Scientists Dispel The Mystery Surrounding Stradivarius Violins

Science Daily ^ | 2005-07-13

[mylife]

I see you play mandolin.
Have you ever seen a tiple?

[RosieCotton]

BTW, if you were really intested in learning to build, some luthiers have programs where they'll help you build a violin in their shop, though of course they charge for it. But it might be a good way to try it without having to spring for tools, and to get a really good idea of what would be involved and what tools you'd really need. ;-)

[mylife]

I had looked into taking Luthier instruction at one point as a springboard into the art

[RosieCotton]

She's learning from / working for a luthier in Northern Vermont. She does some of the more mundane repair work (repairing cracks, setting up instruments, etc.), and in return gets something of a discount for his teaching her. I think eventually she hopes to work for him for pay for awhile, doing repair work so he has more time for actual building, and then at some point setting out on her own.

It's not an easy thing to get started in, though, I don't think. He's got a name for himself, and she'll have that in her favor...but it's not exactly something you can get rich doing, I wouldn't say. Takes too much time, plus there are the materials. And until your name is known, it can be a struggle.

I gotta say, I'm impressed with my sister, though. It's really delicate work, and an art. I'm lousy at anything like that!

[mylife]

I really find the craftsmanship and knowledge fascinating there are many arts that are in danger of being lost thru Mass production

[RosieCotton]

There are some interesting pictures on that site - you may find it interesting!

[RosieCotton]

I've seen a tiple in pictures at least, but never played one. I'm not sure how it's tuned, either. I do know how to pronounce it...that counts for something!

Do you play?

[RosieCotton]

That's one thing I think that draws me to acoustic instruments. Yes, there are factory made ones (lots and lots - the vast majority), but there is still hands-on work even there. And there are still lots of people building handmade instruments.

They are truly art, in addition to being tools for making music. I love that about them.

If I had a lot of money...I'd have more than I do. I still have better instruments than I deserve, but I love 'em! That's gotta count for something...

[mylife]

it's not exactly something you can get rich doing, I wouldn't say. Takes too much time, plus there are the materials. And until your name is known, it can be a struggle.

L0L Yes I know. Its a passion thing. My craftwork is only kept alive thru family and friends.

Im presently reworking some rifle stocks for a friend. I only do carvings for family.

Your not gonna get rich unless you can tap into a community of rich folks, and produce some thing that they are passionate about.

[mylife]

Beautiful work. Id love to hear them

[mylife]

No I dont play. my granduncle did and he could whoop up a storm on the fiddle,mandolin, and tiple.

I have his 10 string tiple, I believe the other instruments have been lost

[Young Werther]

Never Mind!

[mylife]

Haw hoo!

[RightWhale]

That's what I meant by China being a direct competitor.

[RosieCotton]

I wish I knew more about them! They're tuned in pairs like a mandolin, right? Five pairs? There's a proper term for that, but I don't know it. Courses, maybe?

[mylife]

pair, triplet, triplet, pair

[mylife]

actually I guess its doublet, triplet, tripet, doublet L0L

[mylife]

Mines a 10 string, I forgot they make 12s as well all triplets

wonderful sound

[investigateworld]

Please add me to the list.
Thanks

[sitetest]

Done!