Lutherie
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Blogs
The pernambuco wood dilemma: a call for global responsibility and unity
Connecting cultural heritage and environmental sustainability, David Neves discusses a proposal to include pernambuco in Appendix I of CITES, a change that would significantly impact the global trade of this essential wood
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Blogs
The Maccaferri-style violin inspired by Django Reinhardt
Luthier Neil Campbell shares how he crafted a violin in the style of the iconic instrument played by the legendary guitarist
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A mystery unveiled: the makers of Ferrara
While scholars have scrutinised the making traditions of various Italian cities, the luthiers of Ferrara have been largely neglected – until now. Florian Leonhard presents the results of recent archival research into Alessandro Mezzadri and the Marconcini family, along with notes on their making styles
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Decorating a bow frog: let the flowers bloom
A very specialist part of the bow maker’s craft is the addition of decorative inlay into a bow frog. Vladimiros Sorokin-Andreou presents his method for this intricate and delicate part of the process
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In Focus: c.1810–20 bow by Christian Wilhelm Knopf
Matthieu Besseling on a bow by the Knopf dynasty’s patriarch
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Trade Secrets: An alternative rib construction method
Luthier Alan Beavitt shares an option that can guarantee an accurate overhang at the end of the process
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My Space: Anthony Morton’s Greensboro workshop
Take a peek into the North Carolina atelier
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Making Matters: New angles on old designs
Luthier J. Paul Anderson details an unusual commission from New Zealand, which required an innovative varnish ingredient: pumice
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‘I object to the way the old clichés are put out there!’- Letters to the editor: May 2024
A selection of letters The Strad receives each month from its readers around the world: May 2024 issue
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My Space: Elina Kaljunen’s Helsinki workshop
The maker takes us on a tour of her Finnish workshop
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In Focus: A 1759 violin by Joseph Marquès
Jordi Pinto examines the Spanish maker’s mid-century instrument
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Making Matters: How to identify an expert bow maker
The ability to identify the maker of a bow is a rare talent that requires a keen eye and a wealth of knowledge. Jacques Poullot gives some pointers as to how to acquire such expertise
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Trade Secrets: Making a decorative fleur-de-lys
Luthier Evan Davenport illustrates a method to add a striking decoration to the back of a Baroque instrument
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Feature
Ask the Experts: protecting your instrument from chips and nicks
A panel of luthiers give their thoughts on some unusual marks that have appeared on the surface of a violinist's instrument over the course of his playing career
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Gallery
The bows of Richard Otto Gläsel
A selection of bows by the German-born bow maker (1885-1931), whose work exhibits the influence of Claude Thomassin and other French artisans of the era
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Bow maker Richard Otto Gläsel: Parisian splendour
Having perfected his skills in the French capital, German bow maker Richard Otto Gläsel was much inspired by the work of his Gallic forebears, from Voirin to Vigneron. Gennady Filimonov tells his story and examines several of his finest works
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Cello bridge design: X marks the spot
For many years the design of the cello bridge has remained constant – but could it be improved? Sebastian Gonzalez presents the results of a comparison between the standard French bridge and a newly designed model, while Gaian Amorim tracks the development of the bridge
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Gallery
Photo gallery: ‘The Painted Violin’ by Roger Hansell
The decorated violin is now in the hands of baroque violinist Lucy Russell
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News
1862 Vuillaume cello commissioned by Vieuxtemps to go on sale for the first time
The cello, which will be presented for auction by Ingles & Hayday this month, has remained in the Vieuxtemps family ever since it was made over 160 years ago
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Double bass set-up: not a giant violin
The size and shape of the double bass mean its set-up differs greatly from the other bowed stringed instruments. Bass maker Arnold E. Schnitzer presents a comprehensive guide, designed for both luthiers and practically minded bassists