Here are several effective methods for clamping broken scrolls. The key is to first align the pieces by hand—once properly positioned, you can determine the best way to apply pressure in the necessary directions. If the break doesn’t align perfectly, the repair may need to be done in stages over several days. In one case, I had to glue a scroll in three separate sections to ensure a precise fit. I typically use a combination of clamps, rubber bands, or string, depending on the scroll's shape and damage. Since every scroll is unique, finding the right clamping method is essential for a successful repair.

Repairing a Broken Cello Scroll

This cello scroll had multiple cracks, including a small shard that had broken off. Due to the complexity of the damage, I repaired each section individually to ensure proper alignment and reinforcement. Below is the step-by-step process:

1. Glue the Broken Shard: A small piece had broken off the scroll, so I glued it back in place using tape as a clamp.
2. Use the Peg as a Guide: To help align the broken peg hole, I inserted a peg to serve as a reference during the repair.
3. Glue and Clamp Cracks Individually: The three cracks didn’t align perfectly, so I glued and clamped each one separately to achieve the best fit which took three days.
4. Create an Inner Sleeve: I made an inner sleeve to reinforce the damaged section of the scroll, adding extra structural support.
5. Make a Spiral Bushing: A spiral bushing was created and installed for the D peg to stabilize the peg hole.
6. Minimal Touch-Up: Since this was an inexpensive scroll, I kept the touch-up work minimal, spending just a few minutes blending the repair.
7. Fit the Peg into the Bushing: Finally, I adjusted the peg to fit securely into the newly installed spiral bushing.

IMG 20250105 142115 635 IMG 20250105 142115 635	IMG 20250105 142127 553 IMG 20250105 142127 553	IMG 20250106 091838 456 IMG 20250106 091838 456
IMG 20250106 091849 731 IMG 20250106 091849 731	IMG 20250106 091900 380 IMG 20250106 091900 380	IMG 20250106 104804 565 IMG 20250106 104804 565
IMG 20250106 105632 315 IMG 20250106 105632 315	IMG 20250107 101542 520 IMG 20250107 101542 520	IMG 20250113 093619 435 IMG 20250113 093619 435
IMG 20250113 154132 733 IMG 20250113 154132 733	IMG 20250119 154731 324 IMG 20250119 154731 324	IMG 20250122 155251 770 IMG 20250122 155251 770
IMG 20250122 155526 567 IMG 20250122 155526 567	IMG 20250122 155550 813 IMG 20250122 155550 813	IMG 20250122 155629 758 IMG 20250122 155629 758
IMG 20250122 170836 552 IMG 20250122 170836 552

Repairing a Complex Scroll Break

Here’s how I repaired a particularly bad scroll break. When there are multiple breaks like this, it’s usually most effective to clamp one crack at a time for maximum precision and stability. Below is the full step-by-step process:

1. Clamp the First Crack: The first crack was tricky to align perfectly. To stabilize it, I clamped some temporary flat pieces to the inside of the scroll box.
2. Sandwich the Scroll: I placed flat pieces on the outside of the scroll to sandwich it securely between the inner and outer supports.
3. Clamp in Both Directions: The scroll was clamped in both directions to ensure the crack closed tightly and remained aligned during the repair.
4. Remove Inner Supports: After the first crack was secured, I removed the temporary inner clamp supports to prepare for the next stage.
5. Glue and Clamp the Other Side: I glued and clamped the second major crack on the opposite side of the scroll, using similar stabilization techniques.
6. Create Inner Sleeve Supports: I made custom pieces for the inner sleeve method, which adds structural reinforcement inside the peg box.
7. Glue and Clamp Inner Sleeves: These inner sleeve pieces were glued and clamped inside the peg box to stabilize the entire structure.
8. Add a Second Layer of Sleeves: To further reinforce the scroll, I installed a second layer of inner sleeves, ensuring the peg box could withstand future stress.
9. Create Spiral Bushings: For the G and E peg holes, I made double-layer spiral bushings. These prevent the peg holes from expanding, which could reopen the cracks.
10. Trim the Spiral Bushings: Once the bushings were installed, I trimmed the excess material for a clean and precise fit.
11. Final Touches: After all repairs were complete, I made the final adjustments and finished the surface. The scroll was now stable, functional, and looking good.

