123ArticleOnline Logo
Welcome to 123ArticleOnline.com!
ALL >> Music >> View Article

Violinmaking: The Tools Of The Trade

Profile Picture
By Author: Nathan Weiss
Total Articles: 129
Comment this article
Facebook ShareTwitter ShareGoogle+ ShareTwitter Share

The craft of violinmaking has changed very little in the 300 years since the time of Antonius Stradivarius and the Ceremonies masters. In our current era of factory machinery and mass produced products, the expression and preservation of master musical instruments continues to rely on the delicate handiwork of master violinmakers. While stringed instruments are now also being made in assembly line-type factories, the attention to detail and quality in the tradition of handcrafted fine violins remains unrivaled both in beauty and sound.

As a toolmaker, the violinmaker (also called a “luthier”) must make and maintain the condition of his many spec, ialized tools. Peg reamers are used to make tapered holes for the pegs. Bending irons and straps are used to form the linings and ribs. A variety of specialized chisels and gouges are used to remove material and to give shape to the wood. A purfling groove maker, for example, is needed to score the wood on the top and back plates where the purfling ...
... will eventually be inlaid. Hand planes designed for luthiers are small and easy to manipulate with the hand. Some are slightly curved to dig channels and cavities into the instrument’s body.

Many knives are used, and the highly developed knife handiwork of violinmakers contributes to the mystery and awe surrounding an instrument maker’s craft. Because most of the work is done with precision down to a tenth of a millimeter, the production of a single master-crafted instrument can take several months.

Modern planers and band saws can be used to save time in milling a rough piece of lumber. Some modern tools like dental mirrors may be used to save time; however, much of the craft still depends on specialized tools one cannot purchase in a neighborhood hardware store. Many tools are even the same ones used by old masters of 17th-Century Italy, as they have been handed down from fathers to sons and makers to their apprentices.

Total Views: 640Word Count: 325See All articles From Author

Add Comment

Music Articles

1. Unveiling The Enchantment Of Shruti Box: Exploring The Beauty Of Shruti Box With Foot Pedal
Author: musicalsinstruments

2. Exploring The Melodious World Of Indian Musical Instruments: The Beauty Of Kirtan Harmonium
Author: musicalsinstruments

3. Mastering The Art Of Sitar Tuning: Unraveling The Secrets
Author: musicalsinstruments

4. Provenance And A Fine Instrument’s Value
Author: Nathan Weiss

5. Unleash Your Inner Rock God: The Power Of Online Electric Guitar Classes"
Author: ankit

6. Dive Into Diversity: Spitfire Audio's Indian Musical Collection
Author: trishananaik

7. Quels Sont Les Incontournables Pour Un Voyage En Inde ?
Author: Quels sont les incontournables pour un voyage en I

8. The Best Audio Recording And Lighting Equipment Rental Near Me
Author: Big Apple Event AV

9. Musical Meditation: Finding Inner Peace Through Jo The Musical's Singing Sessions
Author: Jo the Musical

10. The Violins Of Isaac Stern
Author: Nathan Weiss

11. Sears Roebuck And The Violin
Author: Nathan Weiss

12. Unlocking Your Creative Potential: How Learning Music Theory Enhances Songwriting
Author: Richard Johnson

13. How To Find The Right Wireless Speaker Kit For You
Author: Intraosni

14. Gloomy Lofi Hip Hop Download
Author: audioloops

15. The Beginnings Of The Cello Endpin
Author: Nathan weiss

Login To Account
Login Email:
Password:
Forgot Password?
New User?
Sign Up Newsletter
Email Address: