Christian Pedersen

"Gerard doesn't yet know how much he doesn't know, and failing to know how much one doesn't know continues to be one of the major buggers in our business." Mr Burgess, this is one of the most accurate statements you have made!!! Thanks!

The Becker 100yr stain noted in this previous thread is the closest I've seen to what you are looking for. Historically possible. --Christian Pedersen https://maestronet.com/forum/index.php?/topic/333364-dichromate/&do=findComment&comment=697775

Thanks for the lead. Does anyone else have any thoughts? Vuillaume varnish isn't necessarily my favorite but if I fall short of Cremonese I wouldn't be too disappointed if I failed in this direction.

Are there any studies with definitive information about the varnish used by Vuillaume?

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"I've spent a lot of time over quite a long period actually looking at examples of the long arches trying to work out what approach makers in the past might have had when either carving or making templates for them." I'm curious if you are looking at photos of instruments or actual examples of many classic fine old Italians? The distortion and inaccuracy in photography makes conclusions from this data quite unreliable.

Mr Beard, is it possible your lack of hands on experience prevents you from understanding what is obvious to people with many decades of experience in major violin shops? Mr. Burgess presented an example he happened to document from years back. His example is completely consistent with every experience I've had with long arch deformation. The difference is considerably exaggerated when an arching height on a violin is increased from 14-15 mm starting point to 18-20mm.

How can computer chair want to be violin makers be so certain their observations of long arches or arching in general. I find the total dismissal of exceptionally experienced people in this field quite short sighted! Looking at pictures on the internet does not substitute for many years of diligent work in a major violin shop working on major instruments for major customers. --Chris Pedersen

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When we see photos of the Kochanski del Gesu the varnish appears red or even something darker. The varnish viewed in person is quite orange. The fine crackle on a lightly polished surface from long ago collects environmental dirt in a most delightful way. This is one of the more difficult aspects to replicate when antiquing. --Chris Pedersen

The more string players there are the better for the industry.

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.