IMG 20240419 141850 488 IMG 20240419 141850 488	IMG 20240419 142554 823 IMG 20240419 142554 823	IMG 20240420 135128 915 IMG 20240420 135128 915
IMG 20240422 102253 279 IMG 20240422 102253 279	IMG 20240422 102358 426 IMG 20240422 102358 426	IMG 20240422 103225 298 IMG 20240422 103225 298
IMG 20240510 165152 248 IMG 20240510 165152 248	IMG 20240511 135109 353 IMG 20240511 135109 353	IMG 20240512 151440 785 IMG 20240512 151440 785
IMG 20240512 155650 174 IMG 20240512 155650 174	IMG 20240513 100133 960 IMG 20240513 100133 960	IMG 20240513 104329 170 IMG 20240513 104329 170
IMG 20240520 162420 047 IMG 20240520 162420 047	IMG 20240521 101511 654 IMG 20240521 101511 654	IMG 20240522 170812 887 IMG 20240522 170812 887
IMG 20240522 170847 930 IMG 20240522 170847 930	IMG 20240524 163244 079 IMG 20240524 163244 079	IMG 20240524 163335 327 IMG 20240524 163335 327
IMG 20240601 123156 623 IMG 20240601 123156 623	IMG 20240601 123207 729 IMG 20240601 123207 729	IMG 20240601 123220 873 IMG 20240601 123220 873
IMG 20240601 123230 431 IMG 20240601 123230 431	IMG 20240601 124840 897 IMG 20240601 124840 897	IMG 20240601 124850 399 IMG 20240601 124850 399

Repairing a Broken Inexpensive Scroll with Pinning

When working with an inexpensive scroll that’s broken, you’re often faced with a choice: fix it or toss it. In this case, I decided it was worth repairing. Due to the position of the break, I determined that my usual inner mold method wouldn’t add significant strength, so I opted for a simpler pinning technique instead. Here's how I completed the repair:

1. Assess the Damage: Examine the location and severity of the break. In this case, the break was clean but in a position where the inner mold method wouldn’t provide much extra strength.
2. Decide on Pinning: Since the break didn’t require heavy reinforcement, I chose to skip the inner mold process and use pins to secure the scroll.
3. Align the Broken Sections: Carefully align the broken pieces of the scroll to ensure a tight, seamless fit before inserting any pins.
4. Drill for Pinning: Drill small pilot holes across the break line, ensuring they are deep enough to hold the pins securely without compromising the scroll's structure.
5. Insert Pins: Apply glue to the holes and insert the pins, bridging the break and providing the necessary reinforcement.
6. Clamp and Dry: Clamp the scroll tightly to maintain alignment while the glue dries, ensuring the pins bond securely within the wood.
7. Varnish Touch-Up: Apply a light varnish touch-up to match the existing finish and conceal any visible signs of the repair.

While this wasn’t a high-end scroll, the simple pinning method was an efficient way to restore its ;function and give it a second life without extensive work.

IMG 20240410 170212 491 IMG 20240410 170212 491	IMG 20240410 173247 013 IMG 20240410 173247 013	IMG 20240410 173259 053 IMG 20240410 173259 053
IMG 20240410 173400 187 IMG 20240410 173400 187	IMG 20240419 120057 250 IMG 20240419 120057 250	IMG 20240427 122027 116 IMG 20240427 122027 116

Violin Scroll Repair: Spiral Bushings and Inner Sleeve Method

This violin scroll had a challenging break running through two peg holes, requiring both spiral bushings and an inner sleeve for a strong and lasting repair. Here’s the complete step-by-step process I used to restore it:

