As an instrument progresses, one can’t really call oneself a maker until the neck is perfectly set- this is the most important part of the basic construction of the instrument. The neck set will determine whether or not the instrument will be playable, and will determine the quality of sound that the instrument will produce. In executing this assembly absolute accuracy is paramount.

Putting the finishing touches on the mortise.

The neck at this point is not glued in but it’s starting to look good.

Working on the neck heel with a chisel. Being careful with the ebony crown!

The neck being finished

Nov 6, 7, 8th at Foothills Centennial Center

My wife and I are delighted to be taking part in the Okotoks Christmas Market
Nov 6. from 4-9 in the evening
Nov 7. from 10am -5pm
and Nov8 from 10am-5pm

In Calgary on Sunday? Don’t miss world famous Pinchas Zukerman and his wife Amanda Forsyth perform at the Jack Singer Concert Hall, Concert at 2:30 pm.

Purchase a subscription by calling Arts Commons at 403 294-9494
OR
Purchase single tickets by calling Arts Commons at 403-294-9494 or go toartscommons.ca

Or you can contact me at 403-615-1755/through this website and I’ll help make sure you are there!

Also on Sunday 

Handpainted sign done by Rose Langdon, with in progress violins

Two Instruments being built are nearing the completion stage as most of the material has been formed to its final shape, before being assembled, finessed, then successfully varnished and set up. Violin is not available. The Viola is still unspoken for.

With the corpus of the instrument now assembled and the scroll carved. I’m getting ready to prepare the neck for installation on a violin model that is already spoken for. I used this model for my last commission with great success. Differences in this one include an ebony cap emulating an artistic repair commonly seen on older instruments of great value.

Measure across the length of the arch with my small LeeValley keychain measuring tape:
Back Length: 358mm
Lower bout: 207mm
“C”  bout: 113mm
Upper Bout:171mm

The rib structure garland receives some inside trimming before installing the linings and gluing to the back and belly.

Scraping away at a violin scroll for the latest commissioned instrument.

Eastern Canadian Maple. Really tightly flamed with beautiful fleck. Chosen by customer.

Top glued to the ribs

A little bit further behind progress wise is a new viola, designed around playability and responsiveness for players with smaller hands/frames that still demand a powerful sound. The upper treble side shoulder of this viola has been made smaller to make getting around the instrument easier. This is my first instrument to feature doubled (inlaid) purfling. I used it to draw attention to the smaller treble side, to trick the eye from focusing on the non-symmetrical shape of the outline.

Busy Bench

viola treble side purfling

Measuring using the same trusty tape the viola currently shapes up in the following dimensions.The arch goes almost completely to the edge which is to be turned and shaped during/after the installation of the rib structure.

Length:394mm (15-1/2″+)
Upper bout: 192mm
“c” bout: 130mm
Lower bout: 238mm
Price: $9,000

All instruments come fully set up, in a case with a bow. Featured violins are full size 4/4. Fractional sizes also available.

#3 Debutte Series $450.00

An impressive entry level instrument, with great response. Currently only have 1 available but will definitely be getting more in. Setup with Vision Strings, date wood fittings and Wittner tailpiece. Yes, that is a real ebony fingerboard!

#2 The Cannzona Outfit $850.00

One of the most impressive instruments I’ve seen in this price range. Antiqued varnish and boxwood fittings, a great sounding violin with decent projection. Comes with ViolinO strings, and Wittner tailpiece.

# 1 Cannzona Select     $1,300.00   $950.00

Similar to the previous violin there’s just more sound and better fittings also a better case and bow. Dominant strings with a Lenzner Goldbrokat “e”, Boxwood fittings. Pernambuco bow. Used as a practice violin by my sister for a week while travelling to Great Britain.