This is how a violin is completed:
(This post is copied from Chet’s five-string fiddles website, to explain more about “Chet’s Fiddles.“)
Last time I posted, I had just completed the commissioned five-string fiddle, up to and including the sealer.
Varnish:
The “magic” of the sealer was that it caused the mineral ground to disappear forever. The instrument instantly went from stark chalk-white to a natural wood color. As a result, the mineral will never be visible again. I always enjoy that transformation.
The varnish, on the other hand, is a series of relatively small changes, wherein the violin achieves the color we want. Furthermore, the increasing clarity and depth of the varnish gives the impression of being able to “see into the wood.”
I always begin with a couple of coats of deep yellow or amber varnish, as an undercoat which will shine through the later color coats.
Yellow First
Here is the violin after the two coats of yellow varnish:
Color Coats
Next, I bagan layering the color coats, building to the look I planned. (Each “coat,” in reality, is usually two coats, applied in quick succession. There were about eight total color coats, but I will call them “first through fourth.”)
This maple is really beautiful wood. I wish I had a lot more of it, but, sadly, I only was able to salvage a little of the tree from which it originated. The “donor tree” was removed from the property where my wife and her siblings grew up. It had finally rotted and was becoming dangerous, so they removed it. But the wood is gorgeous. You can see the stump in this article….
Continuing color coats
As you can see, the yellow base coat is still showing through pretty strongly. That is good, but I still wanted to move the color toward a deep reddish brown, with the golden yellow shining through. Therefore… I needed more color coats!
The color is headed in the right direction, but still needs to be deeper. I will add extra color in any areas that should be darker.
I was getting pretty close to correct, so I began taking the instrument out into natural light, to check the color there.
The color was pretty close to what I had hoped to produce. Therefore, I felt that I was ready to reinstall the fingerboard, Afterward, I would hand-rub the varnish to a good polish. Finally, I allowed it to hang in my dining room and cure a little more fully. The varnish was still quite soft, though dry to the touch.
Fingerboard
First I carved the underside of the fingerboard to remove extra mass. This affects the sound, as well as the feel of the instrument. (Extra, unnecessary mass tends to absorb vibration rather than resonate.)
Then I carved a tiny notch, dead center on the upper end of the backside of the fingerboard, where it would contact the neck. After carving the notch in the fingerboard, I drilled a shallow 1/16″ hole in the neck, to accomodate a tiny nail.
That nail is temporarily installed, at an angle, to serve as a guide and an anchor while installing the fingerboard. (The hide glue is very slippery while it is still hot, and liquid. There is a tendency for the fingerboard to “drift” under the clamps, before the glue can gel.)
The notch in the fingerboard fits on the nail. The nail, then, serves as a temporary stop, so the fingerboard stays put. (I remove the nail after the glue has set.)
Beginning Set-up
After a few more days, I began set-up. First, I installed the soundpost, saddle, nut, and end button. Next, I fit the pegs, and was ready for the bridge and the strings.
You can see in the above photo that the varnish was still very soft. Everywhere I touched it, it also resulted in my leaving fingerprints. I had to “French-polish” the whole instrument afterward, and let it hang until the varnish was harder. Then it would be easier to handle. (But it was good to have the set-up nearing completion, too.)
Pegs
After the varnish had hardened a little more, I then installed the pegs.
Final Set-up
I installed the Bridge and Strings and Tailpiece, and then the fiddle was complete. I still let it hang in my dining room for a week or so, too, so that the varnish would continue to harden without damage.
Final photos
I prepared the instrument’s documents (Bill of Sale and Provenance Document) and afterward, when the varnish had cured for another two weeks, the customer took delivery at the end of July, 2023.
He was delighted, and played the instrument for a long time at my house. Further (which is a joy to me,) he has contacted me since then, expressing his continued joy in the new fiddle. That is the kind of thing that makes this work a great pleasure.
Thanks for looking.
cialis tablets for sale Torre Amione, G
You actually make it appear so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually one thing which I think I might never understand.
