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Instructions using K&KS Sound post tools
Warning: Please note, some tools are sharp and should be used with caution
Basic tools needed: A - Cutting Block.B - Right angle Saw guide
C - Saw or saw blade,  30 TPI or more
E - VSP Master Gauge, PRO-2 or PRO-3
VSP-PRO-2plus Setter / Inserter
In addition we use: Masking tape, Scissors. ruler and marking pen.

     


1. Prepare Cutting Block. Apply masking tape to working edge of the cutting block. Draw straight line between marking spots (x-x) Place a mark on the line  approximately 1 inch from the center of the block.


2. Mount the Master gauge to Setter / Inserter tool. Make sure handle extension (bend if necessary) and gauge are perfectly in line. Do not use the Swivel cap at this time. Set the mounting gauge longer 1/8 to 1/4 inch over expected sound post length.



3. Place a small sticker near the bridge  at violin belly, to mark intended position of the sound post
4. Remove the bridge and insert the Master Gauge. First keep the master gauge close to violin middle (highest area), Make sure the Inserter is perfectly perpendicular to violin body. Slowly move the Gauge towards the intended Sound Post position. Using thin pencil place a mark at the back, near the bottom of the Master Gauge.

 


5. Place the Gauge on center line of the cutting block.
Align Saw Guide with existing mark. Place mark at the other end of the Gauge.
6. Attach swivel cap to the body of the Master Gauge. Swivel Cap at the body end generally produces more reliable results.
Mount the gauge in the inserting tool, with the swivel cap facing to the bottom.

7. Insert the Gauge inside the Sound Box. Make sure the extension arm at the Sound Post Setter is exactly vertical and pointing  to the top mark at he belly, and the bottom swivel is at the mark inside the bottom. Push down on the Inserter tool to set the Swivel Cap in contact with the inside back. Pull up on the inserter handle to make the gauge as short as possible, this will help withdrawal of the gauge without disturbing the Swivel Cap.Go to step 8.
9. Mound the master gauge with Swivel Cap pointing up. Use similar procedure to obtain contact angle under the belly of violin sound box.
 
8. Attach resolution plate, set close to length mark, trace 2 points across the plate. Use a ruler to draw a line crossing the center point and parallel to plate marks. At this stage also mark each end of masking tape T-op and B-ottom
Go to step 9.
10. Repeat procedure as in step 8, using angle setting obtained  from reading in step 9. Take care that the top angle direction trace is consistent with bottom reading.


 


11. Prepare sound post blank. Draw a line at one end consistent with wood grain. This will be the edge of the short end at the bottom of the sound post, thus facing the treble string side of the violin. Grain should be across (not parallel) to violin wood grain.
12. Secure the sound post blank in to cutting fixture. Note position of the mark. This should end up at the short side, bottom of the sound post.

 


13. Use Saw Guide bracket, align with bottom angle line, cut off excess using fine tooth saw. Repeat this to make a cut at the other end. Remove new sound post and sand the ends.
14. Install and set the new sound post

 


15. Do not remove the inserter tool at this stage. First reset the bridge in its proper place.


16. Tighten strings and withdraw the sound post setter
<DONE>

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