Making a Violin/Fiddle for Tally Ho: Part 2

[@JDanielGraham]

Hey everyone. I know the audio on the first four installments of this project somehow posted loud. If I could adjust the volume post upload, or if I could replace it with a new version with lower volume I would (I do not think it is possible but if someone out here knows how please do tell). The volume is changed in the last few installments. So for now... sorry for the audio inconvenience, just turn it down a couple of notches during the music, thanks.

[@randomuser778]

I don't mind the volume level, but I wish you'd blow your nose so I don't have to listen to you constantly sniffling.

[@theradioweyr]

I think the volume level was fine, there are much worse transitions on YT videos from music to narration. I did not have to adjust.

[@bethcollier3789]

Oh boy, this particular journey of the making of the Tally Ho violin is fun and a pleasure to watch. Still got all your fingers, plus one.

[@MrPossumeyes]

Thanks for the banjo, man. Nice watching your hands work, too.

[@ianwit]

'There's no wrong way as long as you have your fingers' thanks for your superb work, happy to know I've been doing it right for 55 years now.🙂

[@JDanielGraham]

I get fussed at a lot for how I do things "wrong" but I try to never listen to those folks.

[@simonmoody2649]

One day a special crew member will meet this special fiddle , the fire burns ,the whiskey flows and the singing begins .

[@JDanielGraham]

Exactly!!

[@michaelmclaren7373]

New subscriber coming over from Leo’s channel. I’m a designer (by profession and training), woodworker and small-boat builder. Love watching passion projects of fellow artists. Suggestion: instead of others’ music, how about using your own banjo playing? It would square the whole composition rather nicely❤.

[@JDanielGraham]

I appreciate you watching and appreciate the feedback. I have done a few series on banjo making and other videos all that use me playing banjo. So I thought I would change it up a bit. I had quite a few people love and hate the music. In the wrap up I play some more old time banjo for those that wanted it.

[@Alltakenbla]

Thanks to Tally Ho for bringing out the other awesome craftsman. There is nothing quite as satisfying as working with wood. 2nd best is watching soul, passion, and the sharing that goes with such a humble process.

[@JDanielGraham]

Tally Ho reaches far and wide! Thanks for watching.

[@flossey100]

Exciting💖💖💖🇦🇺👋

[@aaron.silveira]

It’s very difficult to focus with that music, but this process is very interesting. Always nice to see what Talley ho inspires in the world. If you make another series, I’d suggest putting your own banjo as the soundtrack. Much more fitting in my opinion

[@idontthinkso666]

Yes, please, ditch the weird music. Let us focus on the work.

[@kevinz8867]

agreed :D Also, need some allergy medicine. or local honey on the daily. @@idontthinkso666

[@theturtledave]

You're from Georgia. I live in Ellijay on the Coosawattee River, which is what the (true story) book Deliverance was based on, when they dammed it many years ago to make Carter's Lake and dam. "I hear banjos", and I think it would be cool if you made a tribute banjo for the area/ book/ movie/ lore. Cool channel, I appreciate what you're doing.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much. That is a very cool part of the country. It would be a very interesting build if someone wanted one made I would gladly make it!

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

Pretty dang cool. And a musician. You're a very talented artist. Part three next!

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks man I appreciate it.

[@peterkyhn4691]

And he plays the banjo! Awesome

[@JDanielGraham]

I make them too! Banjos are just too fun!

[@TWROC96]

Go Dawgs!

[@watchful1168]

This is the wonderful idea! Well done!

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much!

[@locomonkey11]

Love the Tally Ho project, also love that your a fellow Dawg!!

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks! Yeah Tally Ho is such a great project. UGA is pretty great too.

[@zoltanguitar]

Go Tally Ho! Appreciate your skill. Some time I would really like to see your sharpening process. I really appreciate your balance of traditional and current tool approach. Thanks so much for the ditty at the end.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks! I appreciate it. Yeah I can do a sharpening process video... You have to take a banjo break every now and then!

[@koningkryksuiwerbloed6070]

Very nice

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much!

[@chrisgriffith1573]

Really amazing work. Love seeing how you put this project together and bringing it to life!

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much. I appreciate it.

[@peterderycke5766]

Your banjo-music works like a mantra peace maker...

[@JDanielGraham]

Exactly. That is one of the reason I got into playing the banjo.

[@kbbacon]

Another fine video!

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much!

[@poozizzle]

I always was the soles of my planes, makes the process so much easier. Loving the angle grinder!

[@JDanielGraham]

Everyone just have to find what works best for their process.

[@dlb603]

Excellent. Thanks for posting this.