1. Practice Dry Clamping: Before applying any glue, dry clamp the scroll to practice achieving perfect alignment. This helps ensure the scroll will sit correctly during the actual gluing process.
2. Glue the Crack: Once the dry clamp looks perfect, proceed to glue the crack. To maintain proper alignment under clamping pressure, use the existing pegs. Wrap each peg in plastic wrap to prevent them from being glued to the scroll during the process.
3. Prepare for the Interior Sleeve: For this repair, I decided to install an interior sleeve. The first step is to line the inside of the peg box with similar-sized material. After lining it, place plastic wrap inside and cast the piece. Allow it to dry for a full day.
4. Fit the Spiral Bushings: While the interior sleeve is drying, fit spiral bushings into the peg holes. These reinforce the peg holes and help prevent future cracks.
5. Trim the Spiral Bushings: The following day, trim off the excess bushing material. Apply masking or painter's tape to the outside of the peg box to protect the scroll while using a gouge to trim the bushing down to the tape's thickness. After removing the tape, carefully thin the remaining spiral bushing to the desired size.
6. Cut the Cast Piece: Once the cast piece has fully dried, cut it in half using a bandsaw. This will create the inner sleeve components for the peg box.
7. Make a Fiber Template: Create a template for the fiber that will line the interior of the peg box. This fiber will serve as a durable reinforcement layer.
8. Bend the Fiber: Using wedges and clamps, bend the fiber into the proper shape. Allow it to dry for a full day to hold the new shape.
9. Prepare for Gluing: After drying, trim the fiber as needed. It’s now ready to be glued into the peg box.
10. Glue the Fiber Sleeve: Use wedges and clamps to glue the formed fiber piece securely into the peg box. Ensure it's fully seated for maximum support.
11. Cut the Peg Hole: Once the glue has set, cut out the peg hole. In most cases, you would adjust the original peg to fit the new hole size. However, in this case, since the pegs were mechanical, I adjusted the hole to fit the existing peg.
12. Varnish Touch-Up: Finally, apply a light varnish touch-up to any areas where the varnish chipped off during the break. This helps blend the repair with the original finish and restores the scroll’s appearance.

IMG 20220717 160909 792 IMG 20220717 160909 792	IMG 20220717 164224 594 IMG 20220717 164224 594	IMG 20220718 094050 945 IMG 20220718 094050 945
IMG 20220718 094100 808 IMG 20220718 094100 808	IMG 20220719 090208 345 IMG 20220719 090208 345	IMG 20220719 091123 655 IMG 20220719 091123 655
IMG 20220719 092424 313 IMG 20220719 092424 313	IMG 20220719 130545 528 IMG 20220719 130545 528	IMG 20220719 165830 830 IMG 20220719 165830 830
IMG 20220720 093924 047 IMG 20220720 093924 047	IMG 20220721 124333 832 IMG 20220721 124333 832	IMG 20220721 140702 967 IMG 20220721 140702 967
IMG 20220721 142259 255 IMG 20220721 142259 255	IMG 20220722 123138 941 IMG 20220722 123138 941	IMG 20220722 123212 060 IMG 20220722 123212 060
IMG 20220722 172942 903 IMG 20220722 172942 903	IMG 20220723 132832 605a IMG 20220723 132832 605a	IMG 20220723 132845 932 IMG 20220723 132845 932
IMG 20220910 145312 160 IMG 20220910 145312 160	IMG 20220910 153632 434 IMG 20220910 153632 434	IMG 20220910 153641 262 IMG 20220910 153641 262
IMG 20220910 153651 512 IMG 20220910 153651 512	IMG 20220910 162023 939 IMG 20220910 162023 939	IMG 20220910 162035 747 IMG 20220910 162035 747
	IMG 20220910 162045 767 IMG 20220910 162045 767

This scroll had been previously repaired by another shop, where they glued it and added several wooden pins around the peg holes. When the customer brought it to me, the cracks had reopened, though the scroll was not completely separated. The prior repair made the fix more challenging, but I was able to work glue into the cracks while keeping the existing wooden pins intact. To further reinforce the structure, I installed a spiral bushing for the A peg. Unfortunately, I don’t have the remaining photos of the process, but the repair was successful, and the scroll is now securely glued and structurally strong.

