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I enjoy working with hand
tools instead of machines. The hand tools let me feel and understand the nature of
the wood. Instruments that have been made with hand tools have a completely different look
and character about them. The personality of the maker is reflected through
the finished instrument by his use of hand tools. This is what gives the instrument its
individual character. Here I am preparing to join a spruce top with a #8 Bailey jointer plane. |
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All of my instruments are carved by hand. I could use a router to copy a particular pattern but then I would be superimposing an arch on an instrument instead of defining the arch as the individual piece of wood dictates. A maker must take into account the stiffness, hardness and acoustic qualities of the wood. Not all wood is alike. Its nature tells the maker how it should be shaped. I am Starting the arch of a new violin using a gouge chisel. This violin was modeled on the Strad "G" form. |
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A good top should be very
resonant with a clear ringing sound. Here I am Listening for the tap tone of a viola top. This viola is modeled after a viola that Mains had in their collection. It is a 15.6 inch Gagliano made in 1765. I hope to have it finished this summer. |