Assembling the violin is a gratifying and inspiring stage to reach. All the separate parts coming together for the next five hundred years or so!
To ensure that the violin remains on a horizontal plane I glue the back onto the rib structure with the mould still in place. Once dry I use a blunt knife to loosen the blocks and can then remove the mould.
To ensure that the violin remains on a horizontal plane I glue the back onto the rib structure with the mould still in place. Once dry I use a blunt knife to loosen the blocks and can then remove the mould.
I now begin the interior work which includes shaping the inner blocks to remove as much excess wood as possible and to trim down the linings. I uses gouges and knives for these two jobs.
Once done and all the excess glue is removed the label is glued in.
For the Quartet of Peace instruments I have a slightly modified label which includes a symbolic peace dove ... hopefully this symbol will ensure that these instruments are used with that in mind at all future concerts!
The dove was drawn by my dear friend Virginija who lives in Lithuania! During one of our evening chats I thought it would be a wonderful idea for her to use her creative talents and suggested that she designs a label ... well a few weeks later I was emailed three distinct labels but the one with the peace dove and gold border caught my eye!
For the Quartet of Peace instruments I have a slightly modified label which includes a symbolic peace dove ... hopefully this symbol will ensure that these instruments are used with that in mind at all future concerts!
The dove was drawn by my dear friend Virginija who lives in Lithuania! During one of our evening chats I thought it would be a wonderful idea for her to use her creative talents and suggested that she designs a label ... well a few weeks later I was emailed three distinct labels but the one with the peace dove and gold border caught my eye!
Once the label is glued in I apply a sealer coat to the inside of the violin. When it comes to anything related to sealers and varnishes violin makers tend have their own ideas - each of us trying to be a 17th century alchemist!
I seal the inside of my violins with a mixture of Strasbourg turpentine and sun thickened linseed oil. This is done by rubbing it into the wood and then wiping it off almost immediately. It does not penetrate very deeply as it is extremely thick. This sealer allows the wood a chance to breathe but slows down the rate of humidity flowing in or out of the violin, hence the instrument being less prone to sudden changes in tone associated with fluctuating humidity levels.
The front is then glued on and one begins shaping the edges. For this I use a file followed by fine sandpaper always trying to make sure that the edges remain reasonably crisp. The sandpaper is folded many times to make a stiff 'board' so as too remove mainly the high spots and keep the edges flowing with tension.
The video below is best viewed in HD and full screen. For email subscribers the video can be viewed by clicking here: Assembling the violin ...
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