The Luthier's Bench

Tyjax · Dec 6, 2003

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HH, Nikon N5005, on Kodak T400cn, Printed on Ilford MG, The T400CN really wouldnt bring the contrast I wanted. three plus hours in the dark room netted this. Sigh.

metroshane · Dec 6, 2003

ooh this is my favorite pic i've seen here in a long time.

Tyjax · Dec 6, 2003

Why thank you. Have'nt posted in a while. Been spending too much time in the darkroom and dont have a scanner yet. So lots of prints no digital. I did a great self port. in a mirrored elevator ceiling, but when I printed it evidently by the 4th printing my developer was exhusted so it look like a high key ManRay blooper. Sigh. This whole darkroom thing is taking up huge chunks of my time anymore. I love it. I am so hooked.

imm3 · Dec 6, 2003

yes, this is an excellent picture; are those your instruments by the way?

Tyjax · Dec 6, 2003

No acctually they are instruments in my Father-in-laws Violin making/repairing shop where I am doing a part time apprenticeship. There are probably two thousand or more intrusments in his shop. Violin, Viola, Celli, Bass, Guitar, Mandolin, Dulcimer.

metroshane · Dec 6, 2003

A man after my own heart. If I had it to do over again, I'd probably be an archtop guitar maker.

bogleric · Dec 6, 2003

The coloring and placement for this shot is excellent. The lighting and shadows also compliment it very well. I am guessing the white reflectivity on the top of them is dust which adds a wonderful touch.

Great Job!

voodoocat · Dec 6, 2003

Excellent!

I've wanted to learn to make violins for a couple years now. I don't have the space or tools. My plan was to first varnish a white violin, second assemble and varnish a violin and then eventually start one from scratch. I wish I was fortunate enough to know a luthier that would teach me. You lucky bastard

Tyjax · Dec 8, 2003

The skills involved in making a world class instrument are just mind boggling. Not to mention the time involved. I used to pick up instruments with a fair amount of brash confidence. Now I cradle them like precious children I fear dropping. Watching a master labour over a repair in a 1800's french peice you would think they were children.

terri · Dec 9, 2003

Wow, this is indeed a very nicely composed image! A big thumbs-up on this one. And I would have to agree you're lucky just to have access to this place where you can capture images like these.... I'd want to start setting up various compositions: a single instrument, 2-3 artfully arranged, etc., with dramatic lighting for all of it. And a portrait of your father in law at work..... so many possibilities here!!!!

Well, there's my wish list/assignment for ya. :wink:

Git crackin!

voodoocat · Dec 9, 2003

Tyjax said:
The skills involved in making a world class instrument are just mind boggling. Not to mention the time involved. I used to pick up instruments with a fair amount of brash confidence. Now I cradle them like precious children I fear dropping. Watching a master labour over a repair in a 1800's french peice you would think they were children.

I've played on instruments from $200 cheapos to a million dollar guarnie del gesu so i'm no stranger to handling such an expensive block of wood. A couple times in highschool when I would perform a concerto my private teacher let me play on his Gagliano that was recently refurbished in NYC. Before he had it done it was only worth about $65k now worth well over $100k.

What I find mind boggling is that if you stripped the varnish from a Stradivarius it would be worth 1/10th its value.

Sharkbait · Dec 9, 2003

I'm a musical idiot. Photography I know though! That is a gorgeous work.

Tyjax · Dec 9, 2003

Thanks all for the kudos. Much needed this day!

Voodoo- He won't let me touch the Del Gesu! ;-P Not that I would have the temerity. The idea gives me the creeping willies. Course it's not his. On consignment I think. Its like fort knox to get to the thing. He has sold two strad's. If I remember correctly. I come from a huge line of string players. I was too freaking lazy as a kid to finish lessons and now I regret it all the time. If I could go back in time I would beat my young self senseless.

voodoocat · Dec 9, 2003

All those expensive instruments! See and I'd be happy with a $35k Peresson... heck I'd take a modern instrument made by a good luthier for under 10k. There are some very fine makers in North America. Especially with that fine wood up north.

Well when I visit my friends in Columbus I might have to drive out to Cinci for a day if I could get a tour

Tyjax · Dec 10, 2003

Its acctually in Canton/Hartville area. Closer than Cinci. I think . We just purchased a house in Akron. ( Do I look frazzled? I am, I am trust me.) He moves lots of instruments. He does a lot of commission purchasing. i.e. someone says I want a Del Gesu. I think thats what the current Del Gesu may be because its due to leave soon and he hasnt had it but a few days.
Master Stearns instruments sell for around the average 5-10k depending. He has some fairly heavy endorsement from some artists. I personally think his violins tone is very remeniscent of the Cremona school of the later years. But then again with a more mellow tone. Ofcourse give them 100 years we will see. Its my goal to make an entire instrument. Right now I am confined to bridges, fingerboard nuts, Pegs and sanding.

heh heh. Gotta start at the bottom in a traditional shop.

Try www.stearnsviolins.com