Violin Forum/Message Board

MANFIO

Hi! This is my latest instrument, a 41.6 cms. viola, "La Zaffetta", a comission from Marcela Lepage, from the Cordoba Orchestra. Thanks again to Andrès Lepage, who took the photos.

Ciao! Questa è "La Zaffetta", la mia ultima viola 41.8, una comissione di Marcela Lepage, di Cordoba.

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

M.Lange · Member Joined: 30 Apr 2008 Posts: 81 Location: Germany

Bravo Manfio. Another very nice viola!
It looks a bit different to your previous ones. I think you changed your edgework somehow, right? Also the outline looks a bit bolder compared to f.e "Veronica Franco".
Did you use the Simeon Chambers maple again? Very nice.

Matthias

MANFIO · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:38 pm Post subject:

Thanks! The last one I showed here was the "Anna Yaroslavna", I think I posted the pictures here.

I moved the line of the scooping on the edge a bit outwards (following Samuel Zygmuntowicz' advice), this purlfing is rather broader too.

Yes, the wood for this is from Samuel Chambers, just the neck is from Ellon and Londa Howe.

I had none viola here when I made this, so the outline may be a bit different. The length of the corners can vary a bit due to the use of the inner form, you can make different instruments using the same form.

Thanks!
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actonern · Super Member Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 444

Always a delight to see your new work!

This must be one of the smallest instruments you've ever posted no?

It seems very full through the mid-bouts, which I expect is a way of preserving internal volume, but do you have to set the neck/bridge quite high to allow the bow to miss the edges on the C and A strings?

Best regards,

Ernie

MANFIO · Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 8:28 am Post subject:

Thanks! No, the size is the same, it's a 41.8 cms viola, built in the same model I used for many instruments.

The C bouts are the same, but its look may be influenced by the corners.

The back and top are about 19.5 high, but the arching is quite full in the middle bouts indeed. My idea is tranferring the weight of the bridge to the lower and upper blocks, and not to the corner blocks.

I set the neck a bit high, so it will give in a bit some weeks after it is strung, reaching the ideal point. The bridge is already a bit lower now.
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Ed Shillitoe · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 9:07 pm Post subject:

Beautiful work Manfio! I like the appearance of the back especially. How do you describe that cut - is it quarter sawn? Just off the quarter? I'd like to see it in real life and try it out!

Ed

MANFIO · Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 7:05 am Post subject:

Thanks Ed!

This wood is similar to the wood I used on my "Veronica Franco" viola, it's slab cut Red Maple.

I've got it from Simeon Chambers:

http://stores.ebay.com/Simeon-Chambers-Tonewood-Store_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZQ2d33QQftidZ2QQtZkm

I find it quite good. I'm use Simeon's decades old Engelmann spruce for my tops too. He is a fine guy to deal with.

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

kel · Member Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Posts: 73 Location: Asia

does slab cut requires more technique to make an instrument?
Do u maintain the same thickness slab /quarter cut?

Can i say slab cut makes the instrument look nicer?
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Newbie Maker Kelvin

MANFIO · Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 4:01 pm Post subject:

Both quarter sawn and slab cut can be beautifull.

Slab cut wood is less strong, so I left this back a bit thicker than I would leave a quarter sawn back.

In general players love one piece backs.
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ghammond2 · Junior Member Joined: 24 Jan 2011 Posts: 4

Hello MANFIO,

I was wondering if you have any opinions about using dried wood that hasn't been aged:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Violin-Parts-1-Pc-Engelmann-Spruce-Top-/380229070581?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item58876b2ef5

Not sure if this'll work on not.

Thanks!
G

MANFIO · Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2011 8:22 pm Post subject:

Hi! I just received some wood from Simeon Chambers that is not his 50 years old wood and I found it very very good, 7% humidity, as he mentioned, I am going to use it.

Simeon's wood is quite quite good.
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ghammond2 · Junior Member Joined: 24 Jan 2011 Posts: 4

Good to know! Thanks MANFIO.

This is a beautiful instrument that you have created, by the way. Very nice indeed.

MANFIO · Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 8:07 pm Post subject:

You are wellcome! Simeon Chambers is a nice guy to deal with. You can see photos of my recent works here:

http://www.ipernity.com/doc/91953%7CR84%3Boff%3D18?r[off]=0&
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sdantonio · Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 1:42 pm Post subject: Beautiful work Manfio

Beautiful work Manfio. I always enjoy seeing you post new work.

DBurns · Member Joined: 16 May 2009 Posts: 31

Thanks for the inspiration!

Hopefully one day I will be posting some pictures too!