Stradivarius and Guarnerius Violins: The curve of the Back and the Mystery of How it's Done so Well.
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Secrets of the violin connoisseur, secrets of the magic within the violin: from The Romantic School of Music and Kevin Lee Luthier.
Also within this series: how to tell if a Stradivarious or Guarnerius violin is real.
Subtle Nuances aren't just important when performing music, they are "everything" when it comes to creating a work of art like Stradivarius and Guarnerius. When it comes to the varnish , what happens to the instrument before it's applied, is just as important as the final coat.
Books mentioned, and shown:
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PETER BIDDULPH - GIUSEPPE GUARNERI DEL GESÙ = A fabulous book, yet very tough to find now.
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ANTONIO STRADIVARI The Cremona Exhibition of 1987
BEARE Charles, CARLSON Bruce = You can find it, but wow, it's expensive now.
Encyclopédie, ou dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers 1751 = It's on google books, but tough to navigate.
Music: The Mystics, by Kyle Preston
Photos and Video Clips:
Parthenon picture by dimitrisvetsikas1969 / 18060 at Pixabay
pixabay.com/illustrations/parthenon-acropolis-athens-greece-4960616/
Parthenon video by Gisselere Michael at Artgrid
artgrid.io/clip/199949/aerial-landmark-acropolis-athens
Flowing Gold by Soraphotography at Artgrid
artgrid.io/clip/435381/gold-powder-particles-fine
@garymcaleer6112 Ай бұрын
Throughout my career, I played my '72 Sergio Peresson. A copy of a Guarneri, it was before he increased production with luthiers building his instruments, and Sergio would do the assembly and staining. A powerful and lovely sound. I sold it when my wife got sick. One day, I hope to find a similar quality. When that day comes I will contact you.
@DerekHerbst747 Жыл бұрын
Hi Kevin. I am neither a violinist nor a violin maker, however I am so appreciative of your videos that I always look forward to the next one. I believe it's because of some common thread we share both musically and spiritually. Thanks for your ever engaging and informative content.
@brianpmarshall 23 күн бұрын
Thank Kevin, wonderful presentation!
@catherinewhite2943 Жыл бұрын
This is a fascinating video. Thank you, Kevin!
@WEdHarris Жыл бұрын
Such a brilliant and informative presentation! Liked and Subbed! It is refreshing to see Master Craftmanship and those who can appreciate art in it's many forms! Thank You for this!
@riccardo-964 Жыл бұрын
Great video, keep'em coming, noble Sir.
@Eroica_Under_God.15.18 Жыл бұрын
Underrated Channel.
@windalkaid7088 Жыл бұрын
Love your videos always, really like your style!
@stephanebelizaire3627 Жыл бұрын
Very Instructive , Bravo !
@charlesblithfield6182 9 ай бұрын
Some of your comments remind me of a course I took in film making many years ago. The instructor repeatedly emphasized that auteur directors left not one frame of the film to chance or happenstance. Every element of the film, from composition to lighting, sound and music, everything, including credits, was necessary to create a masterpiece of filmmaking. Directors such as Kubrick and Hitchcock are exemplars of this philosophy and I take it to heart when making a violin.
@dvides89 Жыл бұрын
Very interesting, thank you for sharing . I see you’re also flexing on that production value. Wonderful to see some fresh ideas in your collaboration. Greetings from Honduras.
@kevinleeluthier Жыл бұрын
Thanks for noticing!
@gogotrololo 10 ай бұрын
Man, i never knew i had to turn on notifications like that. Nice reminder!
@kevinleeluthier 9 ай бұрын
I know. I'm going to have to have more reminders in my videos.
@thiagoreis4890 Жыл бұрын
Great Job sir.
@iggyzorro2406 Жыл бұрын
Fascinating
@pottersmiles7238 Жыл бұрын
Kevs back 💯
@kyproset Жыл бұрын
Although I'm subscribed and have the bell for all notifications on, I wasn't alerted for this video. I found it by accident.
