First Attempt at a Guarneri del Gesu Model

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Classical violin, modeled after the 1735 “Plowden” Guarneri del Gesu

December 2012;

For my 21st instrument, I decided to try a “copy” (rather a loose imitation) of a Guarneri del Gesu violin, the 1735 “Plowden”; it turned out very playable; well balanced, with good tone. It is made of European maple and spruce, purchased from International Violin Co., in Baltimore, Maryland.

I messed up the varnish and had to start over, so the varnish did not come out exactly the way I wanted it to…but it looks pretty similar to the original, even at that. So I am happy with it.

I’ll try this model again, soon. But the next thing on my list is another cello. 🙂

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November 30, 2012August 15, 2026

A Beautiful 15-3/4″ Oliver Viola for You! Completed 11/2012

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15-3/4″ Oliver viola

This viola is made of Sitka spruce with a Red-maple, one-piece back. It also has a Red Maple neck, and Big-leaf maple ribs, with willow linings and Sitka spruce blocks.

And…I just completed it this morning (November 30th, 2012), so it is “as new as new can be.”

The colors are a little brighter than reality, as I took this photo with a flash, but that’s the best I can do for now.

I will be participating in a violin-maker’s trade show at “Fairfield Inn & Suites” in Lake Oswego tomorrow afternoon (December 1st). I hope to exhibit six violas, three violins, a cello, and a five-string fiddle.

The show is open from One PM to Seven PM, and is free to all. I hope we get a lot of players attending…it is very encouraging to makers to have players test-driving their instruments.

See my other instruments at https://bluefiddles.com,/chronology .

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August 14, 2012January 10, 2014

Annnd… I’m Back. With a New Fiddle.

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Resurrected Website: Bluefiddle’s West Wind Strings

A couple of months ago, in my befuddled, well-meaning, bungling way, I killed my website entirely.

The host was able to save it, but I had been in the process of changing hosts, so that was a bit awkward. I have switched from Joomla, which I was just beginning to understand to WordPress, regarding which I understand nothing…and have bought the requisite book: “The Complete Idiot’s Guide…” Sounds as though it was written for my kinda guy. A friend has reconstructed the site using WordPress, and has assured me that I will be able to master the new software. I trust he is correct.

New Five-string fiddle

I did complete one new instrument since I last posted: a five-string fiddle (sometimes called a “bluegrass fiddle”), using the wood from the Big Leaf maple log I had been given a few years ago. This is the first instrument I have made using that wood, and I am delighted with the look, response and sound. Here are a few photos of the new, handmade in Oregon, bluegrass fiddle:

Continue reading “Annnd… I’m Back. With a New Fiddle.”

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