Gallery
We use scrapers to finish the surface of the top. By cutting the wood grains we achieve big optical and acoustical advantages compared to sanding the wood.
The creation of the archings is an important component in luthery. They are decisively responsible for sound characteristics.
The contour lines which are produced by a so called Moiré-frame help us visualizing the buildup of the archings. You can see clearly the differences between top and back plates.
Traditionally the violin top is tapped on to hear its frequencies. Nowadays we furthermore are able to visualize these with Chladni patterns. The plates are gritted with fine sand and excited with a frequency generator. A plate vibrating at resonance is divided into regions vibrating in opposite directions, bounded by lines of zero vibration called nodal lines.
Depending on the resonance different nodal lines are formed. They give us information about lateral and longitudinal stiffness conditions of the plates.
When picking out blank bridges from the retailer we are careful to get only the best quality of wood. Then they are hung up in the sun to tan and age.
Since the bridge is of prime importance when setting up an instrument, we give our best attention to it.
These violins are ready to be varnished. We use fine oil varnish with natural resins and pigments which gives the instruments protection and noble brilliance. After at least 3 months of duration the varnishing will be finished and finally the violins will be ready to be stringed and played.