The first step to repairing the crack is to glue the top flat to the sides. After all hardware is removed hide glue is flowed between the top and the side. Excess glue is removed and then the top is taped tight to the side. The tape seems to work well in place of a clamp system. After drying the tape is removed and residue cleaned. The top is nice and flat.
Next step is to shave some splints out of spruce that can be glued into the crack. Some acoustic guitar soundhold custouts are used and a razor is used to shave the splints. The right size length and thickness splint is selected for a tight fit, hide glue applied to the crack and the splints are inserted. The residue is removed and left to dry. Once dry a razor is used to shave the splint flat to the top. Tape is used on either side of the splint to protect the top. A great repair. Now the splint needs to the aged with tinted Violin varnish. Again tape is used on either side of the splint to protect the top. After the color, it is necessary to reduce the sheen of the varnish so very high grits sanding pads are used on the varnished split, tape used to protect the top.
