceiling light and with camera lights off we point he camera directly to the bridge. Sharp shadow clearly shows a gap at the G string side.
Checking the sound post
To help examine the sound post installed in violin, we use our model SM-L3 inspection light.. With 3 led's
powered by optional 12 volt regulated power supply it can illuminate up to 70% area around the sound post; works with violin, viola
and cello. For portability, the light includes 9 volt battery adaptor. For brighter lighting use power supply. The light includes
stiff element allowing easy manipulation inside the instrument
Top lights pointing to bottom, camera at F-hole
Lights at bottom, top view using 45 degree mirror atachment
INSPECT THE SOUND POST WITHOUT REMOVING TAILPIECE BUTTON
Camera by itself has some limitations especially when used with 45 degree mirror. the built in light obstructs clarity. Further, in
case of sound post inspection, more accurate picture of sound post ends will be seen if light source is above the object while camera
is pointing directly across. Thus we turn camera lights off and use our custom SM-L3 light.