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Hello to all I was wondering, for a newbee in (understanding) how to build a proper violin, what are must read articles from the Strad to read? I will be reading this one coming week after starting my introduction subscription. https://www.thestrad.com/for-subscribers/trade-secrets-the-doratura-cremonese-ground-method/19249.article. Kind greats Matthieu

Hey all. I'm currently trying to make a copy of the Davidov Strad cello, but the posters are no longer continued. I've searched all four corners of the internet and I cannot, for the life of me, find an available poster. If someone would be willing to take high resolution photos of the poster (so that I can read the measurements!) that would be great! If not, any other forma b celli or modern forma b celli plans would be wonderful. Thanks.

I have argued that the next step in understanding violin acoustics lies in Artificial Intelligence (AI) which uses neural networks to make predictions. A few months ago on a trip to California I discussed this idea with a Silicon Valley computer expert, Luis Trabb Pardo. He opined that the issue was not just simulating the violin but more so the listener. Well, as it happens, the September issue of The Strad has a timely article, Intelligent Design by Sebastian Gonzalez. The last paragraph rings loud and clear with this sentence, "So understanding what’s so special about Stradivari’s violins is not something that can be accomplished without studying the biological response music produces in human bodies." The article explains a first step in simulating violins using neural networks. I think we can agree that simulating the entire violin, not just components such as the free plates, must be the objective.

Does anyone have a copy of "The Strad" edition of March 1946? For research purposes I'm seeking an advert placed by my father but cannot locate a copy. "The Strad" itself does not reply to query, and I don't have access to any libraries that would have it.

I don't know if this is typical or the fault of the much discussed USPS "slowdown," but yesterday I received both July and August issues of The Strad. :-( In any case, in the one with Two Set on the cover (arrrgh), there's a letter from someone trying to argue with an article Hargrave wrote on string angle/force some time ago, and they had Roger respond and nicely set the letter writer straight. :-) (actually, on the higher saddle, and it's possible effect on string force on bridge) Your thoughts?

I've been putting together a spreadsheet indexing the articles that have appeared in the Trade Secrets section of The Strad for as far back as I have issues. There are major gaps in my collection. I would be happy to share the final product here if folks want to provide any information to add -- either missing issues for the years I have included or for other years. Via subsequent posts, PMs, or separate spreadsheets. Trade Secrets.xlsx

Hello, and welcome to my introductory page! I'm a maker of violins, violas and cellos, and also specialize in sound adjustments. I'm also researching, teaching & writing about classic lutherie techniques. Graduate of The Violin Making School of America, Salt Lake City, USA, under Peter Paul Prier. Luthiers and shops I have worked with includes Samuel Zygmuntowicz, Brooklyn, and Christopher Reuning of Reuning & Son violins, Boston. For more information check out the links below. Enjoy! Telephone: +46 708755318 Address (Map): Pålsundsgatan 6, 11731 Stockholm, Sweden By Appointment only Web shop: Zethelius Violins Feel free to browse the web shop. Free shipping & 30 days return. Sweden only. Instagram: @zetheliusviolins Sometimes, but not always violin related content. When I publish a photo I usually do it in Instagram. Articles featured in The Strad magazine: August 2006 In August 2006 I published my theory for how the Cremonese (and all the Italian violin makers really) worked their archings. Not from the outside, as is the modern practice, but from the inside with the use of a chain. It stirred quite a controversy in the violin making community. Since then a growing number of makers use my 'inside first' method. December 2011 The best of the classic makers had a special method for finding harmonic relationships in their scroll carving. March 2014 Antonio Stradivari's only surviving template for a cello corner is an important clue as to how the instruments were made. Here I show how I make my own corner templates inspired by Stradivari. April 2016 June 2016

I have been trying to subscribe to The Strad - at a discount -after I found out how great the posters are (or were). I am guessing they are no longer included in subscriptions. And the posters are every expensive on this side of the pond, because they insist that they be insured, more or less, if you order more than two. And they must use carrier pigeon, or maybe a rare Amazon drone, as shipping is equal to the poster cost. Too late, Strad already piqued my interest. :-( I tried to subscribe for 2 years, but the web site never let me do this. So I called, and was able to get the advertised/discount rate for 2 years. But a month later, they had a new "discount" - 10$ more per year, but included one of 4 books- Best of trade secrets 3, Master Class Solo (Violin or Cello), or In Focus... The code is MAY15E (it still works). But one could not sign up for 2 years - I was hoping to get 2 freebies. So I called again. Nothing doin' they said, in perfect Queen's English. They gave me a new code to activate 2 years, near the rate of the first discount, not quite the older advertised discount for members of VSA, but close, and...the best part: they included volumes, 1, 2, *and* 3 of Trade Secrets. Score! They just arrived. I have been reading the collected articles haphazardly, really quite the gold mine. Oh yes, the magic code: LUTHIER15AF Hope it's OK to post these codes here; I am thinking it would be good to leave them here, and not repost elsewhere...:-)