It sort of feels too complex and very huge for me. I’m looking forward on your subsequent put up, I’ll
try to get the grasp of it! Lista escape roomów
You have observed very interesting points! ps nice
web site..
I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this blog. I am hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts from you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own, personal website now 😉
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s equally educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is something that not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. Now i’m very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something regarding this.
I really love your website.. Great colors & theme. Did you build this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m wanting to create my own site and want to know where you got this from or exactly what the theme is named. Appreciate it!
There is certainly a great deal to know about this issue. I love all the points you made.
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you, However I am having troubles with your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I can’t subscribe to it. Is there anyone else having similar RSS problems? Anyone who knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanx.
Hello there! I simply wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for your excellent information you have right here on this post. I’ll be returning to your web site for more soon.
That is a really good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Short but very accurate info… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read post!
Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a superb article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and never manage to get anything done.
Everything is very open with a very clear clarification of the challenges. It was definitely informative. Your website is very helpful. Many thanks for sharing.
I love reading a post that can make people think. Also, thank you for permitting me to comment.
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon everyday. It’s always helpful to read articles from other authors and use something from other web sites.
I love it when people get together and share thoughts. Great site, stick with it!
Having read this I thought it was really informative. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this short article together. I once again find myself personally spending a significant amount of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it.
Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Spending some time and actual effort to create a really good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and don’t seem to get anything done.
I like it when folks come together and share thoughts. Great site, stick with it.
Everything is very open with a clear explanation of the issues. It was really informative. Your website is very useful. Many thanks for sharing.
You have made some really good points there. I checked on the internet for more info about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this website.
Hello there, I do believe your blog may be having internet browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in I.E., it has some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Besides that, great site!
Can I just say what a relief to uncover a person that genuinely knows what they’re talking about on the internet. You certainly realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people must read this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you’re not more popular given that you definitely have the gift.
I could not resist commenting. Perfectly written.
Can I simply say what a relief to uncover somebody who truly knows what they’re discussing on the net. You actually know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people really need to read this and understand this side of your story. It’s surprising you’re not more popular since you certainly have the gift.
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Many thanks, However I am encountering issues with your RSS. I don’t understand why I can’t subscribe to it. Is there anyone else getting similar RSS issues? Anybody who knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanx.
I was excited to uncover this great site. I want to to thank you for your time just for this wonderful read!! I definitely appreciated every little bit of it and i also have you bookmarked to look at new things in your website.
Great information. Lucky me I recently found your blog by chance (stumbleupon). I have saved as a favorite for later!
May I simply just say what a comfort to discover an individual who really knows what they’re discussing online. You certainly realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More and more people must read this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you are not more popular since you surely have the gift.
Can I simply just say what a relief to uncover somebody who truly knows what they’re talking about on the web. You definitely realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people should read this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you are not more popular given that you surely have the gift.
You are so cool! I do not think I have read through anything like this before. So good to discover someone with a few genuine thoughts on this topic. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This site is something that is required on the internet, someone with a little originality.
Hello, There’s no doubt that your blog may be having web browser compatibility issues. When I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in I.E., it has some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, excellent site.
It’s difficult to find educated people about this subject, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
I love it when individuals get together and share thoughts. Great blog, keep it up!
I used to be able to find good advice from your content.
Right here is the perfect webpage for anybody who would like to understand this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject that’s been discussed for many years. Great stuff, just excellent.
A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you need to publish more on this issue, it might not be a taboo matter but generally people do not speak about these subjects. To the next! Cheers!
Right here is the right site for anybody who wishes to understand this topic. You know so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a topic that has been discussed for many years. Great stuff, just excellent.
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. There’s no doubt that that you need to write more on this issue, it may not be a taboo matter but typically folks don’t discuss these topics. To the next! Best wishes!
Good article. I am dealing with some of these issues as well..
I used to be able to find good advice from your articles.
You ought to take part in a contest for one of the highest quality blogs on the web. I will highly recommend this website!
Greetings! Very helpful advice within this post! It’s the little changes that produce the most important changes. Many thanks for sharing!
Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after going through a few of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I discovered it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back frequently!
I need to to thank you for this very good read!! I certainly enjoyed every bit of it. I’ve got you book-marked to check out new stuff you post…
Having read this I believed it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this informative article together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it.
Aw, this was an extremely good post. Finding the time and actual effort to make a really good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and don’t manage to get anything done.
Your style is very unique compared to other folks I have read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this blog.
Good post. I definitely love this site. Thanks!
I’m excited to uncover this website. I wanted to thank you for your time just for this wonderful read!! I definitely appreciated every little bit of it and i also have you bookmarked to check out new stuff on your site.
I love reading through an article that will make men and women think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment.
Very nice blog post. I definitely love this site. Continue the good work!
Great info. Lucky me I found your blog by accident (stumbleupon). I have book marked it for later!
It’s hard to come by experienced people about this subject, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
You made some decent points there. I checked on the web to learn more about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this site.
I blog frequently and I genuinely appreciate your information. The article has really peaked my interest. I’m going to book mark your site and keep checking for new details about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed too.
Everything is very open with a precise explanation of the issues. It was definitely informative. Your site is extremely helpful. Thank you for sharing!
Hello, I believe your site could possibly be having internet browser compatibility problems. When I take a look at your site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, wonderful website.
Great article. I will be experiencing many of these issues as well..
Very good post. I’m going through many of these issues as well..
I needed to thank you for this wonderful read!! I certainly loved every little bit of it. I’ve got you book-marked to look at new stuff you post…
I was able to find good information from your blog posts.
I must thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this site. I’m hoping to view the same high-grade content from you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own website now 😉
I must thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this site. I really hope to see the same high-grade content by you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now 😉
Spot on with this write-up, I seriously believe that this web site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the info.
You’ve made some really good points there. I checked on the internet to find out more about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this web site.
Hi there! This blog post couldn’t be written much better! Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I most certainly will send this information to him. Fairly certain he will have a great read. I appreciate you for sharing!
May I simply say what a comfort to find an individual who genuinely understands what they are talking about on the net. You certainly realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More and more people have to check this out and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you are not more popular because you definitely possess the gift.
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon every day. It’s always helpful to read through content from other writers and practice a little something from their web sites.
Aw, this was a very good post. Taking the time and actual effort to produce a very good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and never manage to get nearly anything done.
I’m very happy to uncover this page. I wanted to thank you for your time just for this fantastic read!! I definitely liked every bit of it and I have you saved to fav to see new information in your site.
There is certainly a lot to know about this issue. I like all of the points you’ve made.
Very good information. Lucky me I found your website by chance (stumbleupon). I have saved it for later.
Hello, I think your blog could possibly be having browser compatibility problems. Whenever I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, wonderful website!
There’s certainly a lot to know about this topic. I really like all of the points you made.
That is a very good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate information… Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read article.
I love looking through an article that will make men and women think. Also, many thanks for allowing for me to comment.
Hi, I do think this is an excellent web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to return yet again since I book-marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
Hello there! This blog post could not be written any better! Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept preaching about this. I’ll send this information to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
This is the perfect site for anybody who wants to find out about this topic. You understand so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a subject that’s been written about for a long time. Excellent stuff, just wonderful.
Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe this web site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read more, thanks for the advice.
You’re so interesting! I don’t believe I’ve read anything like that before. So good to find someone with original thoughts on this subject. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This web site is one thing that is required on the web, someone with a bit of originality.
The very next time I read a blog, Hopefully it won’t fail me as much as this particular one. I mean, Yes, it was my choice to read, however I really thought you would have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of moaning about something that you could possibly fix if you weren’t too busy looking for attention.
You’re so cool! I do not think I have read anything like this before. So great to find somebody with a few unique thoughts on this subject matter. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This web site is something that is required on the web, someone with a bit of originality.
Excellent blog post. I absolutely love this website. Keep writing!
I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both equally educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something that too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy I came across this during my hunt for something concerning this.
