A complete, traditional method. Includes brief descriptions of alternate methods. Photo-illustrated, from sharpening tools to varnishing and adjustment. Includes full size drawings for making a Stradivari model violin. Illustrated with 115 photographs of the model violin (Leandro Bisiach), and of the demonstration violin as it was made, step by step, by Henry Strobel. For the beginning or advanced maker or the interested violinist. The Strobel books for violin makers are professional, concise, and convenient, reflecting traditional, conservative, and artistic work. Some forty thousand sold, they are used internationally by student, amateur and professional makers in shops and schools, and referred to by manufacturers, sellers, users, and lovers of bowed instruments. High quality 8.5 by 11 in. paperbacks made to lie flat and last on your workbench. ". . . is clear, systematic, and full of good information and advice." -- David Brownell, Editor, Michigan Violin Makers Association Journal "All (of his books) are thoroughly illustrated . . . replete with bibliographies, annotations, and indices . . . The Art & Method of the Violin Maker is . . . a very personal account, written with great erudition and insight . . . All of these titles are recommended to anyone with even a passing interest in violin literature." -- From a review by John Dilworth in the April 1994 Strad Magazine "If a beginner could own only one book . . . I'd have to recommend this one above all the others." -- Sam R. Compton Jr. Editor, VMAAI Journal and a Director of the Violin Society of America "It looks like the premier book for beginning violin makers . . ." -- Leonard C. Showalter, Editor, Southern California Association of Violin Makers Bulletin (The series of books) "Si tratta di volumi che hanno una finalit practica, di ausilio al lavoro del liutaio. . . L'intera collana rappresenta una interessante initiativa editoriale, che ha in piu il vantaggio di prezzi modesti." (I translate: ". . . These books are for the practical assistance of the working luthier. . . The whole series represents an interesting publishing venture, with modest prices as well.") -- From the review in La Lira di Orfeo , Cremona, No. 3, 1996 Henry Strobel is the author-publisher of seven books on violin, viola, and cello making, repair, and adjustment, which are used worldwide. He recently published a video Watch Me Make a Cello, Step by Step. Born in Indiana in 1936, he had a first career as an electronic design engineer, and was one of the founders of Digital Telephone Systems, Inc. in California, which manufactured transmission and switching equipment. He served in the US Air Force service in Scotland as a communications officer. He studied violin as a schoolboy, made his first over thirty years ago, and has had his own violin business for twenty years, fifteen at his current full service violin shop in Oregon, where, with his wife and sons, he also makes violins, violas, and cellos, and writes books. Preface to the First Edition This is a simple, short, practical handbook. It outlines the essential steps in making a violin. Six years ago, in the preface to Useful Measurements for Violin Makers , I had suggested that there were already enough "how to make a violin" books. I know better now, although I was not eager to begin this book that so many of you suggested. It's even harder to write down these "steps" with inspiration and freshness than it is to make a violin that way. Simplicity and brevity preclude completeness, except in essentials, and every established maker already has his own methods that perhaps differ from those selected for this book. To keep it simple and short, but still clear and consistent, I have presented primarily one way - certainly not the only good way. At least this was my original intent, but as I wrote, I frequently found myself mentioning alternate ways, in brackets and small type, [like this]. The methods given are simple and mostly traditional, but do not necessarily follow any one school to the letter. The outline pattern offered here is simply a good example, taken from a violin that was at hand; use any other that you like. Although I have made relatively few instruments, I have examined or repaired a multitude, and studied in depth much of the literature of violin making. "Ars longa, vita brevis." There is little new here, but the organization and writing are my own, grounded throughout on my own experience. I include references to my other books in this series, which many readers already have, to avoid duplication of material. This book is basic and reliable, unburdened by conjecture, "secrets", or "science". I did my best, within the limits of my knowledge, expertise, and time. I welcome your suggestions or corrections for future editions. Far better craftsmen than I have been making violins this way for hundreds of years. But most of them didn't write books. Countless violins, superficially simila