“I took delivery of a violin from Anne a year ago. I had searched the Internet looking at different violin makers. All the makers I researched seemed to make violins, then sell them to people. One buys what is available at the time. They seemed so tied to building on the "mold" method that there was very little difference from one instrument to another.

“Anne is different, and each violin she creates is unique. She loves to have the client involved from the start of the process. One is welcome to be as involved in the process as possible.

“We started with Anne asking me basic questions such as the size of my hands, how I would like my violin to sound and how I would enjoy the instrument's appearance. As Anne loves to explain, "you are creating a violin that will be played for hundreds of years. So, what you like to leave to the world?" I chose the wood for the back and sides from a selection of three choices. Anne discussed the belly wood and selected an excellent piece of spruce.

“Anne supplied me pictures of each stage of the carving and building. It was like watching a family member come to life. Part of the unique process is that Anne likes to design a personal picture inside that in some way reflects her client. In many ways, the violin takes on a persona from this point. So, I encourage you to take advantage of this unique violin maker and her process of creating a specific work of art for you. She welcomes your input in the process and you will be rewarded with something personal and irreplaceable that you will cherish for the rest of your life.”

--Randal Walker

My Way: Violin Construction From Start to Finish

PART VII: CREATING A SCROLL

The scroll is the part of a violin in which tradition allows the maker the most freedom to be "creative". Anne has always taken full advantage of that freedom in carving flowers, fauna, icons, messages and even various mythical beasts into the heads of her scrolls.

The scroll emerges from the block after being cut out on the bandsaw.

Note the peg holes are drilled, the peg box is carved - and a carbon fiber rod is inserted in the middle of the neck for additional strength to keep the neck angle from sagging or decreasing over the years. Now the carving of the scroll can begin.

The peg box is chiseled out after which the head of the scroll is carved. The neck is then finished and set into a channel cut into the top of the body of the violin.

The scroll is carved from a block of wood which also forms the neck.

Multiple horizontal and vertical saw cuts are made around the head of the scroll to expose the layers to be carved.

The distinctive and distinguishing qualities of the scroll are brought into being with each cut of the gouge which is used to dish out the layers of the scroll.

I sketch out a theme on the back of the scroll. Gradually, the chisels and knives pictured with the scroll bring the sketch into relief.

The scroll is finely sanded.

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