Violin Forum/Message Board

ghammond2 · Junior Member Joined: 24 Jan 2011 Posts: 4

Hi All,

I am new to the forum, and to the world of violin making. I have purchased the book Art of Violin Making (although, I am still waiting for it to come in). I have also purchased Henry Stroebel's books as well. So, currently I'm just trying to soak up as much information as I can. I figure eventually I will soak up enough information where I reach a point where I might actually have the gumption to attempt this endeavor.

I did have a question for luthiers at this forum. I was interested in trying to produce a violin with a dark sound, rather than a brighter sounding instrument. I was speaking to a local luthier and he told me that the Guarneri violin models typically have a darker sound when compared to the Strad models. Have others on this forum found this to be true? If so, is there a good pattern to base my violin on that someone could recommend? Also, is it not recommended to attempt a Guarneri pattern for my first attempt at violin making? Would it make more sense (or be easier) to try a Strad model? The reason I ask this is because I believe the Stroebel book uses a Strad model.

Thanks,
G

MANFIO · Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2011 8:31 pm Post subject:

The Guarneri model may favour a dark sound, but every violin may be considered individually.

In your first violin it will be difficult to deal with sound subtleties, you will have enough problems to face. Dark sound can also be helped by your wood choice.
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Lemuel · Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2011 10:51 pm Post subject:

MANFIO · Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 7:23 am Post subject:

Yes, dark sound may be favoured by the use of slab cut maple that is light in weight. This is what I have been using in my violas.
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ghammond · Member Joined: 22 Jan 2011 Posts: 42

Thanks MANFIO - That's good to know! Much appreciated.

-G

MANFIO · Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 7:42 pm Post subject:

I posted a scroll carving tutorial here some years ago that you may find usefull, here:

http://www.violins.ca/forums/viewtopic.php?t=385&start=0
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sdantonio · Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 1:46 pm Post subject:

Some of Strads darkest sounding cellos were made with willow backs and sides. It may not work well for the violin, but it can't hurt to try it as an experiment. Poplar was also used in some cases IIRC.