Ron1

From a current eBay listing... a mite grubby, but it could be the real thing.

ad nauseum

Alma- I don't know if the color distortion (that's what I feel it is) varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but I could check brand if you would really like to know. My doctor would not recognize/admit to any such problem, and I am doubtful anyone in the industry (product or medical) would. The color difference was definitely not imagined, however the good news is that after both eyes have been done, everything seems fine!

Jeff- Thanks for the clarification. I'm curious as to which option (mono vision or not) you would recommend to the violin makers & others who do close-up, exacting work regularly. Also, are you saying that I was perceiving color improperly before my cataract surgery, and that now, with the enhanced 'blue' hue, it is correct? If so, it seems 'normal' vision is seeing the red/violet hue which I think is unpleasant- certainly not a color I would try to produce.

When having cataract surgery, it seems they always try to talk you into getting a 'far-sighted' lens in one eye, and a 'near-sighted' lens in the other- which, they say, will eliminate the need for glasses. I, personally, feel this would be a big mistake, which would limit you to the use of one eye for close work (and one eye for distance). The doctor told me that the brain will learn to 'disregard' what the other eye is seeing! Wouldn't that be wonderful. The other phenomenon I noticed (but that no one would believe or admit to) was there is definitely a change in color hue with the artificial cataract surgery lenses. And not for the good. It is noticeable after the first lens replacement, and before the second, because that is the only time in which a comparison can be made. The difference is mostly noticeable in the 'reds'- for me former hues of red which I perceived to be pleasing, took on an unpleasant red-violet hue. I think this might be significant, especially for artists, violin-makers, etc. I have had tri-focals for many years, and have no trouble with lines- I have tried progressives, and don't like them- there is a blurred area between each focal length. You can have your eye-glasses made however you want them- for some, the focal length for close-up work may be best at the top of the lens rather than the bottom, etc. But do get cataract surgery if you need it- it's simple, fast, and astonishingly effective.

Apparently tame enough for your clients to feed... Do you have to tether her, or does she roam the courtyard freely? Anyway, nice shop! Is that part of the main house I see off to the left?

It's also puzzling why the auction houses do the very same thing- their on-line images are often nowhere near the true color. Perhaps just a quick & easy way to get no-glare pics?

Thanks, Roger- Yes, it makes a fine neckerchief!

How about this one? Doesn't always have to be stuck to the instrument. A 1905 American made instrument that recently surfaced and sold at auction in England. Does anyone have any ideas or comments regarding this seal? Should it stay on the instrument? Or merely be kept "with" the instrument.

My vote is "no". So far it's (1) "no"; (0) "Yes"

Pearwood is easier to carve and often chosen for aesthetic consideration as well, but these are not the only reasons for it's use, and grafting onto (usually) maple necks.

Possibly someone's method of re-graduating an instrument?

No one else would expect your first violin build to sound good, but yes, you should.

John- I'm curious as to why you posed this question. I don't have the answer, but I wonder if you are able to produce the consistancy you asked about, with the carver you have built?

BESIDE, but not including the button. Some folks, like me, could still be confused without this further clarification. Actually, both ways (with calipers, or with a tape over the arch) are acceptable. The important thing (that is usually omitted) is to declare what method was used to arrive at a given measurement.

You can make a flaw like that disappear with a simple 'boat' patch.

Probably a stupid question from a non-maker, but could something be rigged off the button, that would put all the pressure on the button/rib/block, and "bridge" the edge area?

Same thing with violin makers. So many excellent makers sought 'jobs' working for established shops or houses- maybe they did so to learn the trade, but too often they spent their working lives there, essentially wholesaling their products and abilities, in order to obtain the short-term benefits of a steady and safe salary. But they had to put their employers' name in their instruments. Those that 'toughed it out' alone, on the other hand, were likely to be more contientious and carfeful in their making, and subsequently have reaped the long-term benefits of personal recognition, rather than recognition through their associations. The problem is that the "long term benefits" often don't kick in until long after death.

Shouldn't it say "A great place to discuss current Ebay instrument listers"? :-)

My '43 Harley "80" at seventeen. Wish I had it now! My dad told me he "didn't know what happened to it" when I returned from the Navy...

I would like to purchase a (hopefully fairly inexpensive) endoscope/borescope type device for inspecting instrument interiors. Any recommendations greatly appreciated.

I think the link to the item I posted is craftoptics.com

I believe that posting on this forum, in part for commercial purposes, is fine and is as it should be. It should be part of the reason for the forum- to promote violin making on every level. Many, if not most, participants in the forum are here to some degree to help in promoting themselves and their work, including myself and Jeffrey. Marketing/promotion is one of the key ingredients to business success, and the Maestronet forums provide an opportunity for that, as well as a place for sharing ideas and solutions among professionals, amateurs, and the curious. I think the decision to remove Manfio's thread is wrong. Such threads, while definitely self-promoting, also are what many viewers want to see and learn from. It's not like they (the threads) are too frequent or 'stay at the top' too long. In other words, I feel they do more good than they do harm- if garnering a little self-promotion can be considered harm. I would be in favor of a re-consideration- and thanks, Jeffrey, for doing the difficult and oftentimes thankless job you do.

Is this rocket-science, or what!?