@kevinleeluthier Жыл бұрын
You're not the only one! Thank you SO MUCH for letting me know. I think I found the problem. I just can't fix it retroactively on videos that have already been posted. Yet, in the future, each time I post a video, and manually click on "Publish to Subscriptions feed and notify subscribers" I will ALWAYS think of you.
@cjc4765 Жыл бұрын
Best vid yet. Amazing info! Kevin, you are to modest. You are not only a violin maker, you are the only living human who was certified by Jacques Francais! If anyone is reading this and doesn't know who Mr. Francais was, he would just glance at an instrument and just wave it along like rubbish if it didn't show any sign of greatness. Just a glance is all he needed! For him to actually look at an instrument ,handle and value it, it would have to be a Guarneri or Strad or Rocca, Bergonzi, Ruggieri (Or Kevin). He was the greatest appraiser that ever lived. He sold half of the Stradivari and Guarneri instruments in the WORLD during his lifetime. Kevin, I think Carlo Bergoni inherited Strads tools after his sons gave up the workshop. Do you have any knowledge of this?
@kevinleeluthier Жыл бұрын
Everything you say about Jacques Francais is true, and I miss him. Long story short: Yes. Bergonzi inherited/was loaned quite a few of Stradivari's tools. Later, Count Cuzio purchased all that remained (many of the wonderful ones had "disappeared") from Antonio's son, Paolo. After going through other owners, most of the molds and templates are now in the City of Cremona's museum.
@kiwiviolin941 Жыл бұрын
i never liked antiquing in vioilns, yet your violin is so gorgeous! the little specks of yellow that radiates through the rich brown varnish on the belly is just very tasteful, subtle..back is a little more bold for my liking, in my opinion something like the top would have been more suited, but then again back wears down more than the belly. i am just in awe of your knowledge and more importantly the quest for the secrets and sharing with us! waiting eagerly for the next episode. regards from new zealand.
@kevinleeluthier Жыл бұрын
Antiquing is truly a matter of taste, and they do come across differently in person, and in different light. Thanks for watching and for your comment!
@kiwiviolin941 11 ай бұрын
@@kevinleeluthier quick question, doesnt the difference in size of the upper and lower blocks (the ones glued on to to the form) contribute to this slight curve?
@kevinleeluthier 11 ай бұрын
The difference in the bock heights creates a "taper" to the instrument, which is a different feature than the "curve," though this taper does make the curve visually appear more than it would otherwise. Thanks for the comment!
@rody3199 Жыл бұрын
Great video as always, Kevin! I always learn something new every video. Also, quick question: Should I get a two-piece or one-piece back? Is it just for sound preference or is one objectively superior to the other? (I ask this because I plan on purchasing a violin from Fiddlershop called "Fiddlerman Master Violin Outfit". They offer both one and 2-piece backs. *costs 1000 dollars, dried 10 years. It seems like a good violin for a beginner like myself that doesn't break the bank!)
@kevinleeluthier Жыл бұрын
One piece backs traditionally cost more because they have to come from a larger tree, etc.. As far as sound, if cut on the slab, they tend to have a smoother deeper voice. If quarter-sawn, they tend to have the slightest bit more character, but ever so slightly tend not to be as balanced as a two piece back. Otherwise, it's simply a matter of taste. The proof is in the pudding, yet, at a glance, the Fiddlershop Master Violin Outfit looks very promising and they are showing a very nice looking one piece back for that price.
@willy_wombat Жыл бұрын
Interesting 😀
@marknichols7861 Жыл бұрын
I am curious if you know what the center hole purpose is in Stradivari's cradle that was used to hold the belly and back while he carved the wood. It seems to be an odd place for fixturing. My guess is that perhaps he glued the back and belly in place while carving and then used the holes to put a tool through to knock them out.
@hinga9895 Жыл бұрын
Could you please share a bit more info about that gluing fixture?
