Why Plane the Fingerboard?
If you look closely at this ebony Fingerboard, you will easily notice that the wood has been worn into ripples and divots over years of practice. This inconsistency of shape in the Fingerboard makes it very difficult to play in tune, and it inhibits the violin strings from transmitting full resonance to the body of the instrument.
A simple planing, or dressing, of the Fingerboard is the solution.
Here’s what my client, Antonio Esmael, wrote to me after I planed the fingerboard on his fiddle:
“Hi Rachael, I've taken some time to properly play my violin after your recent work with it and it's nothing short of AMAZING! Having the fingerboard planed has been a huge difference in my playing and my fingers just feel more dextrous and nimble. I even notice that my intonation feels a bit tighter as well! Plus the fingerboard just feels brand new and alive. Who would have guessed something so subtle would have made such a huge impact. Amazing craftsmanship and work. Thank you so much for revitalizing my violin!”