Fitting the soundpost in a cello or other bowed instrument is such a delicate matter and musicians often ask how I can set and fit it inside the instruments body. Here is some rare footage of the sound post setting process filmed from the inside as well… …perfect fit to the inner surface…with the right tension…in the […]
In a rain pause, the varnishing of a cello could begin, starting with a ground coat to stabilise the timber and block pigment absorption. Detailed ‘Fleur De Liz’ designs are added layer by layer atop the ground coat, requiring fine brushes for precision.
Stunning reflection on the flamed maple wood after ground coat application
The bass bar, after installation and gluing, requires shaping to effectively disperse deep sounds across the top plate and to support the bridge’s high pressure. The back plate’s interior thickness must be roughly adjusted.
Ilja Grawert of Queensland, Australia, is crafting a 7/8 studio cello, customizable during early construction. Prepared with seasoned European woods, it offers options for personalization in measurements, varnishing with natural products, and potential Fleur De Liz decorations. Completion time varies based on client specifications and urgency. Grawert’s 42-year experience guarantees a unique, masterly sound.
Over the past week, I’ve reshaped the exterior and interior of a studio cello’s top plate, preparing for fine-tuning to enhance its sound; update to follow.
Recently I received a bow for rehair where it was said that the bow has mites. Mites are definitely a bad cause for loosing bow hair as you have to clear the case and all other cloth items including the cloth around the rosin of those little animals. However it turned out that the cause […]
Currently as a little side hobby I learning to stamps on wood. So far I am getting closer to acceptable quality with every new attempt. When I am happy there will be new, traditional stamped labels in my violins. beautiful look and no printing involved…very traditional old craft, old time. Stamp No1 was the first […]
I was just cutting a bridge for one of my own older, fully handmade by me, violins. Using the best bridge timber, which is now a minimum of 40-50 years old. The finished bridge is promising to be of the highest sound quality. I am very much looking forward to hearing this violin again after […]
You cannot imagine my joy when I walked into the local post office today, where I am well known and was greeted by: “Guess what is in your Po Box…” After month and month of waiting for the October issue of The Strad magazine, I think maybe 15 emails to the publisher, as well as […]
The 3/4 studio violin which I am building at the moment is ready to be closed. The plates are tuned, the bass-bar fitted, glued and tuned, all thicknesses and sound proportions are right….The ‘Ilja Grawert – Sound System’ has been applied. The next steps will be to clean the violin outside again and prepare the […]
premium Stradivarius copy violin 
