Hierarchical Phase-contrast microtomographic imaging of old violins, dry run and real experiment to scan the "Cannone" Paganini's violin bef

The ESRF has been asked to help for the preparation of the restoration of the old violin called the "Cannone" that was played by Paganini in the late 18th century. This invaluable violin needs to be repaired, but due to the extent of degradations, and considering that it is still played regularly, a very detailed assessment of its present state is required. BM18 with its hierarchical propagation phase contrast microtomography capabilities with low dose setup is currently the best location in the world to conduct this study. Nevertheless, considering the importance of this violin, a dry run with another less valuable violin, as well as a modern copy of the Cannone is required to test all the protocols, including the control of the humidity and dosimetry. This proposal hence covers both the dry run on the two test violins and the real experiment. It is performed on directors contingency beamtime.