40 cm Viola, new design

 The first viola of my new Guarneri-inspired design is now done, and can be heard test-driven in THIS VIDEO.  It's 40cm (15 3/4') back length, with the intent to be a soloist instrument with maximum power, projection, and response.

Finally got some instruments done

First, violin #27 (completed initially over a year ago) modified for rounder tone, and re-varnished with modest antiquing.

The final playing result can be heard here.  And in photos...

And also violin #30 came together, my new design, small model.  Again played by a great player, heard here.  And photos...

#29 - Viola

My viola entry to the VSA competition last week.  This one unexpectedly (to me) won a Certificate of Merit for Tone.

... and here it is being played... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYrQzgPaKCY

... and the viola I made before that... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zp2hgrfFxw

#27 - Violin

My entrant into the VSA competition last week.  Didn't win anything.  Probably should finish making my instruments earler; this one was strung up for the first time a week before.

Here it is being played... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BqqXwzwtsY&feature=youtu.be

Just returned from Tucson, where the 2018 VMAAI violinmaking competition was held.  My #25 violin took the top tone awards, and second for combined tone and workmanship.

What could be better than a visit from Sam Zygmuntowicz to chat about violinmaking for a few hours.

Violin #25

Not quite in numerical sequence... but #25 just got completed.  It's my Guarneri-ish model, top and back woods match #24, taken from the same log.

Here it is (4 days after stringing up) being played: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTZYM0NoWfs&feature=youtu.be