@charlesblithfield6182 9 ай бұрын
I felt like using sandpapers and even certain rasps at times is not traditional and therefore to be avoided, it certainly is more time consuming, but I realized how much exacting control they can give. Making art to me is a meditation as much as anything and “cutting corners” antithetical to why I am even doing it. I avoid power tools for this reason. I am no professional and appreciate your perspectives very much.
@kevinleeluthier 9 ай бұрын
I have made many instruments without the use of any modern tools, yet after realizing that a sculptor's hands are best when fresh (one of the rare quotes of Stradivarius), and that Stradivarius had apprentices rough out most parts of his violins while Guarnerius had the assistance of both his father and wife, after double carpal tunnel surgeries, I decided to at least rough out some of the wood using a bandsaw, jointer, etc.. Please don't take offence, but the original masters did use sandpaper and rasps at times. It's amazing what technologies they had that have not been documented properly on the internet, or documented by others/historians who didn't do their homework. Never limit yourself by what others "think" the old masters did or didn't do. Stradivarius used his vast wealth to not only make things better, but also quicker and easier.
@charlesblithfield6182 9 ай бұрын
@@kevinleeluthier oh the tone of my comment didn’t communicate what I intended so certainly no offence taken. I have no problem with using power tools even myself I just wanted to understand the process by experiencing it using hand tools. I am new to this (violin making but I have made many things in wood) and noticed a kind of demarcation in videos and discussions about violin making concerning tools such as XACTO knives vs a fine Kiridashi. I love my curved Stanley 2 inch Surform and used it recently to shape some bike handlebars with a relatively complex shape I made with laminated maple veneers and thought it might make a good tool for helping the top and back of a violin versus or in addition to a finger plane with toothed blade, but have not seen that tool mentioned in researching luthiers tools. I am going to take the quicker and easier and Stadivarius advice seriously.
@kevinleeluthier 9 ай бұрын
@@charlesblithfield6182 Sounds like we are more kindred spirits than one might initially think. = My advice about the Stanley Sureform is to use what works best for you and gives the best results with the most pleasure. :) As for me, I've been using Ibex toothed and plain curved sole planes (standard and modified shapes) for so long that they have become part of my hands.
@charlesblithfield6182 9 ай бұрын
@@kevinleeluthier because this is not a profession I can take my sweet time. When making art the thing that mattered most was the process and I recall on some of my larger pieces working for 8-10 hours barely stopping, the time seemed to disappear. I make very technical art with many steps so making a violin seemed a natural fit plus at the end I get an instrument to play. I know the final result won’t be professional but I can try to achieve something that’s at least decent. Do you mind if I ask the very occasional question? I use the Johnson and Courtnall book and many videos and assembly sites but still find the odd thing not answered.
@kevinleeluthier 9 ай бұрын
Ask away! @@charlesblithfield6182
@charlesbrousseau3988 2 ай бұрын
Hi! This is a well done series! Is the 1694 manuscript where you saw the violin press the Diderot encyclopedia mentioned in the description, or is it another book?
@goldslinger Жыл бұрын
‘Encore’!
@kathleenkeane4364 Жыл бұрын
Always wanted to play violen. No money back then.but five years ago life improved and could afford one, how it has changed my life,I call it my life saviour,and it is, I think I'm a great player,but honestly not really.i play with a group once a week,and I call myself the last sub.i paid 500e for it,might get a better one soon,but I will keep my first love, I'm 78.
@kevinleeluthier Жыл бұрын
Wow! You are an inspiration to us all.
@lustucrugf5591 2 ай бұрын
Hi, nice video. I'm pretty sure the convex arching on the back side of the ribs of the instrument is a result of deformation, isn't it ? endping and neck heel being pulled by the string tension, in many instances this effect is mirrored on the top side of the ribs, which end up being concave rather than flat.
@nestordiaz6848 Жыл бұрын
Incredible video, you are the best luthier on KZfaq!....I have a professional Gliga violin, Stephen Weiss Violins, what do you think about it?
@michaelwhisman Ай бұрын
Have you heard of the old masters using horsetail plants as sandpaper??
