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I don't normally post progress stuff, unless it's relevent to another thread, but I thought Barry and some others may be interested in the progress of my first go at violin making.

I've got the neck, fingerboard and box finished, just got to fit the neck to the body. I've also got to make a tailpiece and pegs, I know they are easy to buy, but come on, that's not me is it?

The Boss is pleased with it so far, and she's not easily pleased believe me!

Those of you, particularly the hobby builders, that only make guitars I can thoroughly recommend having a go at a violin, I think they can become adddictive.






Colin

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

Looking superb Colin but I must say you are a brave man considering the scrutiny that it will have once strings go on it.

Bob

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Bob Connor
Geelong, Australia

Colin,

It's looking fabulous so far - your skill and patience as ever amaze me. You are definitely a "luthier".

Is this one going to be a "fiddle" or "violin" or both in terms of the music that will get played on it? Either way I'm sure that married harmony (I tried to type b l i s s but that stupid running emoticon appeared!!) will continue to smile on you both as even more beautiful music gets created.

Let's see which one of us gets to finish a hurdy-gurdy first - if it looks like you are winning I'll have to make mine a double necked one

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Dave White
De Faoite Stringed Instruments
". . . the one thing a machine just can't do is give you character and personalities and sometimes that comes with flaws, but it always comes with humanity" Monty Don talking about hand weaving, "Mastercrafts", Weaving, BBC March 2010

Dave, it's interesting, my last four instruments have been lute, steel string, classical, violin. On the go as well are an archlute, steel string and classical. I find the variety refreshing.

As to the hurdy gurdy, I'm still debating with myself which design to go for, but it and an Irish harp on on the next build schedule. I guess that you could combine them into a harp-hurdy-gurdy!

Colin

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

Progressing nicely Colin. I look forward to seeing the finish instrument sometime soon. Hopefully we'll hear a sound clip.

Looking great there, Colin! Why am I not surprised?

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

You amaze me,, This is your first? What finish are you thinking,FP on a violin? CLinton

I bet he puts Chunky Marmalade on it!

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Colin, very impressive!! Having build archtops - carving and graduating the plates doesn't frighten me. Carving the scroll on a violin does give me pause to attempt one. The scroll on yours looks perfect! Excellent job on the top purfling as well!

The boss will certainly be happy with this one!

BTW: Are you thinking of doing any funky inlay on the fretboard or staining it a bright cherry or deep blue? (kidding you on)

aw boo!!

I was gonna say that!!

lookin good Colin!!

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My soundclick xx luthier blog xx luthier soundclick

Anthony, carving the scroll was really enjoyable and not that tough, it's just a matter of cutting away all of the wood that doesn't look like a violin scroll.

Waddy, it will have a close relative of the chunky marmalade, I haven't been given it yet, but it is a horrendously expensive real amber oil varnish, apparently it takes three old hags with a big cauldron on some Scottish moor to make it from eye of newt and tongue of frog or some such, anyway it's one of those things that if you need to ask the price....

By the way, this is made from measurements taken from the Liotti.

Colin

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

I am with Anthony, Colin .. carving that scroll would scare the bejeezuz out of me (that looks awefully sweet .. ).. wouldnt a good ole slot head with Wav's do the trick ...

As for a finish .. check out the what's new page at http://www.12th fret.com, and see the dark burst on the thinline Eastman .. I can dig THAT ....

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

Beautiful Colin.For the record ,here in Nashville ,it`s always a fiddle. James W B

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

I cannot believe that is your first violin, Colin; I have been told from a violin builder near me that it's a completely different art to acoustic guitars!!

Mind you, the delicate rosettes you have carved and the lutes you have built belies the truth that the ability/build chops are already present.

Is this for your own use, or is this going to be for your wife?

Mercy, Colin, you never cease to amaze....
Beautiful work, and flawless miters.
Wow!

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Nice job Colin, are you putting a Baroque set up on it?

Good work carving the scroll, it is hard to see the edgework from the lighting in your photo, but is looks nicely done and subtle. The Scroll looks fine, ff;s real good.

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Ken

That is looking excellent Colin,

Let me pay you the highest of compliments, that's looking very Italian.

I'm just having some fun with you Colin. Seriously you have great building chops and no doubt that will be one excellent violin when you're all done.

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"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

Colin,
That is very impressive!

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

Colin that is very impressive.
Invisible joints in the seams, flawless mitres and purfling channels. Excellent! You are the best.

John

I was going to ask if you started with a kit, then saw who was posting. I know better than to ask you that question.

Looking great Colin.

I'm thinking of trying my hand at building a cello at some point.

Colin, my friend, you've been holding out on us. I didn't know you were making a violin. That will be one one sweet instrument. You are a really fine craftsman, and I hope you can post a clip of your wife playing that thing. Wonderful job!

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......

Incredibly impressive, Colin. Lutes, SS and Classical ...now a violin! Keep us posted and be sure to have the boss give her unbiased opinion!

Holy smokes...all you have to do now is build an electric shredder and we can start calling you a luthier!

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Colin,

Yes - that would be useful for getting rid of all those sitka tops

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Dave White
De Faoite Stringed Instruments
". . . the one thing a machine just can't do is give you character and personalities and sometimes that comes with flaws, but it always comes with humanity" Monty Don talking about hand weaving, "Mastercrafts", Weaving, BBC March 2010

Al Carruth has often said that if you want to start brawl enter a room full of violin makers and whisper the word "varnish". He also tells a story where a writer was visiting a bunch of violin makers interviewing them on their craft. Each of the makers extolled the virtues of their particular custom varnish formula. He would ask them what it was and, often, they would share it provided that he kept it a secret. The ironic part was that they all had basically the same formula. There was one exception. One very prominent builder said that he got his at the hardware store. I don't recall the builder or the brand/type of varnish.

I'm not implying that you shouldn't invest in this varnish. A lot of violin builders who know far more than I do swear that this is a critical component and that you shouldn't skimp.

I say build a cello next.