Violin Forum/Message Board

Chet Bishop · Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2021 2:14 pm Post subject: haven't posted in a while

Hi, folks.

I haven't been here in a long time. Lots of life-changes. After 33-1/3 years at Gunderson Inc, I was laid off in January of 2020, before the covid pandemic was a known factor.

I decided, at 65, I really didn't want to continue in the steel fabrication field, even as a nationally acredited inspector, teacher and supervisor (big "so-what") so I opted to switch over to full time lutherie.

(Great timing, huh?)

My wife noted that I have sold more five-string fiddles than anything else, so I began a new website at https://fivestringfiddles.com/chronology/ and proceeded to populate it with five-string violins, violas, cello (1, so far) and one 5-string double bass.

Here is the current crop of five-string violins,

_________________
Chet Bishop
https://bluefiddles.com
https://fivestringfiddles.com

DonLeister · Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2021 6:41 pm Post subject:

Congrats on retiring and making fiddles! Those look wonderful!

Chet Bishop

Thanks, Don!

I am still hanging onto the hope of making a living at lutherie, and have not (yet) drawn Social Security, so I guess, technically, I am not retired. Smile

Currently in the process of varnishing yet another five-string fiddle.

_________________
Chet Bishop
https://bluefiddles.com
https://fivestringfiddles.com

Rick M · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2021 12:03 am Post subject:

Glad to hear you hung up one job for one that pays less but satisfies more Smile

Your work is beautiful as always and your story telling as engaging as ever.

kubasa · Member Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 212

Glad you were able to make lemonade out of a lemon. Hope you are enjoying the full time lutherie! I like the inlay work you have done on those backs. I've never had the courage to do anything like that yet. I keep telling myself I will "on the next one" which never happens.

James