All lutherie articles – Page 3
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Focus
Challenges at the bench: mental health and luthiers
Mental illness is often comorbid with chronic physical conditions, resulting in multiple challenges for many luthiers, as Peter Somerford examines
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‘Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people in the trade’: how to enter the lutherie profession
In this extract from March 2022, luthiers reflect on their early professional experiences and give advice to those entering the profession
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News
Inaugural Philharmonie de Paris lutherie competition names winners
A total of 89 cellos were submitted for the competition, to celebrate excellence in the field and promote emerging talent
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Photo gallery: Violin made from salvaged floorboards of Shackleton’s former home
Edinburgh-based luthier Steve Burnett crafted the violin, marking the centenary of the legendary explorer’s death
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Luthier Marten Cornelissen has died
The Dutch-born craftsman made more than 600 instruments during his lifetime
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New registry for fine instruments launched
The Si-Yo Fine Instrument Registry will store and update information on the musical treasures of the past
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North America focus: Pioneer Spirit
America has long been a land of opportunity for the talented luthier, whether professional or hobbyist, immigrant or national. Philip Kass explores the lives and work of six gifted US makers from the late-19th to mid-20th century, in this article from November 2008
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Bulgarians and Italians take top awards at ANLAI violin making competition
The contest saw a hundred instruments by luthiers from ten countries assessed, with the award ceremony taking place in the historic Church of Santa Maria della Neve
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News
Women in Lutherie to hold 2021 online annual conference
The online event will provide a space for female luthiers to discuss their trade through discussions and workshops via Zoom from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 October
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The Strad Calendar 2022: Giuseppe Guarneri ‘filius Andreae’ cello 1715 ‘ex Navarra’
The Guarneri ‘filius Andreae’ must be the most impressive Cremonese cello in terms of maker’s marks
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Cremonese varnish: Shining example
A close look into the history and chemistry of varnish making can shed new light on the mysteries of classic Cremonese varnish, as Joe Robson explains, in this lutherie feature from November 2007
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Recipe for success: Stradivari’s varnish
The search for Stradivari’s varnish formula has continued since the 18th century, but there have been few scientific analyses of the varnish itself. Stewart Pollens reveals the results of his recent study of the varnish on five of Stradivari’s instruments, in this feature from May 2009
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News
Two gold medals awarded at 2021 Cremona Triennale violin making competition
Kazune Nemoto received the top prize in the cello section, while Guido Mariotto won for his double bass
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Gallery
‘Noah’s Violin’ has successful Venice launch
A quartet of musicians from the Benedetto Marcello Conservatory performed Vivaldi on top of the floating instrument
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Optical effects in Lutherie: Reflected Glories
Why do some instruments look completely different in varying kinds of light? In this lutherie feature from August 2013, Michael Molnar explains how an understanding of wood, varnish and their optical interactions can produce magical results
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Video
Violin disaster! Can this violin be fixed?
Watch as luthier Olaf Grawert attempts to repair a violin with extensive bottom block damage
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Focus
Using ‘Digital Amati’ in violin making
In this extract from September 2017, Harry Mairson introduces the ’Digital Amati’ software used in conjunction with Euclidean geometry to design string instruments
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Project Lutherie: Euclidean geometry and digital instrument design
A decade ago, François Denis’s Traité de Lutherie showed how the old Italians used Euclidean geometry to design their instruments. Now a computer program based on these principles allows luthiers to construct and adapt patterns quickly and easily. Its creator, Harry Mairson, explains the genesis of Digital Amati, in this ...
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Imaging technology: Learning the finer points
Researchers have used particle-accelerator technology to unlock a Guadagnini’s tiniest secrets. Trieste-based imaging specialist Franco Zanini explains how, in this lutherie feature from January 2012
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Wood densitometry: Material facts
Were the old Cremonese luthiers really using better woods than those available to other makers in Europe? In this article from January 2013, Terry Borman and Berend Stoel present a study of density that seems to suggest otherwise