Hi I've compiled a list of the Strad Posters. I indexed by the Strad stock number. The list is also on my web site here, but I wanted to post it in Maestronet for the reference. Note, the year of publication listed below has not been verified and I've only filled a few so far. Descriptions are taken from The Strad's publications and are abbreviated in some cases. Current up to the end of 2014. Sorry that its a bit messy, I couldn't post a table in here, the list on my website is more readable. Poster P101, Maker: Antonio Stradivari, Instrument: violin "Hellier" 1679, Published: May-1987, Description: Perhaps the most famous of all decorated violins, the 'Hellier' is a visual feast. Poster P102, Maker: Guarneri 'del Gesu', Instrument: violin 'Kreisler' 1733, Published: May-1988, Description: The full charm ol del Gesu' flourishes in the Kreisler', the tone of which has been magnificently demonstrated by one of this century's most remarkable players. NOTE: 'Kreisler' Correction: Due to a printing error a number of measurements of the 1733 'Kreisler' Del Gesii published in the May STRAD (p. 406) were misprinted. While the measurements of the button, rib height and purfling are correct, those of the body of the instrument should read as follows: (in millimetres) Back/Belly: Overhang (uneven), in Cs 3.5 3, in bouts 3.2 2.5 Poster P103, Maker: 'filius Andreae' Joseph Guarneri, Instrument: violin c.1705, Published: —, Description: Among the most exceptional examples of a Giuseppe 'filius Andrea' instrument, singling him out as a fine maker as well as sire and teacher of the great 'del Gesù' . Poster P104, Maker: Guarneri 'del Gesù', Instrument: violin "David/Heifetz" 1742, Published: Dec-1988, Description: A wonderfully sustained instrument emerging amidst the intermittent weak examples from del Gesu's declining ... Poster P105, Maker: Antonio Stradivari, Instrument: violin 'Betts' 1704, Published: May-1989, Description: "From the year of the "Betts', it is evident that Stradivari had arrived at the principles of acoustical construction to serve him until the end of his career." (Hill brothers-Life and Work of Antonio Stradicari) Poster P106, Maker: Antonio Stradivari, Instrument: cello 'Servais' 1701, Published: Dec-1987, Description: The only example which combines the grandeur of the pre-1700 instruments with the more masculine build of the master's earlier years.' (Hill Brothers - Life and Work of Antonio Stradivari) Poster P107, Maker: Map of Cremona, Instrument: — —, Published: —, Description: Cremona map, 1580. A richly pictorial map depicting Cremona as the masters would have known it. Poster P108, Maker: Andrea Amati, Instrument: violin 1564, Published: Dec-1991, Description: The beauty of the workmanship, tonal properties and rich decoration of this royal instrument has seldom if ever been matched or surpassed. (Roger Hargrave) Poster P109, Maker: Alessandro Gagliano, Instrument: violin 'Rotondo' 1710, Published: ?May ? 1987, Description: The Rotondo stands at the forefront of the handful of surviving works by the first recorded Neapolitan violin maker. Poster P110, Maker: Guarneri 'del Gesu', Instrument: violin 1733, Published: Apr-1984, Description: Admirers of Tibor Varga will appreciate the qualities of this almost perfectly preserved violin, with which he made some of his finest recordings. Poster P111, Maker: Antonio Stradivari, Instrument: "Gibson" Viola 1734, Published: Sep-1986, Description: The accuracy and beauty of this viola was a painstaking feat and a virtual swan-song for the old maker in his nineties. Poster P112, Maker: Jacob Stainer, Instrument: violin 1679, Published: Apr-1990, Description: A remarkably preserved violin by the most popular non-Italian maker of his day. Poster P113, Maker: G.B. Guadagnini, Instrument: violin 'Lachmann Schwechter' 1776, Published: Feb-1985, Description: This excellent example of Guadagnini's work has a powerful tone, equal in quality to its striking, fiery-coloured varnish. Poster P114, Maker: Antonio Stradivari, Instrument: violin 'Muir-Mackenzie' 1694, Published: Dec-1985, Description: A fine example of a long-pattern Stradivari, showing a marked divergence from the Amati pattern. Poster P115, Maker: Nicola Amati, Instrument: violin 'Alard' 1649, Published: Mar-1992, Description: A magnificently crafted violin by the teacher of Rugeri, Guarneri, Stainer and possibly even Stradivari himself. Poster P116, Maker: Antonio Stradivari, Instrument: viola 'Tuscan-Medici' 1690, Published: Oct-1992, Description: A rare surviving viola from the master's most skilful period. Poster P117, Maker: Brothers Amati, Instrument: tenor viola 1592, Published: Mar-1993, Description: A fine example of the rarely played tenor viola, which set the standard for all the great Cremonese makers. Poster P118, Maker: Domenico Montagnana, Instrument: cello 'Sleeping Beauty' 1739, Published: Oct-1993, Description: Called 'the Mighty Venetian' by novelist Charles Reade, Domenico Montagnana is venerated as one of the greatest cello makers. This 1739 instrument is a mature example of his craft, with beautiful deep-flamed maple and well-matched pine, and thickly laid-on red-golden varnish. Poster P119, Maker: Giovanni Paolo