Official Luthiers Forum!

Clinton when I started I cut the whole channel by hand. Now I have a jig for the Foredom tool that I use to cut most of the channel but the corners still have to be done by hand.
You can see from this that the corners are very tight!

Barry this is really impressive and very timely stuff, as you may remember I've carved the neck on my first violin, for my wife, she played with the LSO for many years, and I've nearly finished carving the top. Your info on fitting the bass bar came at just the right time. I can recommend making a violin, very therapeutic.

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

This is stunning stuff. Really, really beautiful.

I have been asked to make a violin for a grade 9 violinist, and I am balking a little, due to lack of experience for such an accomplished musician.. Perhaps one day...

Colin, can you post photographs of the violin when it is completed, please?

Sam, I assume there is a difference between a grade 9 violinist and a 9th grade violinist, at least in most cases!

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Colin if there is anything I can do to help you with your wife's violin let me know.

Absolutely fantasticaly fabulous!!!
So that's how a violin neck is attached....No M & T, just butt joint and I assume the button does most of the holding power when its strung up to pitch?
Beautiful Barry, Just Beautiful!

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"After forty-nine years of violin building, I have decided that the search for a varnish is similar to the fox hunt. The fun is in the hunt."
Jack Batts Maker and Repairer of Fine Violins

That is incredible work Barry! My son (only 7 years old right now) has been laying violin for about a year and half now and really enjoys it. So I will soon be starting one for him as well. Your post here will be VERY useful! I too love that Bubinga! and laminated neck. COOL!

Shane

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Canada

Thanks Barry, don't worry I'll have plenty of questions for you, I'm fairly relaxed about it, but the soundpost installation is a bit daunting. But I never pass up expertise when available.

My biggest problem is fitting the work in with my other projects, but I'm finding it is good as procrastination for an original Venere lute I've got to restore!

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

I got the 1st coat of varnish on yesterday. Here are some photos with one coat of varnish. Also the scroll shot is a creative way to fix a major screw up. I whacked the completed scroll and knocked a chunk out of it. The fix was the customers suggestion.

Very nice customer! Clever too. It looks great. I love these violin threads.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

More progress! It has the final coat of varnish on it now. I will rub it out in a week or so.

Looks very nice Barry. What varnish are you using? Brush or spray?

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Laurent Brondel
West Paris, Maine - USA
http://www.laurentbrondel.com/

This is oil varnish that is brushed on. Only factory violins have sprayed finishes. Much different that fine guitars.
The varnish is a mastic,resin varnish made by Joe Robson. Excellent quality and really expensive.
He makes his varnish the old Cremonese way and carefully cooks it. 2 ozs. are $85.00!!!
It's a violin thing! There is a certain texture and clarity that only varnish made this way produces.
Once I get it rubbed out I will post some photos of the completed violin.