Step 1- Molds
Blocks of wood, typically made out of Spruce, Poplar, or Willow, are placed in violin molds made of Walnut wood.
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Step 2 - C Bouts
Ribs for the C bouts are bent into shape using a special iron.
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Step 3 - Attaching C Bouts
C bouts are then attached with glue to the violin mold and clamped into place
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Step 4 - Ribbing
After the C bouts are in place, the rest of the ribbing is attached to the blocks.
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Step 5 - Lining
A thin wooden lining is placed inside the ribbing to reinforce the violin when the mold is removed.
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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.
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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.
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Step 9 - Bass Bar
A bass bar is then added to the underside of the top of the violin.
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Step 10 - Body Complete
The body of the violin is now complete
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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.
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Step 12 - Carving the Scroll
The scroll is then carved into the desired shape.
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Step 13 - Fingerboard
The fingerboard, made of ebony, is carefully shaved into shape
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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!
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