This rare instrument is the brainchild of Georges Jenny. Approximately 1200 were built but survivors have dwindled, finding one is difficult. Enter the musician Wally De Backer, aka, Gotye who’d been looking for one. The example he found was almost a total wreck so full restoration was in order. Going through the photos, you’ll get a condensed version of the work. While I did the case work and finishing, the electronic genius Stephen Masucci worked his magic to make it sing again. It’s fun to be part of a team like this!
This photo makes it look far better than it was. The bottom quarter of the case was immersed in water which is often the death knell for wood and electronics. Clearly our work was cut out for us. Once Stephen disassembled everything it came to me. Being underwater caused the plywood core and walnut veneer to begin delaminating as well as putting the floor into the early stages of rot. Consolidation of the rot became the first critical step. Next the external parts; the handles, hinges and small light indicator were removed, photographed and numbered so they could be properly put back in place. Planning your work is as important as the execution so once that was in place it was time to dive in.
Much of the case was delaminating due to submersion, so solidifying it began with the interior. This alone was multiple steps. Finally, the face repairs began. Luckily all the walnut veneer was still there so no patching was needed. Before any glue gets applied a dry run with the clamp set up is done to ensure success. This was repeated numerous times until structurally sound. Once all the clamps were off it was time to think about finishing. Now the fun begins!
I’ll do everything possible to save an existing finish, but this was too far gone for consideration. A combination of light scraping, and sanding nicely refined the surface. Finally, preparations were complete! The finish began with a ground color of golden red\brown water dye. This is the first step in the color process and creates the inner light with which we build the finish. Still, lots of work ahead of us but it’s coming alive.
As stated at the beginning, this is a condensed view of the work. Here’s the case with its finish applied. There were numerous steps to this point including tinted sealers, pore filling, glazing and tinted topcoats all the while sanding, always sanding to flatten and refine the surface. A finish like this exhibits’ great depth and clarity. All you’ve seen so far is the case, there’s other parts including the keyboard surround, switch face and back door to the cabinet.
With all the components finished in a catalyzed lacquer it sat a while allowing the finish to complete shrinking and off gassing. Now it was time to “finish the finish”. To begin it was wet sanded to 2000 grit then buffed repeatedly with finer and finer compounds until it had a formal mirror polish. I’m very well aware this is not how it was done during production; this is definitely many steps above that. The decision was made early on to make it look its best! I’m glad we did.
Here it is ready for Wally De Backer’s first show with his Ondioline Orchestra in New York paying tribute to Jean- Jacques Perrey and his musical genius. Thanks to Wally this rare instrument is living again. He’s further enhanced its history by demonstrating its abilities to the music department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
For further information go to: ondioline.com.