Making Stringed Instruments (Paperback)

There is more than one way to make a fiddle and more than one book to tell you how. All stringed instruments are complex constructions and this guide imparts an overall philosophy for their construction - much more valuable than 'painting-by-numbers' instructions. I had read several books on fiddle making before I found this one in the local library. After reading it I finally grasped the nettle and started to work. It was borrowed regularly until I found this revised edition.
The majority of the book describes violin, viola and cello construction but also covers mandolins and guitars in detail. An extended introduction discusses tools, including home made ones, and practical techniques for carving and assembly. A short appendix has fairly up-to-date information on suppliers of woods and tools. Scaled down plans are included, but the book is best used along with more detailed full-sized plans. The book is generously illustrated with line drawings which are easy to follow. Carving the violin scroll is described and illustrated in great detail - follow this and it works.
Woodworking is a philosophical business, often requiring as much effort in working out how to do it as doing it. Not everyone would want to follow this guide to the letter, but it provides all you need to start thinking as well as doing.

There is more than one way to make a fiddle and more than one book to tell you how. All stringed instruments are complex constructions and this guide imparts an overall philosophy for their construction - much more valuable than 'painting-by-numbers' instructions. I had read several books on fiddle making before I found this one in the local library. After reading it I finally grasped the nettle and started to work. It was borrowed regularly until I found this revised edition.
The majority of the book describes violin, viola and cello construction but also covers mandolins and guitars in detail. An extended introduction discusses tools, including home made ones, and practical techniques for carving and assembly. A short appendix has fairly up-to-date information on suppliers of woods and tools. Scaled down plans are included, but the book is best used along with more detailed full-sized plans. The book is generously illustrated with line drawings which are easy to follow. Carving the violin scroll is described and illustrated in great detail - follow this and it works.
Woodworking is a philosophical business, often requiring as much effort in working out how to do it as doing it. Not everyone would want to follow this guide to the letter, but it provides all you need to start thinking as well as doing.