The Art of Violin Making [Hardcover]

"The Art of Violin Making" is the major work for the craftsman, bringing into one volume a summary of essential information for the violin maker and player, as well as providing a historical reference. Part One: The Violin Makers is devoted to separate chapters on the life and work of some of the greatest of all violin makers; the families of Amati, Stradivari and Guarneri, and the unique genius of Jacob Stainer. These chapters include superb colour photographs of examples of their work. Also included is a chapter covering the work of some leading contemporary violin makers. Part Two: The Workshop, Tools and Materials provides essential information on the tools, working environment and material needed by violin makers. Part Three: Violin Construction comprises a detailed, step-by-step guide to the traditional method of violin making, based closely on the teaching system employed at the world-famous Newark School of Violin Making in England. This section is highly illustrated with photographs and technical drawings. The method of violin construction is presented with great clarity, so that even the newcomer to this fascinating craft will be able to produce a superb instrument. The often overlooked subject of 'setting up' is dealt with in detail, and the final chapter includes advice from an experienced restorer on sound adjustment. This book is essential reading for the violin maker, repairer and historian, providing a unique record of the history, social background, lives and work of the great violin makers of the past, combined with a clear practical guide to making violins.

If you enjoy this book, you may like my other book.
My colleague, Chris Johnson, and I wrote this book to meet the repeated requests from aspiring musical instrument makers, who wanted detailed information on how to make violins. I had the idea for this after the success of my first book, MAKING MASTER GUITARS, WHICH YOU MAY ENJOY AS WELL, AND IS AVAILABLE FROM aMAZON.

CHRIS JOHNSON came to violin making through making guitars as a hobby. He attended Newark School of Violin Making and graduated with a distinction. Since then he has established a workshop in Leicestershire where he makes violins in modern and baroque forms, and exact copies of fine instruments. He also repairs and restores old instruments. Chris Johnson lives near Loughborough, Leicestershire with his wife and two sons. ROY COURTNALL is a luthier, writer and lecturer in musical instrument technology. After obtaining a BA Hons degree in sculpture from London University he went on to develop his instrument-making skills, establishing himself as a luthier. He has published a collection of plans of musical instruments, and is the author of Making Master Guitars also published by Hale. Roy Courtnall lives in Lincoln. ADRIAN LUCAS obtained a degree in architecture at Leeds Polytechnic in 1978. He has worked as a musician for many years and has also run his own architectural business. Most of his time is now occupied making and repairing guitars and teaching guitar making at an adult education class. He was the illustrator for Making Master Guitars by Roy Courtnall. Adrian Lucas lives in Lincoln with his wife and two daughters.