@kevinleeluthier 26 күн бұрын
Yes, first in the early 1990's at violin making school, and quite a few makers swear by it. Yet, even though it grows naturally in my valley below the violin shop, I have only used it on a couple of my instruments, because in my hands, steel wool with the proper backing seems to fit the bill for me. Yet, everyone's fingers and hands are different. Thanks for watching! :)
@sadhbhdelahunt 5 ай бұрын
Very informative. Im in Australia. I would like to see one of your violins, are there any in Australia?
@kevinleeluthier 4 ай бұрын
Though I have spent a bit of time in Australia and even considered moving my shop there, once upon a time, I don't know that any of my instruments are presently in the country. I'll let you know if that changes. Thank you for watching.
@alanaliyev456GT 11 ай бұрын
my one piece back viola (2 k $) is really nice..curves are so nice
@michaelwhisman 2 ай бұрын
Where can I buy one of those large holding devises??
@cmkaco 8 ай бұрын
This is fascinating. It appears that there is a concave curve in the C bouts, but then it looks like it gets flattened out when you sand the upper and lower bouts. Yet, when you are explaining the curvature, it looks like it is there. So, is there a concave curve at the C bouts and a convex curve at the upper and lower, or does the whole back end up being flat at the end? Thanks!
@kevinleeluthier 8 ай бұрын
It's tough to get the camera angle to show everything correctly. The entire rib structure, including CC bouts is flat where it comes in contact with the belly, and convex where it comes in contact with the back (similar direction to the back of a double bass), with most of the curve being at the upper third. This really stands out when looking down the sides of original Nicolo Amati violins.
@chrisebbesen5798 Жыл бұрын
Thank you. GRATZI. MEILE!
@yakuviolin Жыл бұрын
i missed you
@deadmanswife3625 Жыл бұрын
3:00 Wow
@pauljack7170 9 ай бұрын
i am notaviolin makes but always had suspicion that the thinness of the wood coupled with the curb of the top/ bottom and balance of the string tension have an influence of sound
@kevinleeluthier 9 ай бұрын
Yes, those are some of the largest MAJOR factors of tone.
@alanaliyev456GT 11 ай бұрын
i need a curve back and table... i love my Violins . all are curved (less or more) but not flat like a Guitar back (i love and owne guitars too... profile are nice but perfection is for violins)
@adifferentangle7064 9 ай бұрын
Who do you cite for your assertion that they used abrasive paper on a flat piece of glass or marble? Sources?
@kevinleeluthier 9 ай бұрын
When it comes to the techniques of the masters, the most important references are the instruments and the tools of the masters themselves. When it comes to the "secrets," most have been handed down by others who visited their shops and the various masters at The Romantic School of Music.
@AnHebrewChild 6 ай бұрын
Merry Christmas-- Do you make any in the tradition of Stainer? Or would you say you specialize in violins for Classical-Romantic era play? I like Renaissance & Baroque, and even high baroque often feels too modern for my ears :D My apologies, btw, for what may easily have been perceived as negativity in another video's comment section. You seem like a really nice person, and certainly passionate about your craft. It's refreshing. I just have an allergy against "distressed" look -- whether Antonio and Giuseppe did this, doesn't change my opinion on it. To me, it'd be like a patron asking a bible-binder to make the pages & spine appear worn so as to give the fellow church goers an impression of greater piety. And distressed furniture & clothing... "purposeful patina," don't get me started... anyway, I'm curious your thoughts & experience in making for customers looking for early music instruments.
@kevinleeluthier 6 ай бұрын
While I have not made any short, thick Baroque style necks, I do make whatever sound, response, and style that the customer desires including "immaculate." I have a particular love for the style of Jacob Stainer's instruments with "The voice of angels" as mentioned in the book "Clay Angel."
@AnHebrewChild 6 ай бұрын
@@kevinleeluthier thank you for your reply, and for all the content; I think I've watched every video now. Thoroughly enjoyable. Be blessed.
