Alistaire Posted February 27, 2022 Report Share Posted February 27, 2022 I recently became obsessed with starting a career in violin making, so to test my commitment and start a foundation of skills before applying to a school, I started looking for some online resources to begin my journey. I have a list of books, tools, and videos that detail specific parts of the process, but I'm looking for a "set-up to finish" guide which I could follow to make my first instrument. There are many makers on YouTube who've filmed their process in an aesthetically beautiful way that I can get some tips and hints from, but don't instruct or teach in any way. The only series I found that offers the kind of course I'm looking for is meastro-Kimon's "Making a violin" playlist. However, I'm not sure if he goes into enough detail to prepare me for the whole process and I would be willing to pay for some masterclasses I've seen: "When Trees Sing, The Complete Guide to Violin Making" (2010) by Peter Prier (founder of VMSA) is 15 hours of instruction for DVD and available for $750. This is the most professionally recorded and distributed set, but the only info I have on the content is a promo without instructions. I'm sure this set has influenced many makers and there would be an established opinion on how useful it is to a beginner. "Violin Making with Lucas Fabro" (2021) is over 37 hours of instruction for online streaming and available for $532. I hope some have seen this course and can tell if it is worth a purchase. I don't think I'm a fan of the presentation but it is the cheapest option. "Edgar's Online Violinmaking Academy" (2022) by Edgar Russ is about 33 hours (11 hours for the first third, extrapolated) of instruction for online streaming and available for $1100 for a limited time. This is the set I'm personally most excited about, as I've seen Russ speak in many videos and find him inspiring. Obviously very few makers will have seen the course as it is not even fully released but I would appreciate thoughts on its potential. It is possible, of course, that none of these options are worth spending on and I should just purchase the books by Johnson, Strobel, and Biddulph and study a bunch of the good YouTube series. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey Holmes Posted February 27, 2022 Report Share Posted February 27, 2022 What I've seen of Brian's book looks very nice. I believe there are a couple discussions concerning it that can be found through searching the pegbox. https://newworldschool.cc/the-manual-of-violin-making-book/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scordatura Posted February 28, 2022 Report Share Posted February 28, 2022 I echo the above comments. Worth every penny. Also watch Davide Sora’s videos on YouTube. https://davidesora.altervista.org/videos/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaseyLouque Posted February 28, 2022 Report Share Posted February 28, 2022 I have Brian Derber’s book and it is excellent. *recommended*go get it. i have David S. Lashof’s book and is is good. I don’t regret buying it. i have Henry strobes book on violin making and it is ok. I think his drawing is a nice reference for a beginner .*note I do not have his entire series* i would get a luthier poster or two from the strad for reference. every book and series all seems to start with sharpening your tools… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilsonjhon12 Posted March 1, 2022 Report Share Posted March 1, 2022 Thanks for your information Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reg Posted March 1, 2022 Report Share Posted March 1, 2022 Just by the way - does anyone know of a Bow-rehairing course anywhere in the UK in 2022? Or an online course even, although a hands-on course would I believe be much better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobP Posted March 1, 2022 Report Share Posted March 1, 2022 6 hours ago, reg said: Just by the way - does anyone know of a Bow-rehairing course anywhere in the UK in 2022? Or an online course even, although a hands-on course would I believe be much better There are videos on YouTube which show the process. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.