Lutherie
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FocusSteven Staryk on being a virtuoso violin collector
The former concertmaster of the Royal Concertgebouw and Chicago Symphony Orchestra, among other ensembles, shares examples of virtuoso violinists who were also virtuoso violin collectors
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News
New foundation aims to increase knowledge of Dutch violin makers
The Hendrik Jacobs Foundation is run by a team of researchers and enthusiasts
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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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Francesca Dego: chance of a lifetime
For Italian violinist Francesca Dego, the opportunity to perform and record on Paganini’s ‘Il Cannone’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ of 1743 was a dream come true. She shares with Tom Stewart her experiences with the rarely accessed instrument – which came complete with security guards and its own dressing room
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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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Behind the Curve: the evolution of the bow
The evolution of the bow is inextricably tied up with the needs of the player, and the changing face of society. Paolo Sarri examines the development of the ‘ancient’ and ‘modern’ curves of the bow stick, dispelling a number of myths along the way
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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
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News
Omobono Stradivari violin loaned for Biden’s inauguration ceremony
The violin, valued at just under $4 million, was played by the Irish violinist Patricia Treacy
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Focus
What can we learn from CT-scanning the ‘Messiah’?
In 2016 the ‘Messiah’ Stradivari was the subject of an extensive CT scanning project. Francesco Piasentini and Gregg Alf examine the resulting data, discovering repair work in the neck, and attempt to determine how it had originally been set
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News
Guarneri ‘filius Andreae’ violin at centre of Holocaust storm
The German foundation holding the instrument has failed to pay €100,000 compensation to the heirs of its former owner
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Gallery
‘Thematic instruments’ by Brazilian luthier Saulo Dantas-Barreto
In this gallery we feature ‘thematic instruments’ by Brazilian luthier Saulo Dantas-Barreto, made for both musicians and art collectors. The violins are: Violino Gustave Doré, Violino Roberta Moroni, Violino Princess Isabel, Viola Klimt, Violino Van Gogh and Violino Caravaggio. Saulo Dantas-Barreto graduated from the A. Stradivari International ...
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Focus
What to do if your violin pegs keep slipping or sticking
Korinthia Klein presents a simple player’s guide to violin maintenance, without encroaching on luthiers’ territory
