The Thickness Course
In this course, we will dive into the art of creating the ideal thickness for both the top and back plates of your violin, a critical step in defining the instrument's tonal quality and resonance.
Throughout the series of 20-minute video lessons, you will follow my step-by-step approach to carving the inside of the archings. We will begin by marking and carving the top plate, exploring different methods to approach the internal carving. You'll learn how to balance precision and feel as we work through carving both the top and back plates, gradually shaping the perfect thickness.
The course also covers important concepts such as marking, drilling, and rough carving the thicknesses, then moving closer to the desired form using arching planes and scrapers. I'll guide you through the finer techniques of cleaning the inside with a scraper, ensuring a flawless finish and consistency in thickness across the plates.
By the end of this course, you will understand the essential role that thickness plays in the overall sound of your violin and be able to achieve the precise internal shaping that enhances the instrument's acoustics.
Enjoy the course!
Carving Inside the Archings
In the first part of this course, we will begin by focusing on carving the inside of the archings. I will guide you through marking and carving the top plate, demonstrating the key techniques for shaping the wood to prepare for proper thickness. We will explore different approaches to carving the inside and establish a solid foundation for the rest of the process.
Carving the Top and Back
Moving on, we will shift our focus to carving both the top and back plates. This stage is essential for achieving the right balance of flexibility and strength in your violin. You’ll learn how to mark, drill, and roughly carve the thicknesses, gradually refining them using arching planes and scrapers. The goal is to get closer to the final dimensions while maintaining consistency throughout the plates.
Finishing the Inside – Thickness
In the final stage, we will concentrate on achieving the perfect thickness across the inside of the plates. We will focus on fine-tuning with scrapers to clean and smooth the surface, ensuring that both the top and back plates are finished to the precise thickness required for optimal sound production. This stage will solidify your understanding of the concept of thickness and its critical impact on the violin's acoustics.
