Recently, I acquired a 1926 embergher orchestra model no. 1. I am beginning to look at the restoration of this humble instrument. I had a reputable luthier look at it to confirm my thoughts about what course(s) of action are possible and necessary. It needs a new fretboard as the original one has been worked on and much of it has been subtracted in the process. The ribs have some separation and the soundboard is in danger of collapse. The soundboard is buckling near the neck and the braces are failing where the bridge sits. Those are the structural issues. My main question is regarding replacement of the soundboard. Should I go with a new spruce top or have the old top flattenned and reinforced? I am torn between my concerns as a conservator of the hand of the original maker and my desire to have a great and long lasting relationship with what could be a mighty machine with some improvements available to modern day luthiers.
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