VIOLONE IN G AFTER ERNST BUSCH, NUREMBERG, 1642

Just finished.

This has been a very enjoyable project, a commission from prominent Melbourne musician, Ruth Wilkinson for a violone in G. having done a considerable part of my training in Nuremberg, the Ernst Busch violone was an obvious choice as a model. The Germanisches Nationalmuseum has a most remarkable instrument by Busch, virtually unaltered, from 1642. The lovely timber is also from the Nuremberg area, from my long-time timber suppliers, Andreas Gleissner & Son, of Bubenreuth.

I have followed both the model and the construction methods quite closely, as can be seen in the photos. It is constructed without a mould, using the back and the corner and tail blocks as points of reference. The neck and neck block are carved as a single piece and the assembly process uses supports and small forms to keep the shape close to regular. The back and side linings are of linen and the belly is also reinforced inside with strips of parchment glued with hide glue. This includes a prophelactic soundpost patch to protect that area of the belly.

The original instrument is also generously decorated with geometric purfling knots on the belly, as was typical of many makers of the period and I am copying these designs.

Work was completed in late July and the violone is now playing. Here are thre finished photos:

Here are some photos of the building process:

The back, bent and strutted with blocks and neck in place for asembly of the sides.

Scroll and neck details

Back and sides assembly

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The body in one piece.

Carving the belly

Parchment stiffening fitted to the belly – linen is used to protect the bassbar ends.

Linen lining of the body

A completed purfling knot