Violin Forum/Message Board

mr_violin · Member Joined: 15 Sep 2009 Posts: 52 Location: Chicago

Well Kevin,

I must say, that is about the best answer as to why to go to a plate tuning class as I have heard anywhere.
I hope it will help you in your making better violins.

My very first time ever to go to a violin maker and ask questions ( I knew nothing about violins. That time 20 years ago) ,He had just spent about 10 minutes telling my all how he tuned the plates and all. I then ask just one question more; " do you tune the top before or after the F holes and basebar is added?" . He told me; "before". Well I said ; "seams like it would change a lot after the F holes and basebar is added" . He then told me that he had never thought of that. I never ask him an other question . He had been making violins he told me for over 20 years. All that time he never thought how the F holes and basebar would change the tap tone of the top.

After that I have never thought much of tuning the plates.

Larry Lewis

kjb · Super Member Joined: 06 Feb 2013 Posts: 385

I think some people tune before and after, and then some more fine tuning of the sound after its put together taking some off the top. Seems to be lots of different ways, I guess thats why its so challenging!

Chet Bishop · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2013 12:01 pm Post subject:

"These are the sort of things that violin makers often separate over. But the fact of the matter is that I have known great violin makers who do tune (using whatever method) and great makers who wouldn't think of tuning.

Both get the results they're looking for."

That is a pretty astute statement. I agree completely.

I have tried both ways, and I know makers from both camps. Currently my two most valuable and expert teachers (who do not know each other) concur on this point at least--neither of them do any sort of free-plate tuning. Both use rather terse terminolgy to state why.

I am open to the idea, but for now I do not use it. I do tap the plates and listen to them, but it is primarily because it pleases me to do so. I don't think I am making adjustments that matter, based on information gathered by tapping.There are makers who do so and get great results...but many who don't, and still get great results, as CT said.
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M_A_T_T · Member Joined: 03 Apr 2007 Posts: 43

My last was the longest, at 21 months. I kind of fell out of love with making them and started a new hobby while building it.
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actonern · Super Member Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 444

Yes Yes... what was the new hobby???

jacobyfineviolins · Member Joined: 04 Mar 2013 Posts: 55 Location: Omaha, NE

I had heard for years before (RIP) Mr. Becker passed away that he was on the same violin for almost the last decade. Here's hoping he finished it.
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