The steps for continuing with the top are the same as for the back. The next step is to cut the purfling channel and install the purfling. Then using the gouge, we bring the arching down to the level of the purfling. Now, as for the back, we refine the arching using finger planes and [...]
With the back done, we turn our attention to the top. The steps are the same as for the back. First we glue the pieces together. Again a perfect joint is required. Next we use the ribs to layout the outline. We saw just outside the layout lines. Rough in the arching. Finish the outline [...]
With the thickness of the back carved to nominal values, it is time to tune the plate. We want the plate to vibrate freely but we also want it stiff enough to provide carrying power. These two goals are at cross purposes so we have an optimization problem. Using the work of Carleen Hutchins, I [...]
With the outside of the back done, we turn to removing wood from the inside and graduating the plate. The first step is to remove the bulk of the unnecessary wood. I use a gouge and take the entire inside down to a thickness of about 6mm. Next I layout the graduation pattern. Since this [...]
Now that the purfling is installed, we proceed to finish the outside arching of the back. The arching shape has a profound impact on the final tone of the instrument. Over the years I have settled on a particular arching shape for the Strad model that I find reliably produces an instrument with exceptional tone. [...]
Now that the aqueous phase of varnishing is complete, it is time to prepare the ground. The purpose of the ground is to provide a smooth base for the colored varnish and to prevent the varnish from penetrating the wood. The first step is to mix some pumice powder into some clear varnish. This is [...]
Now that the outline is established and the purfling platform is made, it is time to purfle the back. Purfling is one of the more demanding tasks in violin making. The purfling channel is cut by hand and must fit the purfling exactly all around the instrument. The purfling strips must be bent and cut [...]
Now that we have the back joined, we need to draw and cut the outline and establish a platform for the purfling. We draw the outline by clamping the rib assembly on the back and tracing the rib outline about 3mm proud. The outline is then cut out. Now, obviously we have an excessive amount [...]
The next step for “The David” is to make the back. We start with some quite nice Bosnian maple. We need to flatten the under side with a plane and then plane the edges which will be glued together. This joint needs to be perfectly flat along its entire length and square to the under-surface. [...]
The next step with the rib assembly is to install the linings. The linings provide additional strength to the ribs and also provide a larger gluing surface for the top and back. When completed the rib assembly will be quite flexible yet amazingly strong. To begin the process, I split pieces of straight-grained spruce and [...]