How do I split a String and keep the delimiters?

Is it worth repairing antique violin (125 + yrs). Label inside, can't read maker.?

• Violin is well over 125 years old - probably came with my great grandfather from Norway...it is stored in the original wooden case with small red felt blanket. Other than the fact that it may be really dried out, or brittle, from not being stored properly over the last 90 + years or more, I can't find any splits or cracks in the actual violin itself. Floating bridge is in a small leather hinged section within the case, (the top of the case itself is split and a small section of wood is missing;, the banding surrounding the top is also cracked) - one hinge on back of case looks like it was replaced - may have been before my 92 yr old mother was even born! Only one string is left and still strung on the actual violin itself. Also missing one of the metal string connectors on the violin. Case also contains the original bow he used, many strings are broken on it, as well. Need recommendation of well respected violin restorer in the Boston/or Providence areas of New England. Is this expensive? Should I even go ahead with this at all, or does anyone have some guidelines as to what I should do next....what might an antique violin be worth, if we aren't sure of the maker (label is inside, as previously mentioned, but we aren't able to read it)? Not sure how to proceed from here...not sure if I want to keep it or sell it. Help!!!!!

• Answer:

  You need to take it to a violin repair person that can both evaluate and repair it for you. It could cost as little as a $150 or a thousand to repair. An untrained eye may not see that the neck might be loose or too low of an angle to work. The hair on the bow obviously needs to be replaced. The case in most likely not worth repairing, if the violin is worth fixing, it needs a better case. The violin could be worth next to nothing or many thousands of dollars. Look in the phone book for violin shops or makers that do restorations. One that I went to school with is Marilyn Wallin in Concord Mass. http://www.violamaker.net/ She is a professional violin maker and restorer. She might be too expensive, depending on the instruments value. Here are some addition makers in Mass. Amherst - Emily's Violin Co Amherst - Stacey Styles Amherst - Stamell Stringed Instruments Amherst - Sweet Belchertown - Emily's Violin Supply Co Boston - Christopher White Boston - David Polstein Violin Maker Boston - Kevin Kelly Boston - Marco Coppiardi Boston - New England Violins Paul Dulude Boston - Paul Crowley Boston - Paul Wiessmeyer Violins Boston - Reuning and Son Violins Boston - Rutman's Violins Boston - St Botolph Violins Boston - Thomas Dignan Bowmaker Cambridge - Italiastrings Carver - Fiddle Shed Concord - Shannon Strings Falmouth - Swanson Violins Great Barrington - Francis Morris Violins Inc maynard - spencer brook strings Needham - Horst L. Kloss Newton Centre - Johnson String Instrument Northampton - Sweet Music International Quincy - The E String South Hadley - Emily's Violins South Hadley - Fiddle World South Hadley - One Stop Bow Shop