Making a Violin

Famous Violin Making Links:

• Amati Family
• Stradivarius Violins (Stradavarius) | See listing of Strad Violins
• Guarneri Family
• Directory of Violin Makers

Types of Violins:

• German Violins
• Italian Violins
• Chinese Violins

Step 1- Molds

Blocks of wood, typically made out of Spruce, Poplar, or Willow, are placed in violin molds made of Walnut wood.

Step 2 - C Bouts

Ribs for the C bouts are bent into shape using a special iron.

Step 3 - Attaching C Bouts

C bouts are then attached with glue to the violin mold and clamped into place

Step 4 - Ribbing

After the C bouts are in place, the rest of the ribbing is attached to the blocks.

Step 5 - Lining

A thin wooden lining is placed inside the ribbing to reinforce the violin when the mold is removed.

Step 6 - Selecting Wood

Wood is then chosen for the top, back (Spruce), and scroll (Maple) of the violin. The top and back can be made out of one piece of wood or two pieces glued together.

Learn more about the wood

Step 7 - Arching the Wood

The wood is "arched" or carved into the correct shape. Then a channel is cut along the perimeter of the top of the violin for the purfling to be placed into.

Step 8 - Purfling

The purfling is placed into the channel and more arching is done to smooth the shape of the top and bottom of the instrument.

Step 9 - Bass Bar

A bass bar is then added to the underside of the top of the violin.

Step 10 - Body Complete

The body of the violin is now complete

Step 11- Sizing the Scroll

The scroll is then carefully sized. An error as small as a millimeter can completely change the feel of a violin.

Step 12 - Carving the Scroll

The scroll is then carved into the desired shape.

Step 13 - Fingerboard

The fingerboard, made of ebony, is carefully shaved into shape

Step 14 - Gluing

Once pieces of the violin are finished, the instrument is carefully glued. Clamps are placed along the instrument until the glue dries. After this step the violin is then varnished and is ready to be played!