Linings

Thin strips of wood are glued to the inside of the ribs along the top and bottom edges to provide a larger gluing surface for attaching the belly and back. Italian master violinmakers commonly used willow or spruce wood; Stainer normally used walnut linings. The choice of material and the shape of the linings may in some cases help with the stylistic classification of instruments.

Violin, Antonio Stradivari, 1694, "ex Benecke". Interior view.