[@JDanielGraham]

You are welcome. Hope you enjoy it.

[@normanboyes4983]

Loving this.😀👍

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much!

[@bakingjunction1958]

Daniel Love your work and support for the Tally Ho. Was wondering why you lay you wood planes rest on the tongue. Was always reprimanded by my wood shop teacher to never set a plane on the tongue but to lay it on its side. Never knew why he was so adamant about it but there must be some good reason. Keep up the good work.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much! I know some are sticklers for that. The maple bench is not going to damage the iron. I keep them sharp and store them on the sole. Now I do have a heel lift in my cabinet for the ones that slide in. But I never see people store them in cabinets on their sides. So why not hold them on the bench that way? I have had people fuss at me for how I keep my saws in a traditional saw till and how I use certain tools. It is always interesting to see what people bring to the craft. I also get yelled at for using "the wrong woods" in some things I make, haha. I always love trying new things.

[@bakingjunction1958]

thanks for the explanation. I appreciate your perspective, it makes since to me. I saw all of the videos on the fiddle and you did a wonderful job. Maybe Leo will have someone play it in the not so distant future as he sails off into the sunset to new adventures on the high seas. Keep on working your magic with your craft you are blessed to be able to be a part of opening the door of others to bless others with their music.

[@AntonNitzsche]

I've followed Leo since almost the beginning of rebuilding Tally Ho but haven't seen your videos before - interesting to see skilled woodwork in a slightly smaller scale for a change 😂 I'd also like to contradict those who complain about your choice of music, both as I think it compliments the content of the video rather well, but primarily because music selected as a reflection of the creator's more personal taste rather than generic already-heard-to-boredom music adds another dimension to the content (Leo is btw an excellent example of that). As long as it doesn't play significantly loader than the speaker voice so one needs to adjust volume all the time which should be punishable, or is completely out of character with the tempo and subject of the video which interrupts/disturbs the viewing experience. So many words to just say "keep going" 😏

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much! that means a lot. I really appreciate it. Yeah boat makers and fiddle makers have a lot in common oddly enough. And on we go.

[@richardkelleher1711]

I now want to try and make a "fiddle". I've thought about making instruments for a long time, but now, having watched these videos, I am convinced I can actually make a violin. Surely not a "good" violin but one I made with my hands and tools. Thanks very much for giving me incentive. I will be back to watch this series 10 or 20 more times. Many thanks.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thats awesome! And if you are ever interested I offer apprenticeships even at a distance, for making fiddles or banjos.

[@amateurshooter6054]

Thanks

[@davejive1]

What will be needed for this violin will be a sea shanty jig with words to be composed suitable to the Tally Ho story and for it to be the first thing played on this violin. So we need to find a composer and a player and for the first performance of the shanty to be done on the deck of Tally Ho and videotaped with the crew dancing around

[@JDanielGraham]

I am so in on that! That would be amazing!! if you know anyone in their area we should make that happen.

[@dasophie1]

I’m no way near you guys but that idea is superb! Truly hope you can find a way to make this happen!!

[@HarrietHäggblom]

You need to contact sailing magic carpet for her to play. She is fantastic!

[@JDanielGraham]

ok i will try and find a contact for her!

[@peterarmstrong8613]

You could varnish the violin with ‘boat soup’😊

[@JDanielGraham]

haha!! that would be great.

[@GaryMCurran]

I have enjoyed watching Leo rebuilding Tally Ho. None of this has been mentioned on his channel, so when I saw 'Tally Ho' and then making a violin/fiddle for her, I wondered what nautical device had the same title as a musical instrument. There are, of course, a couple of other channels who are doing the capstan for the anchor chain. I didn't expect a real violin, but I'm glad there will be one on board Tally Ho. Thank you for adding to her. Let me go watch Parts 3 and 4, and I'll tell you what I think, but I'm sure it's going to be wonderful.

[@JDanielGraham]

Im glad you found it and I hope you enjoy!

[@GaryMCurran]

@@JDanielGraham I have been enjoying. Such artisanship and craftsmanship. I'm looking forward to seeing how you do it. I especially will be interested in the varnishing parts of it, and if that contributes to the quality of the sound. Plus, I want to see if, and how, you varnish the interior and if you do it before or afterwards.

[@osronaldramosvilleda]

Amazing work....!!!! Nice to see those tiny tools.... Thanks for sharing...!!!

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks! Tiny tools are just TOO cute.

[@hmsjr0154]

This a learning experience. I’ve never built anything like this. My grandfather made his own violin when he was 15 years ago. I have it now in a shadow cabinet mounted on the wall with paps music he use to play. Thank you

[@JDanielGraham]

How cool! Thats great. Anything made from family has a special place in my heart. My mom was a basket maker and I have some of those treasures around my home.