Maggini, Instrument: contralto viola Unkwn, Published: Jun-1994, Description: A rare example of an unaltered contralto viola from the middle period of the great 17th-century Brescian maker. Date unknown. Poster P120, Maker: Guarneri 'del Gesù', Instrument: violin 'Kochanski' 1741, Published: Oct-1994, Description: One of the few 'del Gesù' instruments dated 1741, this violin is exceptional due to its fine state of preservation and pristine varnish.The thickness of the coat is almost undisturbed by polishing, and its glistening texture emphasises the instrument's freshness and natural condition. Poster P121, Maker: Carlo Bergonzi, Instrument: violin 1731, Published: Jun-1995, Description: Carlo Bergonzi's output was among the smallest of the Cremonese makers but is characterised by outstanding quality, as this violin shows. Poster P122, Maker: Pietro Guarneri of Venice, Instrument: violin 1735, Published: Dec-1995, Description: A master combination of the traditions of Cremona and Venice by the elder brother of 'del Gesù'. The flamed maple of the back has a richness associated with golden-period Stradivaris, and Guarneri's flowing, mannered f-holes work well with the red brilliance of the Venetian varnish. Poster P123, Maker: Antonio Stradivari, Instrument: viola 'Archinto' 1696, Published: Jun-1996, Description: Stradivari's elegant design and nt perfected red varnish combine in remarkable instrument Poster P124, Maker: Nicolò Amati, Instrument: violin 1666, Published: Dec-1996, Description: In both conception and creation this 'Grand Pattern' violin is a treasure of craftsmanship. The wood of the front has a wonderful rippling gleam that seems to come only from the greatest Cremonese grounds, and the arching is almost square across the centre bouts but with a beautiful long arch that dips only barely at the ends. Poster P125, Maker: Andrea Guarneri, Instrument: viola 'Conti Vitali' c.1676, Published: —, Description: An important instrument from the first maker to concentrate on the smaller-pattern viola. Poster P126, Maker: Alessandro Gagliano, Instrument: cello 1704, Published: —, Description: Advanced for its date in design, this fine cello is also remarkable for its varnish. Poster P127, Maker: G.B. Rogeri, Instrument: violin 1704, Published: Dec-1997, Description: A characteristic violin from the end of the Brescian maker's career, clearly showing the influence of Amati. Poster P128, Maker: Antonio Stradivari, Instrument: violin 'Milanollo' 1728, Published: Jun-1998, Description: A rare violin in fine condition, conserved rather than played, which matches several of the period, including the 'Kreutzer'. Made when the master was in his 84th year, the violin is capable of producing a clean, aggressive, light sound and all shades in between as well. Poster P129, Maker: G.B. Guadagnini, Instrument: viola 1785, Published: Dec-1998, Description: A typical small and stocky viola of the Turin period, which is both rare and finely preserved. Poster SCD05, Maker: Guarneri 'del Gesù', Instrument: Violin 'Il Cannone' 1742, Published: Jun-1999, Description: Poster, CD and Booklet Poster P130, Maker: Gasparo da Salò, Instrument: viola c.1580, Published: Dec-1999, Description: Possibly the only small Gasparo viola in existence, this is a fascinating and uncut example of the early Brescian maker's work. Poster P131, Maker: Antonio Stradivari, Instrument: cello 'De Munck' 1730, Published: Jun-2000, Description: This marvellous, well-presented cello played by Feuermann and Isserlis is striking for the originality that created a new cello form. Poster P132, Maker: Matteo Gofriller (Goffriller), Instrument: violin 1700, Published: Dec-2000, Description: A classic example of the great Venetian's work: his own pattern with glorious varnish and individual wood selection. Poster P133, Maker: Brothers Amati, Instrument: viola c.1620, Published: Jun-2016, Description: This rare example of a contralto viola by the Amati brothers is uncut and in superb condition. Poster P134, Maker: Antonio Stradivari, Instrument: cello 'Davidov' 1712, Published: Dec-2016, Description: > not available < Poster P135, Maker: Guarneri 'del Gesù', Instrument: violin 'Alard' 1742, Published: Jun-2016, Description: In undisturbed condition, this violin gives an unparalleled insight into the working methods of 'del Gesù'. Its unpolished finish, lack of patina, pale ground and general condition mean it could almost be mistaken for a 19th-century or even a modern instrument. The bulky look of the head places it in the group of those carved by the maker himself. Poster P136, Maker: G.B. Guadagnini, Instrument: cello 'Simpson' 1777, Published: Dec-2016, Description: This impressive cello, Guadagnini's last commission from his patron Count Cozio, follows a Stradivarian template, but his own style still shines through. Poster P137, Maker: G.P. Maggini, Instrument: violin c.1630, Published: Jun-2016, Description: One of the few Magginis to remain at its original size, this Cremonese-influenced violin is in superb condition Poster P138, Maker: Matteo Gofriller (Goffriller), Instrument: cello 'Schneider' 1693, Published: Dec-2016, Description: An unusual cello by the Venice-based luthier, with