Posted on January 13, 2010February 7, 2024 by Dale Phillips Violin Q & A: Cello Bridge Change for Projection Violin Q & A: Cello Bridge Change for Projection by George Manno Originally published in American Lutherie #10, 1987 and Big Red Book of American Lutherie Volume One, 2000 I have a good French cello that I just can’t get the sound to project from. The tone has a very fine quality, but it all seems to be locked up inside of the instrument. I have cut a new bridge and soundpost, but still it’s not anywhere near what it should be. Do you have any suggestions? Without seeing or hearing the instrument, I’m not sure what you mean when you say that the sound is “locked-up.” I’m only guessing, but it could be the strings, or the placement of the soundpost, or even the bridge. Did you spread the feet far enough when you fit it? I will tell you this, when I’m working on a cello that has a good strong tone but doesn’t project well, I’ll use a Belgian-style bridge. The higher arching of the feet always works for me. Try this and let me know.
Posted on January 12, 2010February 7, 2024 by Dale Phillips Questions: Double Bass External Linings Questions: Double Bass External Linings by Arnold Schnitzer Originally published in American Lutherie #97, 2009 Quincy M. from the Internet asks: Some double basses have what look like external linings, strips of wood on the ribs at the top and bottom edges. Can someone please tell me what the purpose of these strips is and also what they are called? 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 12, 2010February 7, 2024 by Dale Phillips Questions: Bass Scroll Questions: Bass Scroll by Guy Rabut, Roman Barnas, and Tim Olsen Originally published in American Lutherie #89, 2007 ■ Paul W. from the Internet asks: Do you have any advice for someone who is carving his first bass scroll? I have read instructions and seen pictures, but I’m having trouble figuring out what to do after the first turn of the scroll is blocked out. 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 12, 2010February 7, 2024 by Dale Phillips Questions: Violin Tailpiece Questions: Violin Tailpiece by Marilyn Wallin Originally published in American Lutherie #90, 2007 Douglas Edgar from the Internet asks: I’m an amateur violin maker having some trouble with violins coming unglued near the tailpiece. The saddle, top, and block all seem to be fitted correctly. I’m using granular hide glue with a dash of salt in it. 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 12, 2010February 7, 2024 by Dale Phillips Questions: Violin refinish Questions: Violin refinish by Michael Darnton Originally published in American Lutherie #103, 2010 Winthrop Eastman from the Internet asks: I have a violin that belonged to my great grandmother. It has been in an attic for many years. We sold the house and I rescued the old violin. I would like to restore or refinish it, but I don’t want to damage its sound quality in any way. Can you direct me to a book or literature on how to restore such stringed instruments. I am quite handy at restoring furniture but have never tackled a violin. There is a dusty old label inside the violin that says “Carl Friedrich Pfretzschner 1773.” 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.
