Lian Wang
Imagine falling back through time to 17th-century Europe. Music was defined by classical pieces, often played on instruments such as the lute or harpsichord. These instruments, though once popular and played by musicians and composers all over the world, are now mostly artifacts of a past time. But to some, like assistant principal Andrew Hartig, old instruments are too valuable to be lost to time. In his spare time, Hartig enjoys restoring and bringing these items back to their former glory.
Originally a string musician proficient with the lute, lyre, mandore, guitar and more, Hartig ended up spending a lot on purchasing instruments, which led to him deciding to build and later repair them for others. Through this, his interest in antique instrument restoration started.
Hartig’s first restoration was an antique guitar around four years ago, which held sentimental value as it was his introduction to vintage instruments.
“What was really cool about [the instrument] was just the age of it [and] the materials,” Hartig said. “[There was] a lot of mother of pearl and ivory and actual tortoise shell. A lot of those materials [we] can’t work with anymore because of endangered animals and protection. But the ability to be able to handle that and to just see that up close has been really cool.”
Additionally, he works with uniquely crafted items.
“I’m working on a guitar right now that’s probably from the late 19th century,” Hartig said. “It’s a Russian guitar with seven strings. … It’s just such a different construction from so many modern guitars. One of the neat features about it is [that] the neck is completely removable, which is unusual for an acoustic instrument.”
There is also sentimental value associated with these instruments that have lasted for so many years and still function today.
“There’s something to be said about playing on an instrument that’s over a few hundred years old,” said Director of Bands Kevin Gallagher. “Imagine the story that that instrument could tell. … Who knows where it’s been played? … One of the instruments Mr. Hartig repaired was originally an Italian instrument … [it] has traveled all over Europe, I’m sure. It’s a story in itself, just having that older instrument.”
The difficulty and time needed to repair an instrument differs based on the type of item and the condition it is in.
“[The process] really depends on whether you are trying to conserve the instrument in its exact state or if you’re trying to bring it back to a state where it can be played,” Hartig said. “My own interest is in bringing instruments back to life—keeping them out of museums and keeping them in the hands of players.”
The process is dependent on evidence of the instrument’s original structure.
“[I do] a lot of documentation; [take] a lot of photographs, [make] a lot of notes, [look] very closely at what the original builder may have been intending,” Hartig said. “Sometimes one can even find old pencil lines that marked out where things were supposed to go. Then, it’s a very, very slow process of carefully undoing things, cleaning them and re-gluing them, or if necessary, replacing parts that are broken and cannot be re-glued.”
Since it’s difficult to predict how long an instrument’s restoration process will take, Hartig typically saves the hobby for summer break.
“Depending on the condition, it could take 50 or 60 hours to repair and restore,” Hartig said. “A lot of it just depends on what needs to be done.”
Hartig’s abilities connect musicians with the past by making what could have been a lost instrument playable once more.
