daddy-o496

How do you remove rosin build up that is so thick and black? It is a very old fiddle and it looks like the previous owners never cleaned it. Thanks, Vic.

Are there plans available for smaller(1/2 or 3/4) violins? I think I remember a post where someone stated that you have to take your 4/4 plans to a print shop and have them downsized. If so, what math do you use to arrive at proper graduations? Also, what are the percentage numbers for thedownsizing of the plans? Pals, Vic.

Thank all of you. I tried turp, then mineral spirits and then several washes with soap and water. when dry, it returned to it's old soft self. Thanx again. PALS, Vic.

I am not happy with the results of the brush cleaning method that I am now using and would like some advice on brush maintenance and care. By the way, I am using oil varnish. Thanx, Vic.

And I think that Fiddlewallop would like his original question answered. How do you tune a plate? This thread has quickly turned into a debate about the virtues of plate tuning where all of the experts get to blow their horns. Pals, Vic.

I use a guitar to check the note. Tap the plate and match the guitar to that note. A tuner will tell you what the note is. Acheap method, but it works for me.

The Art of Violin Making is written for someone who has never built a violin. I have the book, among others, and was a great help to get started. Strobel states from the very beginning that the book is written to help the rank beginner make a decent sounding fiddle that you can be proud of. I would suggest following the book for your first few fiddles. You will find it interesting how the note drops as you thin your plate. If you get to the target weight and graduations, tap the plates and record all the data. Have fun and don't worry about making a master violin. Pals, Vic.

I have a bunch of gouges, but when carving the scroll they seem to be not right for the job. Would you please tell me the sizes of the gouges that you have designated for scroll carving. Thanx, Vic. P.S.-Where do you get your hide glue?

What weight hide glue are you using? Pals, Vic.

I used one of Old World Tonewood's Double Bass tops and it is a great top that resulted in a wonderful carved DB. I recently ordered a violin top and it, too, is a beautiful hunka wood. John is great to deal with. Pals, Vic.

Just got an order of nice willow from: Elon Howe, 9090 E. 32nd St., Newago, MI, 49337. Phone: 1-231-856-4476. Pals, Vic.

I will be shipping a violin via FEDEX and I would like to know what precautions I should take as far as preparing the instrument. Do you slacken the strings, or anything like that? Thanx, Vic.

I have dealt with them for several years and they have been great to deal with. The maple and spruce that I have received from them has been wonderful. Vic.

Thank you for the replies. I have the Strobel book and will try scaling down from there.

Does anyone know where I can get drawings/plans for a 3/4 size violin. Thanx, Vic.

I would like some recommendations for commercially available oil varnish. The varnish that I have been using is relatively inexpensive and when buffed up to a gloss, it kinda resembles plastic. I would like to know what varnish you use and where I can get some. I am an amateur builder and would like to upgrade to a nicer varnish. Thanx, daddy-o496.