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 […]
Tag Archives: violin
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
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.
04
Jan
Jan
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.
22
Nov
Nov
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 […]
I have been building a left hand violin for an order and it is finally ready to be varnished. Hand made left hand studio violin built in the workshop of Ilja Grawert & son master violin maker and luthier in Brisbane Australia The Gap and North Queensland near Whitsundays in our beautiful workshop surrounded by […]
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Jul
Jul
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 […]
This morning at my workbench on the verandah of my workshop…retouching a violin restoration in the daylight. The fully loaded mandarin trees add a lovely feel to my work day.