MIMF

Thanks Alan, I'll give that a try. I've tried white, silver,gold, yellow, red and blue pencils and they don't work very well.

I have not been to this forum in quite a while but I bet someone here can answer my question. Is there some type of pencil or pen that can be used to make precise layout line on dark woods like rosewood or bubinga? I use .5mm pencil on lighter colored woods but my old eyes are have a heck of a time ...

You must be right...I don't recall ever hearing or seeing anyone using camphor as they main tonewood.
Thanks for the input.

I don't come here much any more but I thought that the guitar makers here would probably know something about this wood. I was wondering if any of you have ever tried using Camphor Burl as the tonewood for your back and sides? I have read a few things that says it is used for musical instruments... ...

Craig, I use gouges, files and scrapers to carve my scrolls. I use a chainsaw file to start the back side of the scroll at the top. Really exotic huh??? 5 strings are just about all I make because that is what all of my orders are for.

Walnut carves nicely, it's the Bubinga that's a bear!

I appreciate the positive responses. There are no good reason not to use some of the other fine tone woods we have to choose from today...other than tradition. Progress is seldom made by following tradition.

Thanks Douglas!
That's a good question...I would like to see your process shots.

I know...my web hosting company is working on it. Google is the only search engine that does it. you can go to dudleyviolins.com and it works???? There is no malware there. It has something to do with with some of the code that the web builder used when they built the site. Thanks for the heads up t...

Thanks for the kind words. It is my standard 5 string design. Based on the "Cannone" and expanded from 14" to about 14.5". Everything has to be scaled up proportionally. Standard scale and stop lengths. 25mm wide at the nut, 5mm between strings and a standard DeSpiau 3 tree violi...

I really wish there were more "bowed" instrument post on this site. Here is one that will soon go to it's new home.

Check out orepheon.org you will see carved heads on violins viols and viol de gambas. as well as 5 string violins and many other interesting things from the period.

Very nice design!!! I love "out of the box" thinking. Be glad to hear how it sounds.

This particular piece is a piece of "crotch" walnut that happens to have flame as well.

I have to agree with Mario...I believe that 1.they certainly had the skill to bend the ribs and 2. this was done after gluing. Probably and effort to blend the curve for any number of reasons. I have thinned ribs to .9mm with great results but as they get thinner you have to be very careful how much...

Wow, beautiful and very creative!!!

Here are a couple of shots of the front. you will notice the wire from the bridge. I like to shoot the front with out the jack for the pick-up but I can't remove the wire except through Photoshop.

hey Jim, yeah that 's Oregon Black Walnut. I have made about 5 out of walnut and they really sound great. Bobby Hicks has one of my walnut 5 strings.

Done...everything seems to be working fine.

this is my first post here at the new site. Here is a photo of one of the latest 5 string violins that I have made.