Lutherie – Page 40
-
-
Premium ❘ FeatureMaking Matters: Beauty and the bridge
The acoustic role of the violin bridge is well known, but what about the aesthetic choices that luthiers make when carving them? John Beames gives a detailed analysis of a favourite bridge to elucidate the process
-
Premium ❘ FeatureLutherie Collectives: The Wisdom of Crowds
Violin making is traditionally a solitary career, so why are so many luthiers and bow makers choosing to join collectives? Peter Somerford talks to the founders and members of such groups around the world to discover the benefits of pooling resources, knowledge and time
-
Premium ❘ FeatureLutherie in Mexico: Adapting to Change
The history of stringed instrument making in Mexico is one of adaptability and innovation. Pablo Alfaro and Jaime G. González show how European arts and crafts were rapidly adopted by the indigenous people, and how the 20th century saw more creativity than ever
-
VideoCremona Mondomusica trade fair confirmed for 2020
The event for stringed instrument players, makers and dealers will take place from 25 to 27 September
-
NewsNew software allows users to recreate the sound of a Stradivarius
Native Instruments’ ‘Stradivari Violin’ uses tones captured at Cremona’s Museo del Violino in January 2019
-
VideoRay Chen compares a $69 factory-made violin with a $10m Stradivari
’Even on the open strings you can tell the difference. The Strad has this resonance, clarity and warmth’ Violinist Ray Chen compares a $69 factory-made violin with the 1735 ’Samazeuilh’ Stradivari violin worth around $10m. Watch: Ray Chen: What do you do when your E-string breaks in a concert?Read: Players ...
-
NewsLuthier creates tiny playable violins during lockdown
Bavarian violin maker Maria Sandner’s creations can be just 10cm long
-
Premium ❘ FeatureVihuela de Arco: Unlocking the secrets of the past
A popular instrument of the Middle Ages, the vihuela de arco is only known today from contemporary references and pictures. Javier Martínez explains its significance in the history of bowed instruments, and debunks some of the myths surrounding it
-
-
Premium ❘ FeatureTrade Secrets: Designing a bridge for a violin with distorted arching
A solution to a common problem in antique instruments
-
-
Premium ❘ FeatureMaking Matters: In praise of cypress
The wood of the cypress tree can seem like an unusual alternative for spruce, but both its figure and relative density make it a desirable option. Alan Beavitt explains why he has used it for several instruments
-
FocusA genuine Amati or a clever fake?
Could the cello shown here be one of the eight ‘bass violins’ ordered by Catherine de’ Medici for the court of Charles IX of France? Luthier Filip Kuijken explores the known history of the instrument and considers whether it could be an original Andrea Amati – or a clever fake
-
Premium ❘ ArticleAuction report: June 2020
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, sales continued at the London auction houses in March. Kevin MacDonald gives a tour of the highlights
-
Premium ❘ FeatureIn Focus: A c.1930 violin by Annibalotto Fagnola
Philip Brown examines an instrument by the Turin violin maker
-
Premium ❘ FeatureTrade Secrets: Lengthening a violin neck
An alternative to performing a neck graft, without the need for making a replacement
-
-
Premium ❘ FeatureMaking Matters: Pearls of wisdom
One of the most mysterious parts of bow making is the production of mother-of-pearl slides and eyes. John Matthews provides a guide to the process, and explains why ormer is the best shell to use
-
Premium ❘ FeatureUnvarnished Instruments: Team Building
For luthiers, finely sourced white instruments may well be the perfect accessory – offering the double opportunity for varnishing practice and to sell less expensive models to students and those with shallower pockets. But, writes Peter Somerford, the issues of provenance and labelling are of utmost importance when marketing such ...
