Technical – Page 13
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News
Double-blind test reveals sound properties of instruments made from composites
The research has been published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
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Video
Luthier Peter Westerlund shares ‘unique methods’
The video is part of a series by the Swedish violin maker
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Luthiers and RSI: Taking the Strain
For instrument makers, repetitive strain injuries can mean untold pain and misery – and possibly the end of their career. Luthier Cameron Robertson explains how, with the help of occupational therapist Sara Propes, he adapted his work process to guard against the problems of RSI in the future
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Making Matters: In search of the ‘missing link’
Stefan Hersh examines a Tourte-school bow that might provide a connection between the master bow maker’s conventional style and the earlier Cramer-head bows
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Trade Secrets: Repairing damaged blocks
A conscientious method that preserves as much information as possible for future restorers
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News
Violin and bow makers collaborate to raise money for musicians’ fund
Luthier Jacob Brillhart is live-streaming the building of a $10k violin for ’Musician Aid’
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Making Matters: A Major Sticking Point
Instead of discussing the right way to secure a crack with reinforcements, shouldn’t we try to achieve the strongest possible joint in the first place? Christian Schabbon presents the results of his investigation into different types of glue
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Video
How Nashville former gymnast and Chicago carpenter ended up making violins together
He’s a carpenter, hunter, fisherman and veteran, who, for many years, lived in the woods of Alaska. She’s a former gymnast who fell in love with the violin in ballet class. So on the face of it Ray DeMeo and Amanda N. Ewing don’t have that much in common. Except ...
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Trade Secrets: Neck shaping
A quick and accurate method for this crucial part of the making process
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Trade Secrets: Inlay techniques
Giving a decorative flourish to an instrument can add a personal touch – and be a true test of skill
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Making Matters: A head for figures
Luthiers such as Jacob Stainer often surmounted their instruments with elaborately carved heads rather than scrolls. Lloyd McCaffery, a professional wood carver, explains how he developed a modern take on an ancient art form
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Making a Full Quartet of Instruments: Matches Made in Heaven?
It’s both a privilege and a challenge to build a quartet of instruments that are intended to be played together from the start. Peter Somerford speaks to players and makers to discover both the pitfalls and the opportunities
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Chinese Tonewoods: Interesting Times
For luthiers worldwide, European wood is still viewed as the best for making stringed instruments – even though China’s forests are filled with high-quality spruce and maple. Xue Peng presents the results of a study comparing the tonewoods of China and Europe, with some startling conclusions
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Video
Glass fibre cello used to play Takemitsu
Carbon fibre instruments have been introduced on the market for a couple of years. A research team from Ghent University and School of Arts Gent has been investigating the use of composite materials for string instruments. Now, one of their prototypes, a cello made from glass fibre by luthier Tim ...
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Trade Secrets: Notes on cello endpin fitting
A guide to veneer bushing and creating an ‘abrasive reamer’ for making adjustments
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