Christian Pedersen

This Strad article should answer your questions. http://www.platetuning.org/Cremonesesarching_Part_1.pdf

Interesting arching concepts. I would be interested in seeing a completed instrument or or least an example of an arched top or back. --Chris

This has worked for me for close to 30 years. It's a prototype that worked so well I haven't needed to make a new one.

Ebay, but they are easy to find.

Made these in an afternoon.

https://olfa.com/craft/product/cushion-grip-knife-ak-4/ This one securely holds the blade!

I'm surprised they didn't use a French instrument in the advertisement!

Darkened pegboxes (black or what ever color) in older instruments is a typical step after a scroll graft and bushings. Most of the expensive instruments where I work have darkened pegboxes. If you like it, do it. If you don't, don't. It's not a big deal!

Who are the new members?

Bump!

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Matt, Those strings are the Chinese ones that come on the bass originally. I believe most folks toss them. I would replace them with D'Addario Helicore strings. --Chris

Mr. Wall, I would think some "L" patches or cleats (whatever your preferred terminology is) would be the safe way to go. I've seen these on some rather old repairs with few problems. --Chris

I've had great luck with unstained boxwood. Several years ago I picked up a bag of pen blanks from Woodcraft. --Chris