Is my violin ruined?

Question

Ok, I think my dad ruined my violin. Because of the humidity, my pegs were stuck and wouldn't move...i said to put it in an air conditioned room, but dad thought it was better to stick it in the fridge overnight and slather the peg box with finishing wax. I told him it was a terrible idea, but he said that wax does no harm and he did it anyway. When he took it out this morning, the pegs moved well but he broke a D string (moving the pegs himself and refusing to ask me how) and the bridge fell out. To make matters worse, the pegbox is covered in wax residue. My dad is adamant that he can fix it himself and he thinks the violin is completely fine. I really don't think so....any advice?

Answer 1

Doesn't sound like it's fine.  The wax will come off, most of it anyway.  The string can be replaced and the bridge can be reset, but take it to your teacher or the local shop so they can do it for you - it's tricky to get right and the violin sounds pretty bad if it's not set correctly.  And keep it away from your dad in the future.