Violin Restoration
Violin Restoration

Author: Hans Weisshaar

Publisher: Hans Weisshaar & Margaret Shipman

Published: 1988-01-01

Total Pages: 261

ISBN-13: 9780962186103

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This book contains 41 chapters of detailed repair description, 125 photographs, 60 technical illustrations, & a pattern pocket with 18 patterns. Limited edition of 2000 numbered copies. A review in the international magazine THE STRAD begins, "This is an impressive looking & important book for violin makers. Produced by two of the world's leading practitioners of the craft of violin restoration, it sets out to describe the techniques used in their workshops & to make these techniques available to the violin maker who lacks easy access to training in restoration workshops." The bulletin of the Violin Society of America states, "This long-awaited text presents the art & science of violin repair in a manner so clear in its concept & so unambiguous in its language that it is as enjoyable to read as it is informative. This book should rapidly become a vital reference work for violin makers everywhere." Published & distributed by the authors, 627 North Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90004.

Painted Wood
Painted Wood

Author: Valerie Dorge

Publisher: Getty Publications

Published: 1998-08-27

Total Pages: 549

ISBN-13: 0892365013

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The function of the painted wooden object ranges from the practical to the profound. These objects may perform utilitarian tasks, convey artistic whimsy, connote noble aspirations, and embody the highest spiritual expressions. This volume, illustrated in color throughout, presents the proceedings of a conference organized by the Wooden Artifacts Group of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) and held in November 1994 at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in Williamsburg, Virginia. The book includes 40 articles that explore the history and conservation of a wide range of painted wooden objects, from polychrome sculpture and altarpieces to carousel horses, tobacconist figures, Native American totems, Victorian garden furniture, French cabinets, architectural elements, and horse-drawn carriages. Contributors include Ian C. Bristow, an architect and historic-building consultant in London; Myriam Serck-Dewaide, head of the Sculpture Workshop, Institut Royal du Patrimoine Artistique, Brussels; and Frances Gruber Safford, associate curator of American decorative arts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. A broad range of professionals—including art historians, curators, scientists, and conservators—will be interested in this volume and in the multidisciplinary nature of its articles.

Handbook of Materials for String Musical Instruments
Handbook of Materials for String Musical Instruments

Author: Voichita Bucur

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-08-29

Total Pages: 977

ISBN-13: 3319320807

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This book addresses core questions about the role of materials in general and of wood in particular in the construction of string instruments used in the modern symphony orchestra – violins, violas, cellos and basses. Further attention is given to materials for classical guitars, harps, harpsichords and pianos. While some of the approaches discussed are traditional, most of them depend upon new scientific approaches to the study of the structure of materials, such as for example wood cell structure, which is visible only using modern high resolution microscopic techniques. Many examples of modern and classical instruments are examined, together with the relevance of classical techniques for the treatment of wood. Composite materials, especially designed for soundboards could be a good substitute for some traditional wood species. The body and soundboard of the instrument are of major importance for their acoustical properties, but the study also examines traditional and new wood species used for items such as bows, the instrument neck, string pegs, etc. Wood species’ properties for musical instruments and growth origins of woods used by great makers such as Antonio Stradivari are examined and compared with more recently grown woods available to current makers. The role of varnish in the appearance and acoustics of the final instrument is also discussed, since it has often been proposed as a ‘secret ingredient’ used by great makers. Aspects related to strings are commented.As well as discussing these subjects, with many illustrations from classical and contemporary instruments, the book gives attention to conservation and restoration of old instruments and the physical results of these techniques. There is also discussion of the current value of old instruments both for modern performances and as works of art having great monetary value.The book will be of interest and value to researchers, advanced students, music historians, and contemporary string instrument makers. Musicians in general, particularly those playing string instruments, will also find its revelations fascinating. It will also attract the attention of those using wood for a variety of other purposes, for its use in musical instruments uncovers many of its fundamental features. Professor Neville H. FletcherAustralian National University, Canberra