Modus operandi of fitting tops/backs.

[murray kuun]

I've always fitted to top before the back.  I cannot remember why, must be the old (roneo'd) book I used in the beginning (before youtube).  Is that the accepted way or does it not matter?  I ask because one of the luthiers I follow on IG, fits the back first.

[Wood Butcher]

I think you’ll find most fit the back first, as this is the way taught in schools.

[uncle duke]

Based on what I have observed here I see most who do do it that way ensure themselves of a visually correct neck set into the lower pocket area.

[Brad Dorsey]

I've never made a violin, but I've set lots of necks.  It seems to me that one advantage of gluing the top first would be easier neck setting.  The neck can be set without worrying about fitting it to the back button and then it is planed flush with the block.  Some makers do it this way.

[Wood Butcher]

1 hour ago, Brad Dorsey said:

I've never made a violin, but I've set lots of necks.  It seems to me that one advantage of gluing the top first would be easier neck setting.  The neck can be set without worrying about fitting it to the back button and then it is planed flush with the block.  Some makers do it this way.

In theory there is an advantage, providing that you don’t need to push the ribs around a bit, to get the correct overhang. Otherwise, your carefully set neck is going to have a very different reading by the time it’s all together.

With the body assembled first, you are setting the neck to a stable structure, and have greater control over the outcome.

[nathan slobodkin]

2 hours ago, Wood Butcher said:

In theory there is an advantage, providing that you don’t need to push the ribs around a bit, to get the correct overhang. Otherwise, your carefully set neck is going to have a very different reading by the time it’s all together.

With the body assembled first, you are setting the neck to a stable structure, and have greater control over the outcome.

Definitely.