Studio Tour

 Violin Workshop

Welcome to my workshop! The next set of photos will give you a behind the scenes look at the "tools of the trade".

In an effort to stay organized and efficient is the need for my tool board (against the wall in this photo. At Top Center are multiple patterns that give the outline to the respective model such as Stradivari or Guaneri. In the center is a poster including measurements of a Bergonzi violin. Then with hands reach are many tools of a violin luthier such as Gouges, files, saws, measurement devices and tools to set soundposts, fit new Bridges

Using a scraper to finish a violin back and work out the details.

Using a scraper to finish a violin back and work out the details

A selection of Gouges and Knives along a magnectic strip...keeps the tools safe and at hand.

A selection of Gouges and Knives along a magnectic strip...keeps the tools safe and at hand.

A few high quality planes. It's really important that tools stay sharp. Various sizes are used to carve out both the concave and convex surface of the top and back of the instrument. The process usually begins with the larger tools for the bulk parts of the wood then as the shape of your violin, viola or cello begins, I progress to smaller

A few high quality planes. It's really important that tools stay sharp. Various sizes are used to carve out both the concave and convex surface of the top and back of the instrument. The process usually begins with the larger tools for the bulk parts of the wood then as the shape of your violin, viola or cello begins, I progress to smaller "fingerplanes" seen left.

To the left in the photo are bridge jacks for a Cello and violin/viola. These allow changes or bridge tuning without having to remove the strings. On the right are bridge tools that allow a perfect fit to the instrument at the feet.

To the left in the photo are bridge jacks for a Cello and violin/viola. These allow changes or bridge tuning without having to remove the strings. On the right are bridge tools that allow a perfect fit to the instrument at the feet.

A set of clamps are used when gluing up a violin back and top. I use an old student instrument as a clamp holder.

A set of clamps are used when gluing up a violin back and top. I use an old student instrument as a clamp holder.

The glue pot A lutheir shop cannot be without a hot pot of fresh hide glue.

The glue pot A lutheir shop cannot be without a hot pot of fresh hide glue.

Depending on the instrument desired, I use simulated ultra-violet lighting in this light box.

Depending on the instrument desired, I use simulated ultra-violet lighting in this "light box". After applying my ground coat on the violin, the box can help to give a seasoned age look to the wood, which under normal circumstances would take years of sun exposure to achieve. The light box also aides in drying the varnish.

Various saws are used to cut different aspects of the making process

Various saws are used to cut different aspects of the making process

Calipers are used to measure thickness. Each instrument is very carefully measured so that exact location can be precisely cut.

Calipers are used to measure thickness. Each instrument is very carefully measured so that exact location can be precisely cut.

A closer look at a few violin patterns in process, the ribs have been fit around the mould and glued to the end and corner blocks.

A closer look at a few violin patterns in process, the ribs have been fit around the mould and glued to the end and corner blocks

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