fiddles 000

Here are 7 of the 9 fiddles that I have built over the past ? years and my one Mandolin. This hobby has been a learning experience from the word go. The progression has been one of study, trial and error and just plain dumb luck. It has been a lot of hand work, a few, OK, more than a few choice words, frustration and tedious attention to detail. but in the end, The sound that come from my creation is always a thrill. I build my fiddles in the construction internally as a regular fiddle. No extra bracing, just the end block, bass bar, cleats around the edges and a sound post, with the neck mortised in the neck end of the box. The more bracing you have the more sound get absorbed. Granted, my first fiddle is not as loud as a screech arrow with about the same sound, But as I progress, they are sounding louder and more like a fiddle. Keep bracing to a minimum. The box, once glued together is quite strong. Oh yeah, use hide glue. I took one of my fiddles apart at least 4 times And be care full with the steam. I got a 3rd degree burn in less than 1/2 a second from steam from the tea pot.
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Comments

  • Great group of instruments!

  • The more i see of your row of fiddles and mandolin the more i respect what you have done. From my point of view, your attention to detail and persistence have paid off. Your work will inspire many to give it a try. Myself for one. Thanks for showing.

  • Hi Keni. Yes Sir, I did build that fiddle body. Kind of different, huh. It was almost a chore. That curly maple is tough. Craig

  • What a fine collection. Did you build the body for the one "second from the left" too? Thanks for sharing, Keni Lee

  • It is a lovely family.  Like what you had to say too.

  • The orchestra assembles. Encore! A lovely family...

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