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 […]
Category Archives: News
The cello is nearly finished now. I just prepared and glued the fingerboard, saddle and nut. Next will be the tuning pegs, the endpin, tailpiece, the bridge and soundpost…basically the whole Ilja Grawert deluxe set up I cannot wait to finish setting up the cello and hear it’s beauty 🎻❤️
The beautiful cello is getting closer and closer to be finished. Some protective varnish and some French polishing finishes the varnish process. Now it has to dry for a few weeks and then I can set it up and play…wonderful music with a wonderful cello before it goes to the customer who I made it […]
Varnishing a cello needs sun…I woke up in the morning and saw there was sun, finally after nearly 5 month of rain. Straight in the workshop I started the varnish layer process. There are many more layers of colouration and glasing. This beautiful cello will be of dark antique colour. #violinmaking#musicalinstrument#violintutorial#celloshorts#cellolove#cellomusic#cellomaker#cellomaking#bespokecello#bespoke#violinmaker#celloplayer#cello#cellos#violoncello#celloaustralia
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
After the neck has been fitted and the back glued on it is now time to cut and shape the neck, first with a gouge forward the neck root and then with my carving knife, thumb planes, rasp files and finally sandpaper first rough and then fine grid. Then the outside of the cello needs […]
In this update, the cello plates’ flexibility and thickness are assessed, and their balance is fine-tuned before the proprietary ‘Ilja Grawert sound system’ is applied to enhance the instrument’s tone akin to that of antique cellos. The final step involves gluing the top plate to the sides.
In the latest update, the focus has been on refining the top plate’s thickness with a sharp scraper in preparation for installing the bass bar, which is crucial to the cello’s excellent sound. The update details the careful determination of the bass bar’s dimensions and position. The forthcoming second part will illustrate the bass bar’s preparation with a plane, fitting with a thumb plane and chalk, and a trial clamping to ensure proper placement before the final gluing process.
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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.
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The lining on a bowed stringed instrument is a bent piece of wood, usually willow or spruce, which is glued to the top and bottom of the ribs to reinforce the ribs and create a larger glueing surface for the plates. Here is a short video clip of the process.