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Fancy Rib Inlays Are a Satisfying Bit of Extra Work in the Violin-Making Process

Carving fancy rib inlays on a violin isn’t a sound requirement. It is extra work. It has little bearing on the functionality of the violin. But it is artistically satisfying.

Remembering Legendary Louisiana Fiddler Edius Naquin’s Unique Instrument

Legendary Louisiana Fiddler Edius Naquin's violin not a notable instrument, a cheaper Strad copy textured with decades of patina, but it had a real presence.

Luthier David Wiebe Reflects on the Amati Brothers’ Instruments

Luthier David Wiebe reflects on the contributions of Andrea Amati, the "father of the modern violin," and his brother, Girolamo.

Gibson Firebird alongside a Matt Wehling bow

Bow Maker Matt Wehling Reminisces About His Lost Copy of a Gibson Firebird

By Matt Wehling | From the November-December 2021 issue of Strings magazine Strings Magazine recently asked bow maker Matt Wehling: Of all the instruments t... Read More...

The top of a 1776 Gagliano violin with astonishing sound, Courtesy of Mark E. Russell

Restoring a Remarkable 1776 Gagliano Violin

Strings magazine recently asked Mark E. Russell of all the violins that have passed through his hands, which one does he most wish he could have kept?

Violin Maker William Stapp on Efficiency and Simplicity

Efficiency in instrumental practice is essential, and this practice can be broken into two parts: building time and performing time.

The Joy of Finding the Right Musical Match

We asked Ryan McLaughlin, of all the instruments that have passed through his hands, which one does he most wish he could have kept? What made it special?

Taking Off the Clamps: Violin Maker Francis Kuttner Describes His Favorite Moment of Crafting an Instrument

Taking off the clamps after successfully gluing the two halves in a perfect book-matched joint really sends me. It’s one piece!

Violin Maker Karl Dennis on Instruments with Emotional Impact

By Karl Dennis | From the January-February 2021 issue of Strings magazine Of all the violins you’ve seen, which left the greatest impression on you as a vio... Read More...

Worth It: Restoring a C. 1690 Grancino Violin

By James Koehler | From the November-December 2020 issue of Strings magazine One of my favorite restorations was on a ca. 1690 Giovanni Grancino violin. Whe... Read More...