Nelle's Notebook
Antonio Stradivari (Tony, for short),
my apprentice. So far he's only
really good at spreading sawdust and
wood chips around the house!
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Violin, 'Daniel', Assembled May 10, 2010
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This is perhaps the most exciting stage in the creation of a new instrument . . .
the pegs are fitted . . . the bridge carved . . .
the violin is strung up and ready for its first playing . . . in the ‘white’. It’s also a little scary . . .
what will it sound like??
In this particular case, I’m delighted . . . (and a little bit relieved!) . . .
the tone is big, mellow and even over all four strings! Next comes the varnishing . . .
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| . . . after 3 coats of clear varnish
the frist coat of 'red madder' is applied . . . |
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Go here to see the completed 'Daniel' | |
Creating a new mold
The mold for my favorite violin pattern, the "Kreisler del Gesu" has served me well over the years . . .
but now is showing signs of old age . . . so it's time for a new one . . . |
I'm building a viola for a very special person, my
grandniece, Maggie . . . a high school junior and talented young musician!
Here I'm removing the ribs from the mold . . .
Cutting out and carving the scroll . . .
for her new viola . .
August 30, 2010
. . . the nearly completed scroll and neck with
fingerboard tacked on . . .
September 2, 2010
Fitting the neck into body mortise . . .
September 4, 2010
'Maggie' assembled!
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Once the pattern is complete it's ready for the next step . . .
. . . drilling holes to facilitate clamping the ribs . . .
. . . and the blocks, to which the ribs will be attached are then glued on.