[@dave_in_florida]

Great video and thank you so very much for showing us your talents. It’s nice to see a woodworker at another dimension creating a piece of art. Leo will be so happy to have this with him on his journeys. I am interested to see if he’ll ever take up playing the banjo as it were. By the way, I really enjoy your choice of music in the background. It speaks a lot to the soul of your project and it fits well with your demeanor. Good luck with this project and your teaching as well, I’m sure you’re an excellent teacher.😊

[@JDanielGraham]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I really appreciate it.

[@TR4zest]

Found this because of Tally Ho. Great work, well explained.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much. It's a fine balance of sharing everything and breezing over everything. haha

[@barimedic]

dude I would so take your class, whatever you teach!

[@JDanielGraham]

haha thanks! I do have online classes if you ever want to learn some banjo making or something else.

[@Andy-rp3ee]

Loving this. My son has decided he wants to learn how to fiddle. Really cool showing him this stuff :)

[@JDanielGraham]

Im so glad you can share it with him!

[@terminalpsychosis8022]

Killer to see the process, and how important it is to make the pieces with proper thickness, progressively thin... for best sound. Banjos are a little more simple to make sound great. As demonstrated.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks for taking the time to watch. They sure are fun to make and fiddly. Banjos are the wild wild west of instruments to me haha. No real rules there. It's a great place to experiment and play.

[@realitycheck908]

awesome craft

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks

[@stanmoderate4460]

Loved the banjo piece, my favourite instrument!

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks! its one of mine too! I love making them. You might enjoy the tea kettle build videos.

[@GeoffreyHuber]

Tally Ho subscriber here. Great content!

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much!

[@gogotrololo]

Man I'd laugh if it wasn't so unexpected to find another violin making banjo player out there! lol i like your mountain banjo, thats actually my current project while i try and find some decently priced lumber for my next violin

[@JDanielGraham]

OH how fun! Mountain banjos are fun to make, but honestly aren't they all fun to make!

[@gogotrololo]

@@JDanielGraham it's true! I've enjoyed every instrument build I've done :) violin, ukulele, flutes of different types, tagelharpa, and now banjo haha

[@JDanielGraham]

be careful, banjos are the most addictive... @@gogotrololo

[@jimrobcoyle]

Hail the algorithm! #Tallyho

[@JDanielGraham]

I'll tag them. haha.

[@johnskedgell405]

Go Dawgs!

[@JDanielGraham]

haha! indeed

[@TheDanielsherer]

Not sure if you've already addressed this, but I've been wondering about what, if anything, you're doing differently for THIS fiddle than others? Specifically, THIS fiddle is (I believe) intended to be a sea-going fiddle. Exposed to salt air, occasionally salt-water and temperature and humidity swings as Leo travels the globe from the Panama canal to damp, cold England weather. Does that matter at all for such a lovingly crafted wooden instrument?

[@JDanielGraham]

I have kind of prepped for that in the finish work. And it will be easily touched up if need be. I also sealed the inside in an interesting way you will see coming up.

[@theartist4252]

Athens, Georgia? That's where I live. Did you know Art Rosenbaum? He was an art professor and musician. Played a great banjo!

[@JDanielGraham]

Yes Athens! What a great town. Yeah I knew Art, I had him for a painting material and methods class while I was in Grad School there. He was a super nice guy and he did play a great banjo. I miss Athens often. The food alone...so good.

[@theartist4252]

What a small world. I too had the methods and materials class! one of the better classes at UGA. Funny that you are in KY. I actually grew up and went to school in Mayfield and Paducah.@@JDanielGraham

[@philleasthouse3791]

Some amazing work. Looking good.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much I appreciate it!

[@lazyplumber1616]

This is an awesome project! Does the oil from your hands cause any issue with glue up?

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks! No it doesn't. I also usually get a thin layer of hide glue across everything and it seals everything across my hands haha!

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

👍👌👏

[@peterarmstrong8613]

Is there any use for teak, oak, locust, purple heart, etc in this violin? Lovely work you are doing there. Thank you.

[@JDanielGraham]

I offered that to Leo but he wanted something more traditional so I honored that.

[@solowinterwolf]

I too cut the button off . . .

[@JDanielGraham]

I did like 3 in a row haha

[@chefmichaelt]

❤❤❤

[@benbauhaus1743]

Interesting project, Daniel! Like to see and hear the fiddle played onboard a lot! Surprising few considerations yet during the making process regarding the sound feature of the later instrument. Does that mean: first comes "the chamber box" with its shape but any sound features are influenced by the varnish ?

