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| What constitutes a good Violin? |
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A complete violin consists of seventy different parts, including the fittings. In a good violin every one of these pieces must be carefully chosen and skilfully adjusted. The wood worked upon should have been carefully stored up for a period of at least six or eight years. The parts must be put together with the finest glue and with all joints invisible. The whole secret of violin making is a knowledge of the selection of suitable natural wood, acoustical properties, and varnish; and the man who can make the best use of these three elements makes the best violin, and consequently should obtain the highest price for his work.
After the selection of the wood, and assuming that workmanship be perfect in all particulars, comes the important question of varnish. A poor varnish will spoil the best made violin; hence it is important that the violin be covered with a first-class varnish.
Many books have been written on the subject of the proper varnish for a violin, its composition and mode of application. A cheap hard varnish will tend to retard the delicate vibration of the wood, particularly the table of the violin, while a soft, elastic varnish really adds to the tone as it matures, and, moreover, has no tendency to chip off.
A very good spirit varnish can be made, which will be clear, soft and elastic, and which is less expensive both to make and use than oil varnish, as it dries quickly and evenly, whereas an oil varnish requires from two to four months to properly apply and dry. Usually seven or eight coats are required, but for tonal results there is no question but that a really good oil is far superior to a spirit varnish.
Geigenbauatelier Ulm |
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