First Steps of Violin Build
I am starting a new thread so you, my family and friends can see/comment/laugh at my efforts to build a Violin. This is a Violin Kit from Stewart-MacDonald (Stewmac.com) that Sue bought me for Christmas. I’ve always wanted to learn Violin and this, I think, is a great way to learn the instrument: From the inside, out . . . Literally!
The kit has some great reviews from teachers and luthiers which basically say I should end up with a quality instrument worth well beyond what it costs for the kit. I’ll do my best.
What you see is the first steps of building the Violin. Bending and installing the Purfling (very thin laminated black/white/black wood). I used a cloth dipped in hot water to bend the wood purfling into the shapes you see. It’s pushed into slots around the body. I added the little diamond at the top just to be fancy. Normally the purfling will to go straight across. The purfling is then shaved and sanded flat with the body. I had to order some more purfling as I damaged some while learning how to bend it (very slowly, Dave . . . very slowly). I’ll be able to finish the purfling on the top of the Violin when it arrives next week. After the purfling comes the shaping and installation of the bass bar. That can’t be too difficult. It’s called a ‘bass’ bar, after all.
Notice the awesome Flame Maple wood. The flame will really come out (pop) during the finishing process. This build is going to take some time (months) to finish. I intend to take time and do it right and I’ve also got some other projects going at the same time. I’d like you all to share in the process of building a violin and watch the creative process unfold. After I build it, I intend to learn how to play the darned thing. It shouldn’t take long to learn. I seem to have a knack for playing instruments. I may not ever be able to hire myself out as a Violinist but, I’m sure I’ll be able to play some memorized parts and perhaps be able to jam/improvise with it.
Thanks for reading,
David T
I don’t really clear my head (some would say it’s already empty). It’s kind of like going to sleep by filling your head with a repetitive theme (counting Sheep?) My father’s trick was, I believe, to actually fill your head with words and phrases that you want to convey to the reader, Then, just organize them in writing.