“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 IV: ff HOLES & BASS BAR

Brute force is left behind and a delicate jeweler's jigsaw and a light touch with the knife is called forth. I feel relaxed and look forward to this detailed work as it suits me by nature.

The layout of the "ff" holes is extremely critical as it influences the tone and determines the string length. The ff holes are located and cut. The ff holes help the sound to project from the violin.

The ff holes are first cut out with a jigsaw.

The bass bar is fitted and glued to the inside of the top on the right side. The bass bar is a curved stick of spruce which reinforces the top.

"ff" hole is completely cut out. Notice how smooth the wood is cut after cleaning up the rough edges left by the sawing process. The final clean-up is done with a very sharp knife.

A stick of spruce is carved to fit the top, then glued in. After the glue is dry, the bar is carved down more until the original ringing tap tone is regained.

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