Ron1

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!?

This trend may cause some experts to limit their attributions to only positively-known works (to them), and to simply decline to make negative attributions or comments.

That signature looks very much like J H Schaffer to me- not sure about the J H...

I don't think Lyndon would like that "fake" graft (he says real ones curve instead of going straight up at the top). :-)

I would definately second (or third) the use of a plain wood for the carved head. I think a flame-patterned wood would detract from the carving.

O.K., you can see them online @ craftoptics.com

Trying to post pics again:

I saw these demonstrated at a craft show recently, and wonder if any of you makers have seen or used them? I think they are a fairly recently developed product- originally intended for dentists, but now being marketed much more widely. The company is local (Madison, Wisconsin). They can furnish the 'glasses' either plano or prescription, as well as customize the focal length. Fairly pricey at around $400, but seem to be a quality product which might be worthwhile for some. I had a root-canal & crown yesterday, and my dentist was wearing them. :-) I'm in no way associated with the company or product, just thought some may not have seen them yet, and may be interested.

I don't believe, if the 'ribbons' were for instructional purposes, that for a professional studio photograph, they would have been left on the instrument- it would have been demeaning (sp?). I think the opposite is more likely, and that Puckfandan was correct in that it is 'girly'. I think they were put on for the photo- as an enhancement. 'Girly ribbons'.

Not an "absolute", but when that black or very dark coloring appears in the flaming in the maple backs, IT'S CHINESE! It amazes me that they don't realize this and use different wood- or is it in the finish?

Me thinks they protest too much.

To me, this is a no-brainer! Skiingfiddler is entirely correct on this subject. It's mostly the "old school" experts that have raised all the opposition. Perhaps a fear of their elite group being diluted by "new school" experts. An unfounded fear, as the "new schoolers" would not really be experts, having learned only the basics with which to go out into the real violin world, and build upon. I would guess that 99% of them would not seek to become recognized experts, writing certificates, etc., and probably never had that in mind anyway. Most would likely be availing themselves of such training for personal satisfaction and/or to enhance their instrument making/repairing/dealing business. I don't feel it would be necessary for students to see and handle thousands of instruments in order to learn. The wheel doesn't need to be re-invented. Coupled with a comrehensive library of good quality digital images, a very few actual samples of a maker's work should suffice. I'm not sure a 'formal' school, ie: university, would necessarily be best- maybe an on-going 'workshop' type program with periodic expert presenters/instructors..

What types of woods are the plates made of? The instrument seems to have enough uniqueness, that any attempts to change/improve it should not be considered..

I believe it was thought that by leaving some of the plate intact under the saddle, there would be less likelyhood of saddle cracks developing (although, it seems that may have been a wrong impression).

I routinely rip the plastic covering open and inspect the inserts and table of contents to determine whether I want to buy the newsstand copies. I would never buy without first looking- and the nice folks at B&N don't seem to mind.

Berl- You & Bruce should stop here when you go by- I'm only 10 minutes off I-90, right here on the edge of nowhere.

Mary, let Craig know our thoughts are with him and we are praying for his quick and complete recovery. Please keep us posted on his progress. Ron