Having read this I believed it was rather informative. I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this short article together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
Next time I read a blog, Hopefully it does not fail me just as much as this particular one. After all, I know it was my choice to read through, however I really thought you would have something useful to say. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something that you can fix if you were not too busy looking for attention.
I need to to thank you for this fantastic read!! I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. I have got you book-marked to look at new things you post…
After looking at a number of the blog posts on your website, I honestly like your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future. Please check out my website too and tell me your opinion.
мастер iphone москва
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Very well written!
Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to generate a really good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and never seem to get anything done.
It’s difficult to find educated people on this topic, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who was conducting a little homework on this. And he actually ordered me dinner simply because I found it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to discuss this subject here on your site.
This site was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something that helped me. Thank you!
Excellent article. I’m experiencing a few of these issues as well..
It’s nearly impossible to find well-informed people on this subject, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Excellent article. I definitely love this site. Continue the good work!
Great web site you’ve got here.. It’s difficult to find excellent writing like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate people like you! Take care!!
You are so cool! I don’t believe I have read through something like this before. So good to discover someone with a few unique thoughts on this subject matter. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is one thing that’s needed on the internet, someone with a little originality.
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article! It’s the little changes that produce the biggest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Excellent blog post. I certainly appreciate this website. Thanks!
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up plus the rest of the website is really good.
Greetings! Very useful advice within this post! It’s the little changes that will make the most significant changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Great blog you have got here.. It’s difficult to find good quality writing like yours nowadays. I honestly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
Good post. I absolutely appreciate this site. Stick with it!
Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Finding the time and actual effort to produce a very good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and never seem to get anything done.
This site was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something that helped me. Thank you.
Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve visited this blog before but after browsing through some of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I discovered it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back regularly!
When I initially left a comment I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the exact same comment. There has to be a means you are able to remove me from that service? Thank you.
Наш сервисный центр предлагает надежный мастерская по ремонту фотоаппаратов в москве любых брендов и моделей. Мы осознаем, насколько необходимы вам ваши камеры, и готовы предложить сервис наилучшего качества. Наши опытные мастера работают быстро и аккуратно, используя только качественные детали, что предоставляет длительную работу выполненных работ.
Наиболее распространенные поломки, с которыми сталкиваются обладатели фотокамер, включают неисправности объектива, неработающий затвор, неисправный экран, проблемы с аккумулятором и программные сбои. Для устранения этих проблем наши опытные мастера оказывают ремонт объективов, затворов, экранов, батарей и ПО. Обратившись к нам, вы гарантируете себе качественный и надежный ремонт фотоаппаратов адреса.
Подробная информация размещена на сайте: https://remont-fotoapparatov-ink.ru
Greetings! Very useful advice within this article! It’s the little changes that produce the greatest changes. Many thanks for sharing!
Having read this I thought it was really informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this content together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
Если вы искали где отремонтировать сломаную технику, обратите внимание – профи тех сервис спб
Если вы искали где отремонтировать сломаную технику, обратите внимание – профи тех сервис екб
I’m very pleased to discover this website. I want to to thank you for ones time for this particularly wonderful read!! I definitely really liked every bit of it and I have you bookmarked to see new information in your website.
Если вы искали где отремонтировать сломаную технику, обратите внимание – тех профи
Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and never manage to get anything done.
I was more than happy to find this page. I want to to thank you for ones time for this particularly wonderful read!! I definitely savored every little bit of it and I have you saved as a favorite to check out new stuff on your site.
I love reading an article that can make men and women think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment.
You should be a part of a contest for one of the highest quality blogs on the net. I most certainly will recommend this blog!
Great post. I am experiencing a few of these issues as well..
I blog frequently and I seriously thank you for your content. This article has truly peaked my interest. I will take a note of your site and keep checking for new details about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.
That is a very good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate info… Thank you for sharing this one. A must read post!
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Many thanks, However I am encountering difficulties with your RSS. I don’t know why I cannot subscribe to it. Is there anybody else getting similar RSS problems? Anybody who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanx!!