Lutherie – Page 14
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Trade Secrets: Gluing the linings with counterforms and springs
An efficient method for a complex process, which allows freedom of movement
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Making Matters: A cautionary tale for our times
When a cello suffered a calamitous hand sanitiser accident, it looked irreparable at first sight. John Simmers explains how he restored it to the way it was pre-Covid
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Tracing the truth: Stradivari’s early cellos
What cello moulds were used in the Stradivari workshop? The question has long gone unanswered, despite the number of artefacts – and even intact moulds – that survive. Philip Ihle examines 17 of the cellos made before 1700 to find out how many moulds may have been used before the ...
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Trade Secrets: Reinforcing a cello bridge
A method of inserting carbon-fibre rods to ensure the bridge retains its shape
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Making Matters: The height of perfection
Double bass repairers know the value of raising the saddle to help the instrument’s sound open up – but how much do you raise it by? Felix Habel reveals the formula that can give an exact measurement every time
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Making Matters: Secrets of the sticks
New software, soon to be released as a free download, promises to help bow makers measure historical examples and adapt their own methods accordingly. Nelly Poidevin explains how it works
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Lutherie Dynasties: a family affair
In this globalised era, there are still many families that keep up their strong lutherie traditions, with parents passing on their secrets and skills to the next generation. Peter Somerford asks how such formative influences can affect their craft, for better or for worse
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Trade Secrets: Carving the neck on a viola da gamba
One of the last jobs to be tackled in the process of making the Baroque instrument
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Lutherie in China: the enterprise system
China has become a world leader in stringed instrument making, based on a system of bulk production combined with respect for craftsmanship. Sisi Ye speaks to the heads of manufacturing firms in Pinggu, Queshan and Huangqiao to learn more
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Dawn of Parisian splendour: Charles François Gand
A talented luthier and a shrewd businessman, Charles François Gand had a seismic effect on the Paris violin world despite his relatively small output. Florent Boyer presents an in-depth examination of several Gand instruments to show the development of his style
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In Focus: A 1675 violin by Antonio Casini
Jonathan Marolle describes an instrument by Modena’s first violin maker, born around 1630
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Trade Secrets: Making a pigment grinder
A device that removes the effort from the tiresome business of grinding varnish pigments by hand
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My Space: Marcus Kimke
A peak into the workshop of the maker based in Angers, France
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Making Matters: Graduation studies
Is it possible to customise the sound and response of a newly built violin, in playing condition, for a specific musician? Ulf Kloo explains how it can be done, with the help of a small wooden pin in the back plate