IMG 20220816 100126 066 IMG 20220816 100126 066

IMG 20220816 121749 157 IMG 20220816 121749 157

Repairing a Badly Broken Violin Scroll

This violin scroll had multiple cracks that needed to be repaired individually for proper alignment and strength. Below is the step-by-step process I used to restore it:

1. Glue the First Two Cracks: I started by gluing and securing two of the cracks to ensure a solid foundation.
2. Glue the Third Crack Separately: The third crack did not align properly, so it needed to be glued and clamped separately.
3. Determine Pressure Application: Since I could manually pull the crack together, I needed to find a way to apply consistent pressure in the same direction.
4. Use a Rubber Band and Cello Bridge: I used a rubber band combined with a cello bridge as a fulcrum to create controlled pressure, which worked effectively.
5. Align and Clamp: At the same time, I sandwiched the scroll to ensure the crack aligned properly in both directions.
6. Install Spiral Bushings: Once the cracks were secure, I fitted two spiral bushings to reinforce the peg holes.
7. Varnish Touch-Up: I applied a light varnish touch-up to blend the repair with the original finish.
8. Fit the Pegs: Finally, I adjusted the pegs to fit properly within the newly installed spiral bushings.

Note: This repair was completed before I developed the Scollard Inner Sleeve Method. If I were to repair this scroll today, I would use that technique to provide additional structural reinforcement. 

IMG 20220215 112118 414 IMG 20220215 112118 414	IMG 20220217 145431 847 IMG 20220217 145431 847	IMG 20220218 135114 231 IMG 20220218 135114 231
IMG 20220221 112402 801 IMG 20220221 112402 801	IMG 20220228 105446 101 IMG 20220228 105446 101	IMG 20220314 124511 699 IMG 20220314 124511 699
IMG 20220314 124529 518 IMG 20220314 124529 518	IMG 20220314 124538 259 IMG 20220314 124538 259	IMG 20220315 094417 270 IMG 20220315 094417 270

Another broken scroll.

IMG 20210708 145922 063 IMG 20210708 145922 063	IMG 20210708 145933 923 IMG 20210708 145933 923	IMG 20210825 093814 778 IMG 20210825 093814 778
IMG 20210920 114616 534 IMG 20210920 114616 534

Saving a cheap violin scroll.

IMG 20210911 103057 486 IMG 20210911 103057 486	IMG 20210912 125547 203 IMG 20210912 125547 203	IMG 20210912 125556 983 IMG 20210912 125556 983
IMG 20210913 084418 213 IMG 20210913 084418 213	IMG 20210916 091011 656 IMG 20210916 091011 656	IMG 20210916 091025 436 IMG 20210916 091025 436
IMG 20210916 091038 485 IMG 20210916 091038 485		IMG 20210916 093841 612 IMG 20210916 093841 612

Here is another broken scroll. The trick to getting a scroll break to kine up is by using the correct clampling angle.

Before shot from text goes here.	IMG 20200623 111424 0 IMG 20200623 111424 0	IMG 20200627 154005 5 IMG 20200627 154005 5
IMG 20200627 154058 6 IMG 20200627 154058 6	IMG 20200627 154214 4 IMG 20200627 154214 4	IMG 20200627 165447 3 IMG 20200627 165447 3
IMG 20200701 111514 9 IMG 20200701 111514 9	IMG 20200704 162321 0 IMG 20200704 162321 0	IMG 20200704 162758 5 IMG 20200704 162758 5

Although this is a really cheap student violin, they wanted it repaired and even so I still try to do my best work. This is an example of using braces and rubber bands to glue it together.

IMG 20221003 125701 034 IMG 20221003 125701 034	IMG 20221019 093709 957 IMG 20221019 093709 957	IMG 20221019 095450 784 IMG 20221019 095450 784
IMG 20221019 162422 666 IMG 20221019 162422 666	IMG 20221020 141750 145 IMG 20221020 141750 145	IMG 20221021 142001 242 IMG 20221021 142001 242
IMG 20221025 112632 356 IMG 20221025 112632 356	IMG 20221025 112645 033 IMG 20221025 112645 033	IMG 20221025 112658 620 IMG 20221025 112658 620

This is a shot of a scroll that was broken once before and repaired by another shop. Then it broke again in a slightly different spot and was basically totally sheered off. These are the bofore photos, but I can't seem to locate the after photo, but it's nearly invisiable.