a rosette that harks back to his German training and influences. Poster P139, Maker: Guarneri 'del Gesu', Instrument: violin 'Lord Wilton' 1742, Published: —, Description: Once the concert instrument of Yehudi Menuhin, this magnificent violin makes an interesting contrast with the 'Alard' of the same year. Poster P140, Maker: Carlo Giuseppe Testore, Instrument: violin c.1703, Published: Jun-2016, Description: This fine-sounding Milanese violin, with a one-piece belly and imitation purfling, is still in excellent condition Poster P141, Maker: Peter Guarneri of Mantua (Pietro Guarneri of Manua), Instrument: violin 1704, Published: Dec-2016, Description: A stunning violin by the greatest craftsman of the Guarneri family Poster P142, Maker: Andrea Amati, Instrument: violin c.1566, Published: Jun-2016, Description: One of the decorated instruments made for the French court, this harmoniously designed violin is a striking reminder of Andrea Amati's achievements Poster P143, Maker: Domenico Montagnana, Instrument: cello 1740, Published: Dec-2016, Description: This fine, unusually small cello, played by Steven Isserlis, has the dark-toned, signature sound of the great Venetian maker's larger instruments. Poster P144, Maker: Antonio Stradivari, Instrument: violin 'Viotti' 1709, Published: Mar-2016, Description: One of the top Stradivari violins in the world, the 1709 'Viotti' helped to establish the master's name - thanks to its illustrious owner. The powerful tone and brilliance of sound created by this exceptional combination of instrument and performer (G.B. Viotti) helped to create the Stradivari legend. Poster P145, Maker: Antonio Stradivari, Instrument: violin 'Kruse' 1721, Published: Jun-2016, Description: Played by Kreutzer, Maurin and Stern, the 1721 'Kruse' is one of the master's finest violins and remains in superb condition. Poster P146, Maker: Domenico Montagnana, Instrument: violin 1717, Published: Dec-2016, Description: A vivid and uncompromising violin that shows both the strong effect of Montagnana's early influences and also the rapid evolution of his own style - by 1717 he was already a very experienced maker. The varnish is lush, deep and vivid, and looks as if it was poured on with a ladle over a ground of sparkling gold. Includes measurements Poster P147-P204, Maker: ?, Instrument: ? , Published: Jan-1900, Description: > Mostly likely these poster numbers were never used < Poster P205, Maker: Gasparo da Salò, Instrument: double bass c.1550, Published: —, Description: A magnificent double bass by the 16th century Italian master, Gasparo da Salò with original scroll. Poster P206, Maker: Carlo Bergonzi, Instrument: violin 1736, Published: Mar-2016, Description: A fabulous instrument made by Bergonzi at the height of his powers. Poster P207, Maker: Henry Jaye, Instrument: viol 1619, Published: Jun-2016, Description: The intricate work of British viol maker Henry Jaye is testament to the unsung tradition of viol making in 17th century London. Poster P208, Maker: Brothers Amati, Instrument: Cello (5-String) c.1600, Published: Feb-2016, Description: As the only known example of this specific form of instrument, this Brothers Amati five-stringed cello c.1600 from the workshops of Cremona, is something of an oddity Poster P209, Maker: Nicolas Lupot, Instrument: violin 1808, Published: Jun-2016, Description: The impact this violin makes on both the eye and ear is very little short of that of its inspiration, a truly great golden period Stradivari. It is quite appropriate that he is known as the French Stradivari. The varnish on this violin is simply glorious, and present in good quantity and thickness. The colour is a wonderful deep red with the faintest blue notes of a very fine wine. John Dilworth, The Strad, June 2008 Poster P210, Maker: Antonio Stradivari, Instrument: violin 'Titian' 1715, Published: Feb-2016, Description: The 'Titian' Stradivari of 1715 has long been counted among its maker's finest golden-period violins. It has revealed itself to be a formidable concert instrument of unusual power and scope, remarkable for its focus and resilience under the bow. The violin was dubbed 'Titian' by the French dealer Albert Caressa because of its clear orange-red colour that reminded him of the work of the famous Venetian painter. Includes photographs, scans and measurements Poster P211, Maker: Pietro Giacomo Rogeri, Instrument: cello 1717, Published: Jul-2016, Description: This cello, made in 1717, was owned by Nicolò Paganini who pawned it to pay off a gambling debt. The superb quality of maple used for the cello is obvious and most features of the construction follow Amati principles. The Hills mentioned in specifically in their book Antonio Stradivari, His Life and Work and called it an 'admirable form...of excellent dimensions'. Poster P212, Maker: Jacob Stainer, Instrument: tenor viola 1650, Published: Mar-2016, Description: This tenor viola is in superb condition. The scroll is a replacement, but the rest of the instrument - remarkably the neck and fingerboard - are believed to be original. The instrument's label, which is a facsimile, states that it was made in 1650. Poster P213, Maker: Guarneri 'del Gesù', Instrument: Violin 