After careful consideration of the instrument, all parts are removed and photographed. Then strings and tuning-pins are removed, measured and catalogued. At this moment also speaking lengths are noted.
A first examination reveals that the instrument hadn't suffered invasive restorations and that it had been used very rarely. This makes it precious as the only reliable document of the German production of the 2nd half of the XVIII century.
All wooden parts are cleaned and accurately treated against woodworm.

• The lid was very worm eaten and needed a carefull work of integration of the devasted parts

• The central panel, bended and unglued, has been removed from the frame, straightened and assembled again. Legs needed many integrations too.
• The soundboard has been cleaned and cracks have been restored

The endoscope permitted to state the good conditions of the inner parts and to take the ribs, braces and bottom frame positions. At this moment some photos have been taken and I present here some the most interesting.
 

Disposition of ribs and inner braces and frames

1. Brace between the bentside and the upper belly rail.
2. Bottom frame on the spine side and brace.
3. Soundboard: "cut off bar" on the tail end. The "cut off bar" doesn't finish inserted into the spine liner, but is tapered and far from the sides.
4. "Cut off bar" and rib crossing.
5. "Cut off bar" and ribs. Nails have been inserted in the holes on the soundboard due to the ribs positioning pins.
6. Insert of a rib into the "cut off bar".

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 4                                                          5                                                               6