Posted on January 12, 2010May 27, 2025 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, 2010May 23, 2025 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, 2010May 29, 2025 by Dale Phillips Review: The Art of Violin Making by Chris Johnson and Roy Courtnall Review: The Art of Violin Making by Chris Johnson and Roy Courtnall Reviewed by Michael Darnton Originally published in American Lutherie #64, 2000 and Big Red Book of American Lutherie Volume Six, 2013 The Art of Violin Making Chris Johnson and Roy Courtnall Robert Hale, 1999 ISBN 978-0709058762 When I first received my copy of the Johnson and Courtnall book Art of Violin Making I found it relatively complete, but for some reason irritating. I put it away and didn’t look at again for months. Now, going back much later for this review, its strengths and weaknesses are much more apparent to me. As a publishing effort, it’s first rate, and by far the best-written and most copiously illustrated violin-making book ever. Each section is well illustrated with many drawings and easy-to-read photographs. Considering the information it contains, the price is low for a violin book of any sort. 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, 2010June 11, 2025 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.
Posted on January 12, 2010May 27, 2025 by Dale Phillips Questions: Balsa Wood Violins Questions: Balsa Wood Violins by Douglas Martin Originally published in American Lutherie #89, 2007 ■ Christine B. from the Internet asks: I’ve heard rumors about excellent-sounding violins made of balsa wood. If there are such things, doesn’t this raise questions about why spruce is used for violin tops and harder wood for the sides and back? 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.
