Lutherie – Page 5
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The luthier's guide to good customer relationships
As a general rule, luthiers tend to be better at making instruments than making friends. Violin maker Korinthia A. Klein gives some hints and tips on good customer relations – both for the people entering the workshop and for those running it
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Taking acoustic measurements from internal vibrations
Normally, acoustic measurements are taken from outside the instrument – but the internal vibrations can reveal even more. Colin Gough presents a method for listening inside the soundbox and demonstrates what it can tell us about the sound
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Analysis June 2024: Is ipê an alternative for pernambuco?
With pernambuco in danger of being permanently off limits to bow makers, could another Brazilian hardwood – ipê – be the solution?
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‘She typed the name into Google and emitted a cry of astonishment’ - Letters to the editor: June 2024
A selection of letters The Strad receives each month from its readers around the world: June 2024 issue
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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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My Space: Anthony Morton’s Greensboro workshop
Take a peek into the North Carolina atelier
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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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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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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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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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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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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
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Violin maker Otto Schünemann: A Romantic visionary
Although Otto Schünemann’s violins were praised by everyone from Vuillaume to Sarasate, his name is barely recognised today. Clifford Hall tells the story of this idealistic luthier who strove to bring the glories of the Cremonese masters to 19th-century Germany
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In Focus: An 1899 viola by Luigi Rovatti
Lionnel Genovart looks at the Buenos Aires-based Italian luthier’s late-century instrument