As all of my wood is back in London, I had to order a new set of top wood from Howard Core. They are a very good supplier for all things violin here in the States. They are a good source for players as well as makers. They have a very good supply of Tyrolean [...]
With the disappointment of the first try behind me, I proceeded to try again with the wood Towner provided me. As before, I joined the two pieces, cut the outline and started removing the waste wood. That is when another void appeared!!! Just when I was at my most frustrated, my friend Joey stopped by [...]
The next step in the process is to make the top plate for the violin. After the two halves of the top are joined, we use the rib assembly to establish the outline of the violin. I trace around the rib assembly with a washer that offsets the outline by about 3 mm. I then [...]
I am starting a new violin, “The Terry”. This is commission from Terry Chang. Terry is a lovely young violinist for whom I made a bow for some years ago. She recently re-connected with me through my web page and commissioned a Strad model violin. My new studio is complete on Lummi Island so I [...]
After gluing in the neck, we can finish off shaping the neck, heel and button. We then do the set-up, which involves making and installing the saddle, reaming the holes for the pegs and the button, cutting a sound post and bridge and finally stringing it up. I never ceased to be amazed at how [...]
With all of the pieces made and the body assembled, it is time to make a neck for “The Edward”. The first step it to plane the neck block so that the width is 42 mm and the two sides are perfectly perpendicular to the face. Then using our template we layout the neck on [...]
The making of the top goes generally along the same lines as the back. We join the two pieces of spruce and trace the outline from the rib assembly. The outline is cut, shaped and a purfling platform is established. The purfling channel is then cut, the purfling installed and the outside arching shape is [...]
We are now ready the make the back for “The Edward”. We start off by joining the two pieces. The rib assembly is clamped to the joined pieces and the outline is traced with a 2.5mm offset. The back is then cut out just proud of this line. Next, we establish the purfling platform, trim [...]
I am starting a new violin, “The Edward”. This is commission from Ed Lawrence (former Principal Violist with the Houston Ballet and Opera Orchestra). Ed has chosen a Strad model and picked out the wood to use from my stores (notice the beautiful flame in the maple for the ribs and back). We will start [...]
A couple of years ago, I made an Andrea Guarneri model viola for Ed Lawrence. Ed used to be the Principal Violist with the Houston Ballet and Opera Orchestra. He now has a thriving teaching business in Houston. Ed was kind enough to let me record him playing a brief clip. Click below to see [...]