Another successful SCVMW Workshop Options

[beneviolins]

Having just returned from this year's workshop, here’s
my take: Jim Brown was an attentive and gracious host, providing
for our every need.  Most importantly, he provided an
excellent teacher in the form of Michael Darnton, who
generously shared his vast knowledge. I came away with volumes of
notes, a deeper understanding of building concepts, tool use,
design considerations, pitfalls to avoid, and technical specs. The
environment is supportive and humorous, and there’s no
cooking required! Room accommodations and great meals are included.
This irreplaceable opportunity not only strengthened my skills, it
furthered my passion for building violins.

Jennifer

[Andres Sender]

I came home yesterday, had lunch, and pretty much slept most of the rest of the day. I would not have believed it possible but I find I do have a saturation point for violin information--some of it's been settling out of solution.

Hi Jennifer, I didn't get to say goodbye properly, it was great having you there again!

Yes Jim B. was a really fabulous host, very responsive to requests and always looking for ways to ensure that we all had the best possible time. The campus setting is lovely and peaceful, it is hard to imagine a better one.

Michael provided vast amounts of information, including a number of demonstrations and a great deal of personal coaching and feedback. It is always a revelatory pleasure to see him do anything, everything is done methodically, efficiently, and oh so quickly.

Congratulations and thank you both to Jim and Michael for another fabulous workshop!

[MANFIO]

Great! Do you know when Michael Darnton will be back here on MN?

[beneviolins]

Thanks Andres, it was a pleasure seeing you again. I hope that "last supper" thing went well! By the way, I've been re-organizing my notes and if it's possible, I'd love to take you up on that offer to get a scan copy of the F-hole from the Betts. Best of luck to you in this coming year's violin building.
Jennifer

[Andres Sender]

Jennifer--will do!

Manfio--Do you know when the next earthquake will be?

[MANFIO]

Oh...., thank you Andres!

[Jim_B]

Here's a Michael Darnton quote from the workshop:

Question: Why aren't soundposts square?

M.D. answer: "Because they're round"

I guess if everyone needs more Michael, then all ya'll will just have to sign up for his 2008 workshop, June 2 - 20, 2008.

Here's some photos from this year of Michael demonstrating how to make purfling









Jim B

[Dean_Lapinel]

Looks like fun. Is there a group shot of the participants?

Is it possible to have a workshop with a focus on repair methods?

[Jim_B]

Thanks Dean. You know, there was so much going on we forgot to take the group photos at the end of each week like we did last year. Sorry. I am working on adding restoration and repair. It could possibly happen next year. However my first priority after a few successful years is to add bow making then repair and restoration. So keep posted.


Jim B

[Sam Compton]

I've just recently returned from the Jim Brown Violinmaking
workshop in Southern California.  We all had a wonderful time,
and I'd like to heartily recommend next year's workshop to any who
may wish to attend.  There was plenty of individualized
instruction from Michael Darnton, with fine foods and a lovely
downtown area to walk to with every convenience.  We ate well,
rested well, and learned many new things.  I met Jeff Hass, a
superstar who did the very best purfling that I've ever seen in my
life.  He uses a number 13 Exacto knife blade that he's
lightly thinned.  Michael showed me a new tool handling
technique for cleaing up the inside of my plates that will really
help. He uses a flat-bottomed, non-toothed finger plane to
perfection.  I can only speak for myself, but I smiled the
whole time, and loved the wonderful people who attended.
 There were many old friends, and quite a few new ones.
 I'm still fired up, and getting ready for the Oberlin set-up
workshop that's coming up.  Good job, Jim Brown!...and Good
Job, Michael Darnton!.

Cordially,

 

Sam Compton

[JohnCee]

Sam, what shape is a #13 exacto knife blade? Did a quick google and it comes up as a saw blade.(?)

[COB3]

I think that was a typo-- he meant a No. 12-- looks like a small scalpel blade, as it comes from the manufacturer. I did not see it, but he said it was somewhat thinned-- I'd like to see a picture.

[Jim_B]

Thanks Sam for the kind words. Looking forward to having you again next year. One thing about the blade Jeff used. It is a No12 Mini-Curved x-acto blade #X212. I presume we have the same blade as I was standing right next to you when I bought my pack. No doubt however that Jeff's purfling corner and bee sting was one of the best I've ever seen, and on only his 2nd violin! Folks we magnified this corner up on a screen 15 ft wide and the purfling corner filled the entire screeen. Even at that magnification, the mitre joint was beautiful and perfect.

John - here is a photo of the blade. As Sam said, Jeff thinned the blade slightly up at the tip



Jim B

[David Burgess]

Sam, I envy you being able to attend all these workshops!
What's your plan for making the transition to the crappy food at Oberlin?

[Jim_B]

Chow Time. Goooood!!

JB

[Dean_Lapinel]

It's good to see Michael smiling and having fun in a couple of your shots.

[dfontenot]

Hi guys,

This is my first message so hope this goes well.

I too was at the workshop. Hi Jennifer, Andres, Sam, JimB and any others I don't recognize. I had a great time. Michael does look happy but I think he was pretty tired. We worked him hard.

Hope to be back next year!

Darwin

[COB3]

Darwin!

Welcome aboard! I wish I had been there to see you, but I am really glad you had a good time.

Chet Bishop

[Andres Sender]

Darwin welcome aboard! Is that the future site of the violin-making commune in your avatar picture there?

[dfontenot]

Chet! How you been? It's been a while. We thought you were going to the workshop.

Andres, that's the view from the cabin. Have you recovered from the workshop yet? You finish that fiddle yet?