In the workshop 2007
|
Strad
model Cello
|
November/December: The Strad model Cello is now finished
and awaiting varnishing and then setting up. The latest photos
are on the
Cello project page.
Meanwhile a new modern Violin is underway - based on the Guarneri
del Gesu ex Joachim 1737, which I previously made as a
baroque violin. The 1 piece
broadly flamed back is cut from the same log as the one used for
the earlier violin.
|
Oktober/November : Continuing work on the Cello keeps me
well occupied - together with an interesting study trip to Berlin
to see some exciting contemporary makers work. The Cello is now in
its final stages - neck fitting and purfling remains to be done -
and then of course the always hugely enjoyable varnishing process.
The Gasparo Viola has already sold - it had some very positive
reviews by a number of players and makers who have seen it and
maybe it was no surprise that it was purchased almost instantly by
a young promising British viola student.
|
August/September : The
Gasparo da Salo Viola is
now finished, more details and photos through the link.
After our summer holiday a new
Cello after A. Stradivari's'
B-form' ( the golden period instruments) is now in progress.
Through the above link - or click on the photo - you will be able
to follow the progress of this instrument.
|
|
The forthcoming BVMA annual conference in Dartington Hall, Devon
from 14.-16.9. promises to be as exciting as ever. As most years I
will have a stall showing some of my violin books and making wood,
meeting friends and colleagues, and comparing notes over the
instruments on show. Anyone not knowing about the BVMA ( British
Violin Makers Association), I urge to have a look at its website
and consider becoming a member.
|
|
June 2007: The last 2 Violas after Andrea
Guarneri and A.&H.
Amati are now completed, fitted
up and sounding.
More details & photos on the
instruments page or through the
above links. Any trial is welcome.
|
Is 2007 going to be the year of the
Viola? Certainly on my bench it appears to be the case!
Latest project - just started - is a 16. 3/4'' - 424mm Viola -
proportionally designed after Gasparo da Salo.
To my knowledge there is no original ( uncut) Viola by that maker
of that size - so I decided to fill that gap. The back is of
wonderful deep flamed sycamore and the spruce front of the most
impressive hazel figure I have ever seen.
Watch this space for more info - or email if you are interested to
see and try when it becomes ready.
The final inspiration for a Brescian style
Viola was the forthcoming exhibition of Brescian makers in
June/July 2007.
This promises to be a unique and worthwhile event - not to be
missed.
|
May 2007: In the last few months my time
was taken up with 2 new exciting Viola projects:
one after Andreas Guarneri - the Conte Vitale of 1676 and the
other after an even earlier Alto model by the brothers Amati -
Antonio and Hieronymus. These 2 Violas will be available for
trial shortly. Please email/ phone to be kept informed.
For the
Guarneri
I have chosen a spectacular 1 piece slab back of well
seasoned English sycamore (actually the real European maple -
acer pseudoplatanus) - not unlike the one found on the ex Primrose
Guarneri - only mine with less knots!
The front is of Italian spruce with a very attractive hazel figure
(Germ.: Haselfichte; amer. - bearclaw spruce).
The body length is just over 16.1/4'' - 413mm with a string length
of 373mm. |
2007
A.Guaneri model of
1676
A.Guarneri Vla - ex Primrose
The photos show 'work in progress' - with the
ground coat and the 1. colour coat applied. The 2. and final coat
brings the instruments colour to a glowing transparent orange
brown, maximizing the visual impact of the woods character. The
sound should have the warm resonating tenor quality expected from
this model and its deeply fluted arching.
|
The
Brothers Amati Viola is inspired
by the ex Danks / Stauffer (now back at home in Cremona) of 1615.
It is one of the earliest Alto Violas in existence - and the
earlier one of the 2 known by the Brothers Amati.
Its body length is also 16.1/4'' - 413mm with a slightly shortened
'Stop' to bring the string length to a comfortable 376mm. The
outline is of a flowing elegance with typically long Amati style
corners ( and the matching long purfling mitres).
It is narrower across its bouts then the Guarneri and promises to
have more of an Alto character in sound.
The back is of the most handsome Bosnian Maple, cut on the quarter
and one half 'flipped' over to give an continuous appearance of
the deep flame - a customary 'trick' by the Amati family.
The front is of dead straight even grained Italian spruce -
showing close similarities to the original.
Brothers Amati
The photo again shows 'work in progress' - ground
coat and 1 colour coat of my own oil varnish already applied - the
final
2cd. coat to give a warm golden amber colour allowing maximum
clarity and visual depth.
March 2007: The latest Viola after
Andrea Guarneri
is just completed. An exciting
instrument made from a wood selection to mirror the acoustic
properties of the original. Trials are welcome. Big, warm and
even sound with a good projection. Its a great and popular model
for those players looking for a 16.1/4 '' Viola with a comfortable
string length of 373mm.
January 2007: During the making of the last
Baroque violin after
del Gesu I took some photos to
illustrate the alignment of the nailed neck with the help of a
cross structure (utilizing the location pins - an essential part
of most classical Italian instruments).
|
Note the 3 nail heads at the top block - a
feature in most early violins.
After the neck is aligned the ribs are glued to
the back.
Next the neck recess is cut and the belly is
located on the ribs.
Now the f- holes are positioned - in true
alignment to the neck projection.
|
Some impressions of the making process:
From an earlier violin project: carving the spruce front...
...cutting the blocks |
cutting the f-holes...
...and gluing the back onto the ribs |
In the workshop
top of page
2008
2009
2010
2011
Home |