Violin-Making: A Historical and Practical Guide

by Edward Heron-Allen

This classic guide offers an accessible initiation into the mysteries of violin-making. Charming in its style and cultivated in its research, it covers every detail of the process, from wood selection to varnish. A fascinating history of the instrument precedes discussions of materials and construction techniques. More than 200 diagrams, engravings, and photographs complement the text.
Author Edward Heron-Allen served an apprenticeship with Georges Chanot, a preeminent nineteenth-century violin maker. The knowledge, skill, and experience Heron-Allen acquired in the master's shop are reflected in this book, which was the first to combine the history, theory, and practice of violin-making. Originally published in 1884 as Violin-Making, As It Was and Being a Historical, Theoretical and Practical Treatise on the Science and Art of Violin-Making for the Use of Violin Makers and Players, Amateur and Professional, this volume has enlightened and informed generations of performers and players alike.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1885

About the author

1861-1943

Reviews

[Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's taken me a while to read through all this information on Violin Making, and some of it went over my head, but it gives me even more respect for luthiers. I particularly liked the fold out plans of violins, and their accessories. I think this was one of my father's books that he collected when he was doing repair work on the fiddles my mother used for pupils in schools.
I'm sure some of the information has been succeeded by modern technology, but traditional methods are central to instrument making, and the volume revealed some interesting information on the reasons for the shape of the scroll, the positioning of the bass bar and corner blocks etc.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good historical introduction to Violin Making which was originally published in the 19th century. I've read some modern publications (articles and booklets, mostly), which seem more practical for today's maker. However, I would say that this book is core literature on violin making.

The book covers the history of the violin and it has good descriptions of the parts and processes of violin making. I owned three copies of the book; one I gave away and one of them is from the London publisher, with full-size foldouts, and is in hardcover (this hardcover edition is called, "Violin Making as it Is and Was"). The softcover edition (shown in the cover picture) has the diagrams in the back of the book that are drawn to a smaller scale and can be enlarged.

The line drawings are good, and the prose is often eloquent and fun to read.

As with any trade, there is no substitute for a good mentor or master who can teach the art first-hand. However, this book is a good compliment to hands-on learning for any apprentice or serious hobbyist.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author was not a good violin maker. He only "made" two violins.
He largely reports his teacher's material.
Pretty arrogant and opinionated for a raw beginner.