'Cessole', 'Teja-Ferni' 1736, Published: Jul-2016, Description: Guarneri 'del Gesù' made the 'Cessole' violin during his period of full maturity. It bears a label dated 1736, and the character of the instrument fits perfectly with his style in that year. The violin has a delicate, balanced appearance, a trait that is generally unexpected for 'del Gesù', but which is often found in his instruments before his later period. The back is spectacular, with a broad and deep flame extending upwards from the central joint. Poster P214, Maker: Antonio Stradivari, Instrument: Violin 'Messiah' 1716, Published: Mar-2016, Description: Stradivari's 1716 'Messiah' violin is one of the most coveted in the world. Made during his golden period and barely played since then, its pristine condition offers unique insights into the mind of the great master. Poster P215, Maker: Guarneri 'del Gesù', Instrument: violin 'Plowden' 1735, Published: Jul-2016, Description: One of the finest and most acclaimed 'del Gesù' instruments in existence, the 'Plowden' is striking in its vivid freshness and particularly notable for the intense orange-red varnish on its stunning one-piece back. Poster P216, Maker: Antonio Stradivari, Instrument: Cello 'Saveuse' 1726, Published: May-2016, Description: The 1726 'Saveuse' is one of the smallest cellos ever to come out of Antonio Stradivari's workshop. From the beautifully carved scroll to the smouldering, rich maroon colour of the varnish, the instrument displays the finest characteristics of the luthier's late period. It remains in almost perfect condition and provides a fascinating insight into the mind of Stradivari the innovator. This poster will be an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn from the master. Poster P217, Maker: Francesco Rugeri, Instrument: violin 1686, Published: Dec-2016, Description: Was the 17th-century maker Francesco Rugeri trained by Nicolò Amati? This violin appears to show the clear influence of the great master, with arching close to Amati's late style and f-holes showing Rugeri's personal interpretation of an Amati model. Conversely, the head seems to anticipate the work of Carlo Bergonzi, some decades later. A fascinating violin by a highly regarded Cremonese maker. Poster P218, Maker: Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, Instrument: Cello 1865, Published: Jun-2016, Description: This beautiful cello was made by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume as part of a quartet for Count Dmitry Sheremetev. It is a rare copy of an early Stradivari of large size, and the form corresponds closely with that of the 'Cristiani', 'Stauffer' Stradivari of 1700. The arching is fuller than in the usual post-1700 B-form flattened style of the Stradivari, and Vuillaume's habitual use of ebony for the purfling gives it a personal touch. The varnish is rich and dark, and the back is emblazoned with the Sheremetev coat of arms. Poster P219, Maker: Antonio Stradivari, Instrument: Violin 'Huberman' 1713, Published: Nov-2016, Description: This stunning instrument from Stradivari's golden period has sleek, taut arching, lithe and slender corners, and a bubbled texture to the plum-red varnish. It was played by Bronislaw Huberman until 1936 until it was notoriously stolen from his dressing room at Carnegie Hall. Fifty years later it was recovered, and is now the property of US soloist Joshua Bell. Includes scans and measurements. Poster P220, Maker: G.B. Guadagnini, Instrument: Violin 'Salabue', 'Berta' 1774, Published: Jun-2016, Description: One of the early violins of Guadagnini's Turin period, the 'Salabue', 'Berta' is in an excellent state of preservation, having been owned by various collectors (including Count Cozio di Salabue) for the past three centuries. The condition of the golden brown varnish is particularly fine. Poster P221, Maker: José Contreras, Instrument: violin 1767, Published: Dec-2016, Description: This splendid violin from the so-called 'Classical Age' of Spanish violin making might well have been commissioned for King Charles IV. José Contreras (c.1710-82) was one of the greatest luthiers of the era, sometimes referred to as 'the Spanish Stradivari'. The influence of the Cremonese master can clearly be seen in this fine instrument. Poster P222, Maker: Andrea Amati, Instrument: cello 'King' Uknwn, Published: Jun-2016, Description: Thought to be the oldest surviving cello in the world, the 'King' provides a wealth of information about Amati's techniques. Although the instrument has undergone extensive modifications over the centuries, it is the only decorated Amati cello to have retained its original scroll. In the 16th century it formed part of the instrument collection of the French royal court. Poster P223, Maker: Guarneri 'del Gesù', Instrument: Violin 'Brusilow' 1743, Published: Dec-2016, Description: A superb violin from the last years of the maker's life, the 'Brusilow' is in an incredible state of preservation. Played for many years by Anshel Brusilow during his years as concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the instrument displays many of the idiosyncratic qualities that characterise the late period of 'del Gesù'. _____ Updated 3-Mar-2016