Scroll sheered 20140508 181224 Scroll-sheered 20140508 181224

scroll sheered 20140508 181309 scroll-sheered 20140508 181309

Here is another scroll that was broken, this type of break is more typical. If it goes through one of two peg holes they need to be bushed with a spiral bushing. The bushing keeps the peg from expanding the peg hole and opening the crack.

broken scroll 20140528 120403 broken-scroll 20140528 120403

broken scroll 20140606 154046 broken-scroll 20140606 154046

A cello scroll that was broken through the "D" peg hole.

cello scroll IMG 20150310 143221 cello-scroll-IMG 20150310 143221

cello scroll IMG 20150314 144458 cello-scroll-IMG 20150314 144458

Another broken violin scroll.

IMG 20170513 161542 IMG 20170513 161542	IMG 20170513 161634 IMG 20170513 161634	IMG 20170513 161734 IMG 20170513 161734
IMG 20170513 161852 IMG 20170513 161852	IMG 20170513 163650 IMG 20170513 163650	IMG 20170513 172851 IMG 20170513 172851
IMG 20170513 172919 IMG 20170513 172919

This is a crack in the scroll that did not go all the way through, but it needed a lot of clamping pressure to get it completely closed.

IMG 20170606 104351 IMG 20170606 104351

Another scroll broken through the A and D peg.

IMG 20170830 114244 IMG 20170830 114244	IMG 20171006 153313 IMG 20171006 153313	IMG 20171006 153327 IMG 20171006 153327
IMG 20171006 153340 IMG 20171006 153340

A violin scroll that's broken just where the neck starts, it's a very short break so I needed to put in two stainless steel pins under the nut.

IMG 20171012 144350 IMG 20171012 144350	IMG 20171012 144356 IMG 20171012 144356	IMG 20171012 144409 IMG 20171012 144409
IMG 20171012 144424 IMG 20171012 144424	IMG 20171012 144434 IMG 20171012 144434	IMG 20171012 144448 IMG 20171012 144448

Here is a violin that has a bad crack running through most of the scroll. It had custom made brass plates that were screwed onto the sides. The crack was completely open and only the plates were holding it together.

IMG 20171101 095631 IMG 20171101 095631	IMG 20171102 151021 IMG 20171102 151021	IMG 20171102 151030 IMG 20171102 151030
IMG 20171102 151041 IMG 20171102 151041	IMG 20171102 163811 IMG 20171102 163811	IMG 20171102 163840 IMG 20171102 163840
IMG 20171206 102651 IMG 20171206 102651	IMG 20171206 102659 IMG 20171206 102659	IMG 20171206 102735 IMG 20171206 102735
IMG 20171206 102820 IMG 20171206 102820

IMG 20180329 162013 IMG 20180329 162013	IMG 20180329 162139 IMG 20180329 162139	IMG 20180329 165101 IMG 20180329 165101
IMG 20180329 165251 IMG 20180329 165251	IMG 20180329 170029 IMG 20180329 170029	IMG 20180403 120426 IMG 20180403 120426
IMG 20180414 150949 IMG 20180414 150949	IMG 20180414 151000 IMG 20180414 151000	IMG 20180414 151016 IMG 20180414 151016
IMG 20180519 165445 IMG 20180519 165445	IMG 20180519 165517 IMG 20180519 165517	IMG 20180519 165531 IMG 20180519 165531

 Here is another scroll where it was only broken through one side of  the "A" peg hole. I also neded to bush the peg holes because the pegs were going every which way.

IMG 20230725 154946 786 IMG 20230725 154946 786	IMG 20230725 155002 476 IMG 20230725 155002 476	IMG 20230725 162655 508 IMG 20230725 162655 508
IMG 20230725 162727 166 IMG 20230725 162727 166	IMG 20230911 105507 420 IMG 20230911 105507 420	IMG 20230911 112018 526 IMG 20230911 112018 526
IMG 20230916 141535 026 IMG 20230916 141535 026	IMG 20230916 141943 217 IMG 20230916 141943 217	IMG 20230916 142003 872 IMG 20230916 142003 872
IMG 20230916 142015 169 IMG 20230916 142015 169