r/violinmaking

What is the proper solution to fixing the position of the fine tuners here? The ball end of the A and D string are sitting directly on the tailpiece making the fine tuners in useable. The fine tuners are staying. Do I file down the tailpiece? If so where? Or choose a different style of fine tuners?

I will travel overseas in the summer and need a declaration of materials for my instrument. There are certain types of materials that are forbidden to travel with and require certain papers, which are really hard to acquire.
There is a lab where I live where they test the wood to see which species it is but it costs of course a nice amount of money. That is why I want to get your opinion first to see if it makes sense to even pay that money.
This is an old violin with its probably original fittings from the 19th century and it is definetly rosewood. The big question is which one?

Thank you all for your time!

Didn't think I would be doing this again so soon, but I couldn't stop thinking about everything I'd like to improve on after finishing my first violin in April. I was tempted to try an amati or del gesu model for my second build, but ended up using the Titian outline again as my starting point so I can improve on a form I already have an understanding of. I made a new mold (with help from my CNC operator co-worker) since there were a bunch of irregularities in the one I made by hand last year. I also wanted to do angled blocks this time. I have the blocks glued into the mold, and both plates glued up. Its going quicker so far now that I know what's important to get right for the next step, and I can mostly work from memory instead of stopping every step to read how to do it.

I also measured wood density this time, I dont yet know how to use that information, but I will start doing some research.

The spruce is 0.44 specific gravity, the maple is 0.62. I have been looking at the willemotte strad for arching inspiration. My first fiddle ended up with a fairly low top arch and low projection, so I will like to try going the other direction this time

Found this violin in my grandma's attic. I know very little about old instruments, can someone please tell me how hard it is to repair and would it affect the sound in any way? I have no intentions of selling the instrument, as I am a violinist myself.

I was going through old photos yesterday and found a pic of a viola I sold to a shop back east. They took photos of it for their website and this is what is shown.

I think I made this in 2009. Andrea Guarneri model if I remember right. Wish I had more photos of it! I haven’t touched my tools since packing them up in 2012 when I finally threw in the towel.

Hi guys, I saw this nice video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fEqjXaCNU4&t=105s and noticed that these natural manes are colored. My question is: what kind of dye or ink is used to color the mane?

Would you try to patch this or just start over with a new top? It measures 1.45mm at the thinnest point.

Hi everyone,

I’m a complete beginner and I just got this violin to start my lessons. It doesn't have a label, so I’m curious about what I actually have here. I’ve attached photos of the front, back, and details.

I recently took it to a luthier for a basic setup (lowering the fingerboard and nut), and he shared some interesting specs:

It has a one-piece top with thick grain.

The bass bar is a separate installed piece (not carved from the top).

It has a 22mm height, which he said gives it good projection and response.

Performance: The luthier mentioned it has great response and projection, though he noted the wood is clearly not "antique."

He recommended upgrading to a Despiau 3-tree bridge and an aged wood soundpost. Since I'm just starting out and these upgrades are a bit pricey, I wanted to ask:

Looking at the construction and photos, what’s your take on its quality?

Does it make sense for a beginner to invest in high-end parts like a 3-tree bridge right away, or should I stick with the current setup for now?

Thanks for your insights!

Before and after I had it fixed up a little

I was gifted this Violin from a customer of mine for my daughter to grow into, I'll be playing it in the meantime. It was his grandmother's. It's made by Francois Barzoni (not a person) in france and sold in london. I had the violin shop check it out and they said it was a Guarneri style violin where the two diagonal quadrants of the violin are tuned the same and the other two tuned the same with each other but different than the other one in an X pattern (sorry i don't know how to describe this😅) It's been so long since it was played that it still had Gut strings on it that were too far gone to play but still cool. Curious if anyone has any other info or any other thoughts. It plays beautifully and has a very rich sound for its age.

Hi! My mother purchased this for me about 14 years ago to start learning violin. But I never started lol

I’m selling it now but I don’t know how much its worth. I posted it online and a lot of people are interested.

Please let me know the approximate worth or any info, as I don’t know anything about violins or music in general.

Sorry for my lack of knowledge xx

I’ve been venturing into lutherie for about a year now, but I’ve basically been learning everything through research and experimentation.

If possible, I’d really appreciate some advice regarding shellac application. I’m currently using a local Brazilian shellac — would Indian shellac be a better option?

I applied several layers of varnish and I’m now at the French polishing stage. However, right after I finish, the viola looks beautifully glossy, but around 24 hours later, some dull or matte spots start to appear.

Could this be related to the way I applied the varnish, the quality of the shellac itself, the leveling process, or perhaps the polishing technique not being done correctly?

Thank you in advance!

P.S.: Unfortunately, these are the only photos I have, and the background is a bit cluttered.

Hi, I got this violin at a thrift shop today, and I’m wondering when it’s from and if it’s worth fixing. What I’m worried about is the 2 big marks on the lower part of the body. There is no label inside, and no markings on the bow. The soundpost has fallen out and the g string is snapped. Two of the pegs do seem to be newer than the other two. Any help would be appreciated