Regis

Quote:"Just a tiny little random thought...." That is well articulated wisdom from someone who understands tact and recognizes lack thereof. Hope it gets through for the next time! Regis

??Quote: "bridge skins," Michael, you lost me there.. What are bridge skins? Regis

Here is a link to GAL The Redbook is a compilation of articles. One section is excellent presentation of several articles on setup by Michael. Regis

Got it (printed it and placed it in with your Red Book piece). Is your bar perpendicular to the axis of the violin? Or is it perpendicular to the arch of the top as it transitions from upper to C to lower bout? Thanks, again, Regis

Great....but where is Michael Darnton's formula? I've searched archieves and Vol 3 of the Big Red Book (simply wonderful section by Michael) but, nothing on cutting bass bar. Regis

Alcohol works much better for this as Michael stated. BUT, I sure found out what NOT to do. Before I wrote, I worked on the violin a little and then steamed a little. Well, now I can see that where I steamed, the glue boiled out and then soaked into the outside raw wood of the ribs. I don't know if I'll ever get that part varnished or stained correctly. I bought some in-expensive whites to test varnishes and some of my tooling/techniques before I carve really good wood from scratch. Now I am very glad I didn't have to open one (before varnishing) that I've carved on for months. Regis

I've searched the archives but, can't find what to use to open a white violin safely. Alcohol, steam, or water? I found discussions with each of these for opening an old or finished violin but, not white. Which of these will have the least impact on the wood? Would it be better to finish the outside and put a coat of varnish on first? On older ones that I've opened, I've always been able to find spot to get a thin feeler guage in to get started. Thanks and any advice appreciated. Regis

Bows and now I've learned that violins, apparently, reproduce! I was going to make a violin (or 2, or 3 or ) but, I've recently learned that when you put a few violins in a cabinet, they will reproduce until there is no room left in the cabinet Bows have done the same for me. "I believe" that I've bought 25 (orrr so) bows and now have over 155 to restore or rehair (or both). Maybe it's just somethin' special about that cabinet? Has anyone else seen or experienced this phenomena? Regis

Quote: "If things look OK at 10 inches, then they are OK! " I really like that. Is that a generally accepted standard? For exaample, diamonds (and other precious stones) are graded up to 10X loupe (with trained eye). There has to be a limit for these kinds of inspection. I'd like to think the 10" one is certainly fair for beautiful wood. Seperate from the sound, of course! Regis

I've done some dabbling on e-bay and I can attest to one of the big problems on "low-end" instruments. If you are buying low-end to save money, you will still be faced with a setup supprise. Setup on some of the instruments will far exceed the cost of the instrument (in multiples). AND,you might even find that any really capable luthier will NOT even work on it?? If you are buying low-end to learn and experiment with finishes and repairs, that will work if you have access to luthier friend to guide/inspect your work and then set it up properly for you. If you are trying this(setup & all) for first instrument for child, you are not doing them or yourself a favor. If you are going to spend good money (e.g. $1k+) then start building a relationship with a local luthier where you can get properly setup instrument, a compatible bow, and ability to upgrade. If you are a novice and spending thousand(s) on e-bay, then STOP until you search this forum in detail. IMHO, Regis

It's become obviouse to me that I over-simplified my quest to standardize on one or two string types. I'll digest the suggestions, buy as many as the budget can stand, and work more on my ear. Thanks to all, Regis

Quote: "It’s kind of like buying a new car - until you drive it yourself, what good is a set of statistics that describe how it drives, and then, what do all of those stats mean if you don’t enjoy the actual experience?" Craig, I sure like that analogy....even though I'm still workin' on my ear. ,,,,,,, 'and it gets us back on subject Regis

For now, I want to take string variations out of violin setup complexity. What would be a good choice to standardize on for violins in the $1,000-$2,500 range? If it is important to have 2, I can live with that but, would prefer 1 brand/model. I do want very good quality! Thank you, Regis

