Violin Making: Step by Step, 2nd Edition

by Henry A. Strobel

A complete, traditional method. Includes brief descriptions of alternate methods. Photo-illustrated, from sharpening tools to varnishing and adjustment. Includes full size drawings for making a Stradivari model violin. Illustrated with 115 photographs of the model violin (Leandro Bisiach), and of the demonstration violin as it was made, step by step, by Henry Strobel. For the beginning or advanced maker or the interested violinist. The Strobel books for violin makers are professional, concise, and convenient, reflecting traditional, conservative, and artistic work. Some forty thousand sold, they are used internationally by student, amateur and professional makers in shops and schools, and referred to by manufacturers, sellers, users, and lovers of bowed instruments. High quality 8.5 by 11 in. paperbacks made to lie flat and last on your workbench.

Paperback

First published November 1, 1994

Reviews

[Hellkitten · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would not recommend this book for a beginner trying to make a violin. It is totally not straight forward, as he spans the information necessary to make a violin over 4 or 5 books. Obviously, this is his marketing strategy to sell more books. And even if you do purchase all 5 books, you are still in a poor position because the stream of conversation is not linear, and also his writing approach is not very clear. Also, his measurements for actual violin dimensions are incorrect and inconsistent (consistently) which is very frustrating if you actually did go ahead and made a mould from his descriptions.

With that being said, there are some pieces of information in this book that are valuable. But, in my opinion, you'd be better off with another book if you are beginning to make violins. Try The Art of Violin Making, Johnson.