Tracing it back

Surely I must have made more scroll templates in the past 20 years then the classical Cremonese makers combined in their 200 year history ... at least it feels like it and I have decided to change something!

Kevin Kelly scroll design method (no 0; 3/8) drawn by my assistant Ben De Wulf

The difference in the measurements amongst the Strad scrolls is small and random enough that, in my view they can be traced back to two templates. Following the Kevin Kelly design method, I have now created my own template, which is a neat geometrical drawing astonishingly similar to the strad scrolls I like most.

Madder Lake

For quite a few years I have been using madder lake as the main colouring agent in my varnish. When mixed with varnish, it is blood red, very transparent but gives the light the right amout of resistance to be able to glow.

To extract it from the roots is a lengthly process and there are quite a few fine pigment suppliers and violin vanish makers selling their own stuff.  I have used most of it. Only now, with the help of my new assistant Ben De Wulf, I have my very own pigment and can't wait using it on my next violin!

It is only one example, of how Ben contributes to my violins adding quality - welcome, Ben!

Stradivari - you are my inspiration and my despair!

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This was the first, but not the last attempt ...

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... this time it took us four pieces of wood to get it near enough to the original