Art of Violin Making

Chris Johnson Roy Courtnall
"The Art of Violin Making" is the major work for the craftsman, bringing into one volume a summary of essential information for the violin maker and player, as well as providing a historical reference. Part One: The Violin Makers is devoted to separate chapters on the life and work of some of the greatest of all violin makers; the families of Amati, Stradivari and Guarneri, and the unique genius of Jacob Stainer. These chapters include superb colour photographs of examples of their work. Also included is a chapter covering the work of some leading contemporary violin makers. Part Two: The Workshop, Tools and Materials provides essential information on the tools, working environment and material needed by violin makers. Part Three: Violin Construction comprises a detailed, step-by-step guide to the traditional method of violin making, based closely on the teaching system employed at the world-famous Newark School of Violin Making in England.
Art of Violin Making by Chris Johnson Roy Courtnall

About the author

CHRIS JOHNSON came to violin making through making guitars as a hobby. He attended Newark School of Violin Making and graduated with a distinction. Since then he has established a workshop in Leicestershire where he makes violins in modern and baroque forms, and exact copies of fine instruments. He also repairs and restores old instruments.



ROY COURTNALL is a luthier, writer and lecturer in musical instrument technology. After obtaining a BA Hons degree in sculpture from London University he went on to develop his instrument-making skills, establishing himself as a luthier. He has published a collection of plans of musical instruments, and is now a self-employed guitar maker, producing handmade instruments to order. 



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