A. C. Kleven (1855-1909), this fiddle undated Although this fiddle is comparatively undecorated, it is beautifully made. The string hooks on the tailpiece were very long, so long that the wrapping of modern strings would rest on the bridge.  Rather than just shortening the hooks, I removed them entirely, and cut modern string holes in the tailpiece.   I considered this permissible since the tailpiece was so plain; I would never do this to a highly decorated tailpiece. The fiddle has tiny hooks just over the end button, indicating that it was built to use "full-length" understrings (see photo).  In order that the tailpiece not rest on the understrings, I strung the playing strings downwards through the string holes, and made a fine-tuner that holds the E-string low.   All nine peg holes were bushed.  The original rosewood pegs were fitted to the new holes. New bridge and soundpost.

Pegs holes bushed, old pegs fitted to the new holes.   Understring guide added.

"Full-length" understrings. Note the tiny movable "bridge" resting on the underside of the tailpiece, for tuning the back lengths of the understrings.

The playing strings are inserted downwards through the string holes, and the special fine-tuner holds the E-string low.  All this to keep the tailpiece high, off the understrings. The fine-tuner looks clumsy, but it is no heavier than commercial tuners; the biggest piece is aluminum.