Posted on January 13, 2010February 6, 2024 by Dale Phillips Violin Q & A: Violin Polish Recipe Violin Q & A: Violin Polish Recipe by George Manno Originally published in American Lutherie #9, 1987 and Big Red Book of American Lutherie Volume One, 2000 No matter what I use to polish a violin, it never seems to clean it completely. Do you have any suggestions? I have never found a product that cleans as well as polishes, although many manufacturers claim that their product will do both. Taking into consideration the instrument’s age, type of varnish, and how dirty it is, there are a number of cleaning products that you can use. Example: a French violin, ca. 1875, covered with a thin spirit varnish, with enough caked-on rosin so that ridges have formed on either side of the fingerboard. Become A Member to Continue Reading This Article This article is part of our premium web content offered to Guild members. To view this and other web articles, join the Guild of American Luthiers. Members also receive 4 annual issues of American Lutherie and get discounts on products. For details, visit the membership page. If you are already a member, login for access or contact us to setup your account.
Posted on January 13, 2010February 7, 2024 by Dale Phillips Letter: Erikson Letter AL#7 Letter: Erikson Letter AL#7 by George Manno Originally published in American Lutherie #8, 1986 Dear Tim: In response to Mr. Erikson’s letter, published in American Lutherie #7, I’d like to say that just because violin makers focus their talents on one art form, it shouldn’t and doesn't make me feel above any of my fellow lodge brothers or sisters who practice their talents in another form. I felt Mr. Erikson was trying to impy just that when he referred to violin makers as “a special breed.” I also disagree with his statement that the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers lacks unity. Although I am not a member of this federation, I have spoken to its president and secretary on many occasions. Unity within the federation is stressed at all times. The question of work ethics, which I raised in the article entitled “Honesty” (American Lutherie #5), is only a small part of a bigger concern that many violin makers face. In many ways, the G.A.L., with its publication, has helped bridge the gaps that arise due to the lack of information being published by and for violin makers. Tim, I applaud your efforts. American Lutherie #7 was one of the best violin-related issues ever. If you are an amateur maker or a professional maker or repairman/woman who would like to start a new guild for violin and bow makers, with the sole purpose of sharing more information on making, repair techniques, and instrument identification, please contact me. I’d be willing to start some sort of newsletter to help get it off the ground. This does not mean that I am leaving the G.A.L. Sounds great! The GAL loves lutherie info sharing in any form. Also, American Lutherie has good violin stuff in the can for upcoming issues. Thanks to members like you, George, our violin family coverage has improved noticeably. -Tim
Posted on January 13, 2010February 7, 2024 by Dale Phillips Violin Q & A: Violin Cleaner Recipe Violin Q & A: Violin Cleaner Recipe by George Manno Originally published in American Lutherie #11, 1987 and Big Red Book of American Lutherie Volume One, 2000 Do you know the recipe for making the old Sacconi special violin cleaner and polish? I have tried just about everything but can’t come up with the right recipe. No, I’m sorry I don’t. You may want to break this down into a smaller recipe, but here’s a formula for a very good cleaner. 2 qts. alcohol (denatured) 2 qts. turpentine (artist grade) 1 qt. distilled Water 1 pt. raw linseed oil 1 pt. pure lemon oil
Posted on January 13, 2010February 7, 2024 by Dale Phillips Questions: Full Sized Violin Molds Questions: Full Sized Violin Molds by Henry Strobel Originally published in American Lutherie #58, 1999 Pat Montenegro from St. Angelo, TX asks: Where can I get full-size violin molds? Henry Strobel of Aumsville, OR responds: Most people make them rather than purchase them ready made. My books on violin making should be of help. (For more information on Henry Strobel’s books see reviews in AL#39.)
Posted on January 13, 2010February 7, 2024 by Dale Phillips Violin Q & A: Lightfast Colors Violin Q & A: Lightfast Colors by George Manno Originally published in American Lutherie #11, 1987 and Big Red Book of American Lutherie Volume One, 2000 I’ve been using water colors for touchups and repairs in the last five years, but some of the colors are starting to fade out on the older repairs. I use Pelikan transparent watercolors #725. What else can I try? I have used many different types of color over the years with varying degrees of success. As you are finding, knowing how a color will fade is as important as color matching at the time of touchup. The only colors I use now are analine dyes I purchase from Horn & Son String Instruments, Inc. (2570 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114). They have powdered colors for spirit and oil and I find them to be extremely true. With yellow, red, and brown, you can match just about anything. In the last five years I’ve had no problems whatsoever. A word of caution: Fluorescent lighting tends to fade any color. Be advised that analine dyes are carcinogenic.
