Rudra Vin Repairs
Frets
Rudra vin frets were originally set in wax. Today most rudra vins use frets that are tied to the tubular neck. The frets are flat along the playing surface, unlike the curved frets of the sitar and surbahar. The fret body is made of wood with a metal rod inset at the top, upon which the fretting of the strings is performed. The frets must maintain a precise height and angle in relationship to the other frets. Often, on inexpensive rudra vins, the frets need to be reworked to make the instrument playable.
The metal fret playing surface must be kept clean and smooth to prevent sticking and scraping. They must also be tied quite securely to prevent them from slipping or having their angle shift.
Fret services:
The metal fret playing surface must be kept clean and smooth to prevent sticking and scraping. They must also be tied quite securely to prevent them from slipping or having their angle shift.
Fret services:
- Cleaning
- Retying
- Positioning
- Realignment
Bridges
The Rudra Vin has three bridges, a main bridge with the four main playing strings, a side bridge for the chikari strings and another side bridge opposite for the laraj string.
Tonal quality and sustain are controlled by the shaping of the bridge surfaces, as with the other instruments. This can be done to remove the grooves caused by the strings, and also to modify the tone of the instrument. However, the rudra vin has some unique properties that must be considered when working on the bridge. Bridge height may be adjusted but usually side to side and front to back positioning is more fixed. Regardless, any work done on the bridge must be followed up with a full fret check to insure the fret's tuning has not been altered.
The side bridges are individually addressed and shaping/re-shaping them can control the brightness and sustain of both the chikari strings and the laraj string.
Jawari services:
Tonal quality and sustain are controlled by the shaping of the bridge surfaces, as with the other instruments. This can be done to remove the grooves caused by the strings, and also to modify the tone of the instrument. However, the rudra vin has some unique properties that must be considered when working on the bridge. Bridge height may be adjusted but usually side to side and front to back positioning is more fixed. Regardless, any work done on the bridge must be followed up with a full fret check to insure the fret's tuning has not been altered.
The side bridges are individually addressed and shaping/re-shaping them can control the brightness and sustain of both the chikari strings and the laraj string.
Jawari services:
- Adjust surface shapes of each bridge to improve tone
- Remove grooves caused by the strings over time
- Adjust the shape of the feet
- Achieve proper bridge height
Pegs
The rudra vin has no sympathetic strings. Usually there are seven main playing strings, although eight may also be found.
As with the other instruments, sticking of the pegs can make tuning very difficult, especially fine tuning, and can, in extreme cases, cause the peg to crack or break. The opposite, pegs that slip, make it impossible to maintain the instrument in tune.
Another problem with pegs is the length of the peg shaft. Peg shaft sticking out of the body cause obstacles to smooth running of the hand along the neck. In the rudra vin this may not be an issue, depending on the design, as some instruments have all of the pegs outside the paying area. However, for aesthetic purposes the peg ends should be flush to the neck.
Peg services:
As with the other instruments, sticking of the pegs can make tuning very difficult, especially fine tuning, and can, in extreme cases, cause the peg to crack or break. The opposite, pegs that slip, make it impossible to maintain the instrument in tune.
Another problem with pegs is the length of the peg shaft. Peg shaft sticking out of the body cause obstacles to smooth running of the hand along the neck. In the rudra vin this may not be an issue, depending on the design, as some instruments have all of the pegs outside the paying area. However, for aesthetic purposes the peg ends should be flush to the neck.
Peg services:
- Fix sticking or loose pegs
- Trim back protruding shafts
- Repair or replace cracked or broken pegs
Strings, Associated Parts and Miscellaneous
Strings are more than just strings! Their path takes them from thee end posts to the nut (upper bone bar). Along the way they may encounter chikari posts and fine tuners.
The height and angle of the chikari posts and accuracy of their slotting is critical to a good sound. Clanking or muted chikari strings can often be addressed through correcting or replacing the post. The depth of the nut slots contributes to the action of the instrument. It can also be a problem area where creaking or squeaks can occur. The posts where the strings are tied off may become loose or snap off.
Overall deep cleaning and inspection of the instrument should be done periodically to maintain the finish and to catch possible problems before they magnify.
Related Services Include:services:
The height and angle of the chikari posts and accuracy of their slotting is critical to a good sound. Clanking or muted chikari strings can often be addressed through correcting or replacing the post. The depth of the nut slots contributes to the action of the instrument. It can also be a problem area where creaking or squeaks can occur. The posts where the strings are tied off may become loose or snap off.
Overall deep cleaning and inspection of the instrument should be done periodically to maintain the finish and to catch possible problems before they magnify.
Related Services Include:services:
- Restringing with high quality strings
- Replacement or adjustment of chikari posts
- Supplying and setting up tuning beads
- Replacement or repair of the nut, including re-slotting if needed
- Inspection and cleaning
Copyright ©2012 by Michael Spampinato - photographs copyright ©2010 by Michael Spampinato