A Tribute to Al Stancel

Al Stancel's favorite hobby was the fine art of fishing. He is shown here ready for a fishing trip on Lake Kesslerwood East, a 65 acre lake behind his home in Marion County, Indianapolis. Primary fish sought were largemouth bass. The biggest was 6 pounds. Several were in the 3 to 4 pound range. The largest fish caught was a 24 pound carp ... on two kernels of corn on a bluegill hook!! Fishing was done almost every day, when the weather was good, of course.

EDUCATION AND WORK HISTORY

Graduated from McCallie School for Boys, Chattanooga, TN, in 1946. In the U.S. Navy, 1946 to 1949. Graduated from The University of Chattanooga in 1952, BSIE degree. Graduated from Auburn University, 1956, BSEE, specializing in electronics and acoustics. A recording specialist in audio, video and digital media with Ampex and RCA. Retired from RCA in 1975 and started Casa Del Sol Violins.

VIOLIN MAKING/IDENTIFICATION TRAINING

Violin making training was initially by Grandfather, H. E. Dailey from 1939 to 1945. Grandpa was trained by Clark Powers, of Boston. See Stancel listing in THE VIOLIN MAKERS OF THE UNITED STATES (Wenberg) and DICTIONNAIR UNIVERSAEL DES LUTHIERS (C. Lebet.) Also trained by people, employees, who were graduates of the KENNETH WARREN SCHOOL OF VIOLIN MAKING. Appraising was learned the hard way, by paying for the training.... from Kenneth Warren (elder), Dario D'Attili and Harry Duffy.

VIOLIN MAKING HISTORY

Only repairing was done from 1975 to 1982. Since 1982, thirty violins were completed and sold. Nine violas were completed and sold. One violin and one cello are presently under construction. Oh yes, from 1975 to 1982, 46 dulcimers, 3 guitars and 3 banjos were made and sold. All instruments were made by hand, ONE AT A TIME, using only the band saw, planes, gouges, scrapers, etc.

HOBBIES

Amateur radio was an enjoyable hobby for over 50 years. The Amateur Extra Class license was granted by the FCC in 1970. A Life member of the American Radio Relay League , the first FCC license was granted in 1947, call letters, KG6DG, on the island of Guam. After the stint in the Navy, the call W4PHY was given by the FCC. After moving to Indiana, the first call was W9JJL, finally changed to W9LV. All bands from 80 meters to 2 meters were worked.

Additional hobbies included collecting United States mint stamps, coin collecting and surfing the 'net, primarily checking out other violin dealers and answering questions on Maestronet.

SOCIETIES AND MEMBERSHIPS

A registered Professional Engineer; a Senior Member of the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE); a member of the Appraiser's Association of America, approved for appraisal of violins, violas, cellos and bows; member of the Luthier's Guild of America; The Violin Society of America; The National Society of Professional Engineers; The Indiana Society of Professional Engineers; The American Radio Relay League; The Confederate Signal Corps; The United Methodist Church; Bass Anglers Sportsman Society; The North American Fishing Club; the Quarter Century Wireless Association, and applied for Half Century Certificate; and a certified honorary Kentucky Colonel.