A very old piece of spruce is carefully chosen to match the grain of Stradivari's original top. This is crucial to maintaining the fine sound of the instrument.
The clamps are used with light pressure, only to hold the patches in place as the glue sets. The fit cannot be improved by tight clamping - this would only force all the glue out of the joint and will also show pressure marks on the outside, damaging the appearance of this work of art permanently.
The patch in the lower bouts is replaced first, then the breast patch between the ff-holes is carefully removed and replaced.
The same piece of wood is used to make both patches to achieve the best possible match for the top.
