Violin

Making violins

There is a three-dimensional geometric underlying construction that explains the main properties and placement of the different parts and proportions. The outer contour is designed by the violin maker, and today the outlines of the old masters' violins are usually used.

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The traditional approach starts with a set of plans, which include a drawing of the outer shape of the instrument. From these plans a template is constructed, which can be made from thin metal or other materials, and is a flat "half-violin" shape.

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The template is used to construct a mould, which is a thick violin-shaped piece of wood.

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Around the mould are built the sides (or ribs), which are flat pieces of wood curved by means of careful heating.

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The front and back are carved sections which fit on top. When the body is complete, the neck, which is carved out of a separate piece of wood (usually maple), is grafted on to complete the basic structure of the instrument.

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