Part 2


  • 15 hours of teaching, professionally filmed and edited to approximately 6 hours
  • 10 chapters of in-depth explanation and demonstration of how to fit, glue and shape the violin neck after the neck has been grafted and complete the staining and retouching process
  • Each of the 25 lectures/videos has a comment section where you can ask questions and start a conversation with myself and other users
  • Life time access to all 10 videos on Teachable as well as downloadable PDF files of measurements, templates and a materials and tools list
  • The equivalent of a 1-week course of in-person teaching at less than half the price
  • English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese subtitles available
  • Upon completion of the course you will be issued with a certificate



Part 2

Includes the following chapters/videos

1.   Introduction and preparation of the top block mortice

2.   Fitting and gluing the neck

3.   Shaping the neck and application of filler varnish onto the peg bushings

4.   Staining the neck

5.   Retouch overview, application of clear varnish, scraping of the filler varnish on the peg bushings and retouching of the peg bushings

6.   Application and scraping down of filler varnish along the joints

7.   Retouching of the neck graft area

8.   Retouching of the neck heel area

9.   Applying patina, oiling the neck and finishing the nut and fingerboard

10. Explanation of the positioning of the peg holes and conclusion

Included in this course are downloadable PDF files of neck graft measurements, templates and a materials and tools list

This Course has the optional extra of English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese subtitles and may have other language subtitles added in the future depending on demand


Neck Shape Completed


After preparing the mortice, as well as fitting and gluing the neck, the neck shaping is completed at the end of chapter 3.

Neck Stained and Sealed


By the end of chapter 6, the new wood has been stained and the neck graft and heel area sealed and ready for the retouch.

The Finished Graft


This photo shows the finished neck graft documented throughout this Online Neck Graft Course.

Apart from drilling out the peg-holes and fitting the pegs, every single step from plugging the mortice to completing the retouch is explained and demonstrated in Part 2.

Pricing inclusive of VAT


There is no VAT charged for businesses outside the EU and business entities from European contries other than the UK with a valid VAT ID. Please enter your VAT ID on the checkout page. The price exclusive of VAT is £390.00.

A Glimpse into Part 2


“This online course offers a detailed presentation of how to fit a new violin neck from choosing the wood through to the final retouching. A task that would normally take thirty hours has been compressed into 12 hours of tuition, divided in two halves. These are subdivided into 25 chapters that break down the various operations into manageable stages, all expertly demonstrated at the bench with thorough and detailed explanations supported with clear subtitles throughout as an optional extra. The course offers a unique insight into the workshop practices of a skilled restorer and internationally respected teacher with over 25 years of experience. Neck grafts can be complicated, time consuming and not always well executed, I recommend this course to anyone wishing to learn this important and frequently required repair.”


Andrew Fairfax

Fairfax Violins



“It is a true privilege to be able to observe and learn how to properly perform a violin neck graft and varnish retouching, which are considered to be some of the most extensive and demanding restoration techniques, with Iris Carr as my online lecturer. Iris herself has taught at the BVMA and Oberlin restoration courses for the past decade and is widely regarded to be one of the best violin restorers and teachers in the world. Being able to learn the know-how, at my own bench, at my own pace, and still have the possibility to ask for advice from the instructor, really makes learning these advance restoration techniques possible and enjoyable. Thank you for creating this wonderful online course.”


Allen Liang

1st year violin making/restoration student



“Iris Carr’s course on the topic of neck grafts is extremely thorough, and accessible to less experienced and seasoned luthiers alike. Every step of the process is discussed in depth and demonstrated, in a video production of impressive quality. A rare opportunity to learn and gain insight from the best.”


Eliane Leblanc

Eliane Leblanc Fine Violins



Terms & Conditions


Iris Carr Restorations Ltd is not liable for any personal injury, loss or damage caused by the use of tools or chemicals demonstrated on any course, nor for loss or damage done to any instrument by following the instructions in the videos.

The chapters/videos are protected by Copyright. They are not downloadable and can only be viewed on Teachable. Copying, and/or distributing any content of this course or sharing of log-in details are not permitted and multiple sharing of log-in details will be detected by this site.

Once a course has been purchased, there will be no refund given.

For more details please see Terms of Use.