Workbench Archive



Wood

Where I Get My Wood From

Almost all violins are made of maple and spruce. Spruce is used for the front of the instrument because it is light and strong and transmits the vibrations of the strings very well. Maple is used for the back, ribs and neck because it is stable, strong and beautiful. For...
Posted by Michael Doran on August 31, 2009

Templates

New Models & Templates

This week I have been working on making new models, or patterns that I base my instruments on. I have decided to make a quartet of Guarneri instruments. The cello will be a Joseph Guarneri ‘Filius Andrea’, the viola an Andrea Guarneri, and the two violins will...
Posted by Michael Doran on August 21, 2009

Oberlin 2009 Workshop

The 2009 Violinmaking Workshop

I have returned from the Violin Society of America’s Violin Making workshop in Oberlin, Ohio. I feel like I am just settling back into my normal routine. The workshop is a unique experience. About 40 professional makers from around the world come together to learn...
Posted by Michael Doran on July 23, 2009

Clamping Ribs

Rib Structures Part 2: Bending...

After the blocks have been glued to the mold I shape them to the right curve to match the model I am making. The shape of the blocks defines the shape of the corners on the top and back, so I am careful to get the shape that will give me the look that I want. Ribs are the...
Posted by Michael Doran on July 2, 2009

Rib Structure

Rib Structures: Blocks and Molds

I am varnishing the cello we’ve been following right now. This ends up giving me a bit of time in between coats to work on other things. So, I have started the next cello. More about varnish later. Ribs are the sides of the instrument. They are what gives the air...
Posted by Michael Doran on May 31, 2009
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