A Strad Inspired Violin - Log 9/28/09

Monday, September 28, 2009
Final Arching and F Holes Drawn

I stopped by Indianapolis Violins to photograph the progress Ben had made on the top and back arches. Also, Dr. Samuel Siurua's friend, Neil Handley, was to drop off Sam's Mathew Furber 1830's violin for any new fittings and adjustments it might need.

Above Ben is holding the top of my violin so that the arching is clearly visible against the contrasting background of Sam's violin case.


This second shot gives a clearer view of the height of the top arch.

Here Ben displays the maple back to show the beautiful flaming .

The shape and height of the back arch are more clearly seen in this photo.

To my surprise Ben decided to layout the F holes. He began by locating and drawing a horizontal line extending across the top from immediately under the bottom of the purfling at the point the corners turn up. Next he carefully located the center line along the line of the seam where the two pieces of wood were originally joined. Finally checking the photographs and measurement of the Medici and Cremonese Strads he decided on the closest measurement from the two violins that fit the proportion and look of my top. At that point using both a ruler and the calipers he marked and the drew in the two vertical lines against which he will lay the Strad F hole template.

To the left Ben locates the template with the horizontal and vertical lines and begins drawing the outline in pencil. The outside of the top eye lays against the vertical line and the top of the lower eye lays underneath and against the horizontal line.

The left F hole outline is drawn.

Both F holes having been drawn are clearly seen in this photo.

The violin begins to have a life of it own. Ben has clamped the pieces together in a mock up so we can see the progress and the pieces won't be lonely at night.