I was looking for a couple of posters from the Strad that are out of stock. Do they ever make more, or can you only hope to get one on the secondary market? DLB Don't worry, I'm not making anything to inflict on later generations! But I make give a young luthier some work one of these days.

Dear The Strad; I am enjoying reading your lovely magazine. I like the articles, photos and the ads. I pay a premium and buy mine at the local bookstore. They are nice enough to hold a copy for me, and phone me when it gets in. I was very disappointed when I purchased the December issue (late in December...we don't seem to get our copies in until a month after the rest of the world) to find no calendar was in it this year! So instead of another lovely violin-themed calendar for my music room (like the one I hugely enjoyed during 2014) I sadly went and purchased a totally different wall calendar. I had to put another hook in the wall to accommodate it too. I hate putting holes in walls. Lo and behold! Yesterday I picked up my January edition of The Strad. And guess what? Silly question, because I know you know. The 2015 Calendar was in it! Now I have a dilemma! I have lost a month. I have another calendar in place. I have an extra hole in my wall! What to do? While I am debating my course of action I have a suggestion. Please - if you would be so kind - put the lovely calendar insert in the DECEMBER issue. Then, even for those of us who purchase our copy late from the bookstore...we would still get it BEFORE the actual start of the New Year. This would save us disappointment, the purchase cost of extraneous wall calendars and unwanted holes in walls. Thank you for your time; Sincerely Fan of the Commonwealth out in the Commonwealth Boonies

Help please! I only need the length of this N Amati grand pattern, featured Dec. 1996. TIA

I want this poster and would love to be able to buy it from someone. Thanks!