Lutherie – Page 27
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FocusUsing ‘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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Premium ❘ FeatureProject 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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Premium ❘ FeatureImaging 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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Premium ❘ FeatureBetween the Baroque and modern age: Vuillaume’s ‘Messiah’ Strad
Stefan-Peter Greiner examines Vuillaume’s unorthodox method of fastening and extending the neck in his copy of the ‘Messiah’ Strad. From November 1996
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FocusUsing Artificial Intelligence in violin making
In the September 2021 issue, Sebastian Gonzalez investigates artificial intelligence (AI) software to examine violin forms
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Focus‘Spanish Court’ Stradivari viola copy by Diego del Valle
A chance to check out the decorated viola that is the subject of The Strad Podcast Episode #11
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FocusThe Strad Podcast Episode #11: Jesus Rodolfo’s 1696 ‘Spanish Court’ Stradivari viola copy
Jesus Rodolfo speaks about his very special instrument made for him based on a decorated Stradivari
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FocusVarious viola variables: weight, shape and sound
In the September 2021 issue, William Castle examines how weight, shape and sound is affected in violas of various sizes
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NewsInaugural Brandenburg Violin Making Workshop 2021
Watch exclusive footage of the week-long workshop in August, the first of its kind in Europe
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FocusGut reaction: the worst job in history?
How to make gut strings the 18th-century way. From February 2011
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Premium ❘ FeatureGut strings: A strong stomach for strings
As gut becomes increasingly popular among players, Jenny Nex uncovers documents revealing the pioneers of the string making trade of 18th-century London, and the secrets behind the messy job of processing intestines. From February 2011
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Premium ❘ FeatureAntiquing: The art of deception?
Making a new instrument look old is a painstaking craft that requires skill, patience and imagination. But why do luthiers spend their time creating an unreal effect? Peter Somerford speaks to both advocates and critics of the process
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Premium ❘ FeatureViola sizes: Size does matter
Viola players everywhere know the difficulty in finding the perfect instrument – but how many realise the differences that size, shape and weight can make to playability and tone? William Castle gives a step-by-step guide to finding the one that’s right for you
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Premium ❘ FeatureViolin making and AI: Intelligent design
The science of violin acoustics has encompassed 3D scanning, CNC technology and good old-fashioned tap tones – so why not AI software? Sebastian Gonzalez presents the results of a project that could help predict an instrument’s tone qualities even before it’s made
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Premium ❘ ArticleAuction Report: September 2021
The June auctions in the UK capital brought together a number of interesting bows and instruments, with signs that the market is on the up and up, writes Kevin MacDonald
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Premium ❘ FeatureIn Focus: A 1911 violin by Anatoly Leman
Yuri Pochekin details an instrument by one of the most important figures in Russian violin making history
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Premium ❘ FeatureTrade Secrets: Varnish crackle effects
An easy approach to varnish crackle and faux crackle techniques that could be applied to restoration and antiquing
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ReviewBook review: Feine und bedeutende Streichinstrumente
Benjamin Hebbert reviews an anthology of instruments by German violin dealer Rudolf Eckstein, witht text in German and English
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FocusA weighty argument: wood density in violins
John Waddle, Steve Rossow and Steve Sirr discuss how wood density can vastly affect the acoustic properties of violins
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FocusCT scanning and the ‘Betts’ Stradivari
John Waddle shows how CT scanning technology is used to examine the structure and wood density of the ‘Betts’ Stradivari