Illadvisedone

Model: Maggini - inexpensive german trade instrument. Playing it before starting restoration I’d say I had to put added pressure on the g-string. The overall sound was nice and mellow but not very loud.

After taking off the top to repair some cracks, I found the top plate is heavy and very thick (5+ mm) and dull sounding towards the center. It also has a carved base bar that is quite short (from my limited understanding of modern standards). I am planning on regrading the top plate to a maximum thickness of around 3.5mm. I’ll start at 4mm and work down with some taps.

Should I also replace the base bar or give it a go with the carved one in place? Will the regrade significantly raise the l