@TimothyTucker0 9 ай бұрын
Dude looks like Jack Nicholson. Love the pattern of speech.
@kevinleeluthier 9 ай бұрын
The comedians on "The Smoking Gun Presents" said Robin Williams, but I'll go with it. :)
@michaelwhisman 2 ай бұрын
I don't understand how a person could confuse a violin and a voice. Violins cannot say words.
@nestordiaz6848 Жыл бұрын
What is the price of a violín made by you?
@kevinleeluthier Жыл бұрын
The violin featured in this video (= very old wood, very deep flames, red varnish, Forentine sound openings and scroll) in a Musafia Enigma case with an engraved silver mounted bow is around $30,000.00 US. My "themed" violins with tooled leather cases currently go up to $75,000.00.
@michaelwhisman 2 ай бұрын
I was disgusted with the costs of scrapers so I go to thrift stores and buy high quality paring knives for 50 cents to $1.00. They are wonderful.
@andreasschau4215 Жыл бұрын
I want to be as rich as Kevin Lee luthier one day. :D
@kevinleeluthier Жыл бұрын
I have been "rich" twice, then I spent it all on violins. :)
@pottersmiles7238 Жыл бұрын
@@kevinleeluthier would still be rich if you made them instead
@kevinleeluthier Жыл бұрын
@@pottersmiles7238 I'm always working on violins, violas and cellos, day and night, but no matter how much I sell them for (violins $35,000+), I can't help spending even more on tone wood, tools, varnish ingredients, research, etc.. :) As the videos progress, I think you'll see what I mean.
@stumptownsculptor Жыл бұрын
This video was okay, and as always I learned valuable insight. However I’d like to request another video with automotive repair content. That one might be the most refined, of your entire body of work. Just saying…
@kevinleeluthier Жыл бұрын
No. There is one video that stands out above all others as the "most refined" of all. It was so refined that it was played on television about a hundred times: World's Dumbest Hillbillies 4 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pdFloruntLHaknU.html or kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gJhkqZR52am7dGw.html Go to 39:34 or 37:01 depending = I was the winner. Having a little "redneck" deep down inside can help make you a better fiddler and square dance caller, but don't tell anyone about this video because it could possibly hurt my reputation as a Master Luthier. :) And yet, I have sold some of my most valuable instruments to farmers and fiddlers. (One mortgaged the family farm in order to purchase it.) Also, in 1931 Henry Ford purchased "The Doyen," one of the finest Guarnerius del Jesu violins in existence to be used in his square dances at the factory.
@jrjxbox Жыл бұрын
Apprenticeship? I Reside in UT.
@kevinleeluthier Жыл бұрын
I just don't know how I could fit an apprentice into my schedule right now. I've had a couple, and the first year or two takes so much of my time (and money).
@vintagepipesnightmares 10 ай бұрын
Oh my god again with the mysteries of these damn violins?😫 They’ve been repaired so many times that nothing is original on them anymore. Many tests were done. Nobody can distinguish one from a cheaper violin. Mythology
@davidmoreno9723 Жыл бұрын
Me da risa como buscan endiosar las cosas.
@vintagepipesnightmares 10 ай бұрын
These people can’t even pronounce these names right. Gonerius ??? What is that
@vintagepipesnightmares 10 ай бұрын
Gonerius ??? 😂😂😂😂😂 Stradiverius??? What is that ?? 😂 Americans🫣
@AnHebrewChild 6 ай бұрын
"Americans." oh stop.
@vintagepipesnightmares 6 ай бұрын
@@AnHebrewChild nobody on the planet are worse then the Americans. They don’t make any effort or the smallest research about saying a name right. And I now a lot of them. We all speak at least two languages in Europe. In US they can barely speak English Eyerak , Eyetalian, Nuchelar etc etc etc Roum to Roma
@C-mereSSBU 4 ай бұрын
Dude, are you drunk?
@oldviolinchannel5239 Жыл бұрын
bla bla bla ????