Violin Forum/Message Board

Romanelli · Junior Member Joined: 05 Sep 2008 Posts: 12

European Larch (Larix decidua) is taht good for the top of violin? I have one verry old and dry pice with a wonderful texture. Is also from Pinaceaes family and one old sculptor from here, Romania, told me will be good for violin top. Have any one from you who have already use that wood?
All my repspects.
_________________
Desiderius Romanelli

FiddleDoug · Member Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 227 Location: Hilton, NY

I don't know for sure, but I suspect that if the wood is properly cut (quarter sawn), fairly tight grained, and clear, it might work OK. Post some pictures of the wood. Others with more experience may have some better opinions.
_________________
Doug Wall

www.wallindependent.com

Wolfjk · Junior Member Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 8 Location: UK

Romanelli · Junior Member Joined: 05 Sep 2008 Posts: 12

I will take tomorow some photos of that wood, before cuting and preparing. Was cut from a 150 cm diameter tree. Even here in "country of woods" is expensive, but was a gift:)
For the top i will use a verry rare "sycamore maple". I just finished now the ribs and i wait until tomorow for dry. Will be a hard work, because i dont have any small planes, and i will use only ciesels for sculpture.
My only big problem will be for purfling, not for chanel, but for purfling wood.
Can i use only one piece, not sandwich? I intend to insert cherry wood, wich is verry hard, and have a dark colour.
_________________
Desiderius Romanelli

Romanelli · Junior Member Joined: 05 Sep 2008 Posts: 12

was mistake, i will use for back the sycamore maple wood
_________________
Desiderius Romanelli

MANFIO · Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 7:36 pm Post subject:

It's good having good quality woods for your first instrument, but I find that it's not all that important, mainly if you are a self taught maker, because you will make lots of mistakes in your first instrument, so that I really don't find the quality of the wood all that important in this situation.

In your situation, if I had to decide betwen nice wood (that I think I would "spoil" in my first instrument) and nice books (Courtnall & Johnson, Strad posters, etc.) I would go with the books, but I may be wrong, as usual.
_________________
www.manfio.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7875988@N02/with/464604020/

Romanelli · Junior Member Joined: 05 Sep 2008 Posts: 12

Maestro Manfio,
i already have and study several books. I use as master guidline the one of Henry Strobel, wich i have recived personaly from him. In area where i live they are NOT any luthier, so i am "condamned" to start alone, only with books and other media informations.
My respects!
_________________
Desiderius Romanelli

MANFIO · Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 8:39 pm Post subject:

Good! I received some wood from Simeon Chambers, a nice fellow to deal with, and his wood is quite good.
_________________
www.manfio.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7875988@N02/with/464604020/