Workbench Archive: Violins



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

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

Madder Root

Madder root is a traditional material used for dyeing. Madder root has been used by people for thousands of years, most famously perhaps to dye Turkish carpets their distinctive red. The plants grew originally in what is now Afghanistan and now have been spread and cultivated...
Posted by Michael Doran on May 13, 2009

Bassbars

A bassbar is a supporting brace on the inside of the top of a violin. If you look in the bass “ff” hole you should be able to just see part of it.  The bassbar runs lengthwise to the top and should run just inside the bass bridge foot, mirroring the position...
Posted by Michael Doran on April 13, 2009

Graduation

Graduation is the process of thinning the top and back to their finished thicknesses. This is  done after the outside of the top and back have their  finished shape. Tops are generally of a fairly even thickness throughout, with a bit more thickness near the soundpost...
Posted by Michael Doran on March 31, 2009
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