CountryBoy, I faced some of your same frustrations in the past. It sure would be nice to have exact measurements. Then we could put all bows and instruments into a neat spreadsheet and as a player progressed (precisely measured, of course) they could use the next level of bow or violin. Comming from an engineering background I can appreciate your desire to measure and quantify. If it were that simple, then we could treat wood with various techniques to achieve specific 'scores'. CNC machines would be able crank out instruments for each skill level. That is what happens when you try to remove experience and art from the process and leave only the engineering. For over a hundred years we've seen factory production attempt that very thing. I suggest you do one of 2 things: 1. Start getting your hands on instruments and bows and listend and read and learn all you can. or 2. Research luthiers and teachers until you find one that you have confidence in to lead you. Good luck (BTW, my 1st instinct was a Lucchi) Regis

In studying "pictures", it looks to me like there was some kind of purfling related technology improvement between 1890 and 1910. Clean smooth purfling that I see before that era is rare, except on actual Strad's. Everything else I look at has 'somewhat' irregular purfling until the 1890-1910 era. After that, most look nice, even, and smooth (on better instruments). From those of you that handle these regularly, is this a correct observation? Or, am I being mis-lead by "less-than-perfect" photo's? Thanks, Regis

What a great discussion. There IS 'right' and 'wrong'. There have been, are, and will be dishonest people. The internet gives everyone, good and bad, a wider forum. Our young are starved for respectable role models. People with high ethics don't make it on the news.... or even in modern movies. I wish this forum could reach a lot of people but, for those that do see it, thank you Jesse for well stated ethics position. Regis

I've used USPS for some things "but" when something does go wrong, and it has for me, they are absolutely no help. Just ask where your priority or certified or registered package/letter is. Then ask how you recover insurance and how long you have to wait to apply (when lost). Their delivery confirmation is a big leap forward for them even if it is posted days later. I haven't had a damage probelm with them but, "disappeared" got me. Regis

I've looked for violin maker related workshops in the US (particularly southeast)and have not had much luck. Does anyone know of one? If not, how many in this forum would be interested in a workshop on/near the beach in Pensacola or Destin Florida in about late Feb or March? Would it help if we could attract an expert like Michael Darnton to give demo's, specific tips, and discussions? If there is any interest, please let me know and I will try to develop some details. I would also invite your suggestions. You can post here, e-mail, or PM me. Regis Galbach regis_g@bellsouth.net

Well, I looked at our local flea markets without success so I went the e-bay route. It's due in tomorrow....... hopefully intact. "Supposed" to be in working order. Regis

Can I use 'relatively' in-expensive strings to practice/learn how to setup a violin? Is the post and bridge always(or nearly so) changed or modified when changing string type/brand? Thanks Regis

Sounds reasonable that he did NOT pay that price. May well be violins left after auction where check/credit card bounced or online buyers were not willing to pay shipping/handling and VAT. Most of us would check that before bidding but????? If he did buy at stated price, maybe he is trying for a Guiness record for the amount of e-bay sales that loose money Regis

Doesn't look carved that way to me???? By the F holes, it looks like sometime after it was cut and carved, it was "warped or stretched" to that shape. Maybe somebody used a press of sorts??? Regis

What remarkable carving and very unique graduation(s). Probably the varnish has kept it from being displayed very much.

Quote Michael: "there's no place in my shop to put them while they dry," And even if those windows open I sure wouldn't set them on 20th floor ledge.....I still can't get over a shop that high up. Regis

Well, I got to see the 'real thing' and it is beautiful and can corrobrate, "it's perfect". I'm in Chicago for a couple days and asked Michael if I could drop by and see his shop. Somehow, I could not imagine a shop (table saw and all) on the 20th floor of a building. Even though it was a business day, Michael took an hour showing me around and giving me tips on selecting wood and sharpening. He graciously offered to answered any questions but, I was pretty much amazed at the whole visit and started comming up with a hundred questions after leaving. He also showed me a violin "in-the-making" and his lightbox. I sure wanted to hear his violin and viola but, don't play well at all and was too embarrassed. Thank you Michael for a great tour and taking the time. Sincerely, Regis