[@JDanielGraham]

I would love to see it played onboard too! The sound quality and character come from a collection of decisions/details. So the wood selection, the geometry of the chamber, the thickness and graduated thickness of the top and back, the string selection, the bridge material and shape. All of it adds up to change the sound. The type finish does affect it a little maybe but not much. I have varnished, french polished, oil and waxed, and lacquered violins and it is minor change verses the other choices. Thanks for the question!

[@mr.e7022]

Great work. Ihave a question. Why didn't you use a bandsaw to resaw the top to the near finish thickness?

[@JDanielGraham]

Two reasons.1. My large bandsaw it setup for rough work primarily. 2. the left over would not really be enough to do much with after the loss from the blade waste. Also I just love using hand planes so it is a joy to do it this way.

[@101egals]

Can I ask a question? Why did you not cut the back into thinner pieces?

[@JDanielGraham]

Great question! yeah the top and back were about 1/8in thicker than needed so If I resawed the wood I wouldn't have anything to use after it came off the bandsaw. I think that is what you are asking. IF that isn't what you mean let me know.

[@BeeSting862]

Waiting for the Federals?

[@brucknerian9664]

Would have preferred without the background music but your banjo playing made up for it; super.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks. The music was something new to try and as I learned not for everyone...

[@Nerales_]

What were you playing on the banjo? I like the background music too!

[@JDanielGraham]

Great Thanks. It is a song called Candy Girl.

[@paulshouse524]

You're not doing any bookmatching?

[@JDanielGraham]

No. not on this one. The slab pieces are big enough. If they were not as wide I would have book matched them for sure.

[@iancarr7629]

Surprised Leo has endorsed this. This guy is not a luthier.

[@JDanielGraham]

Interesting. Also I never claimed to be a luthier. I am a Professional Artist and College Professor that makes instruments.

[@nickyork8901]

You are not the only one who has cut the button off once, but doing it twice....well that must have been pretty annoying!! I always write a big NO on the button, don't ask me how I learned that.

[@JDanielGraham]

haha I have good idea of how you learned that.

[@robertfrakes5216]

The music is too loud. Love to watch you work, but like the previous message, hard to follow the work.

[@JDanielGraham]

Yeah I wish I could fix it. For some reason the volumes were reset in the first four i uploaded. (see the pinned the comment) But if you know ANY way to fix it without deleting the video I would love to know. Sorry about that.

[@zeekwolfe6251]

In what way does nonsensical singing help us watch and watch and watch a piece of spruce being planed?

[@brownhues]

Love these videos, but the music is really really not my jam. The lyrics are terrible.

[@Rog_Ramjet]

Well watch without sound😂

[@thecapturban]

Exactly... blame the music industry and their money grubbin antics for the total lack of genuine good music in videos.. not the content creators fault

[@photogphred792]

Please, please stop with the music! It's so annoying.

[@JDanielGraham]

I understand that. I usually just play banjo over background but tried something different. The last couple have been adjusted.

[@brianhenry3297]

such bad music???????? Nice work though.

[@JDanielGraham]

Haha. Thanks for that. I like his voice, it's just interesting and he is a nice guy.

[@nickyork8901]

I think the music is top notch.

[@JDanielGraham]

I agree, and Andrew is a super nice guy @@nickyork8901

[@rogeraak7281]

Greate work. Terrible music

[@daveayerstdavies]

I don't think the music is terrible but it IS intrusive and distracting. Generally, instrumental music is better to accompany the 'montage' segments.

[@benseverson6731]

@@daveayerstdavies It's not horrible *music*, but the lyrics are word word rhyme word word rhyme word word rhyme without fail every sixth syllable rhymes. Again, not bad technically but space it out, Andrew, play with phrasing. Let it be lyrical. Maybe write a song that doesn't even rhyme, we won't care!

[@42pyroboy]

the music is way too loud, and it sucks. Good info though

[@goph999]

still terrible music

[@AntonNitzsche]

I've followed Leo since almost the beginning of rebuilding Tally Ho but haven't seen your videos before - interesting to see skilled woodwork in a slightly smaller scale for a change 😂 I'd also like to contradict those who complain about your choice of music, both as I think it compliments the content of the video rather well, but primarily because music selected as a reflection of the creator's more personal taste rather than generic already-heard-to-boredom music adds another dimension to the content (Leo is btw an excellent example of that). As long as it doesn't play significantly loader than the speaker voice so one needs to adjust volume all the time which should be punishable, or is completely out of character with the tempo and subject of the video which interrupts/disturbs the viewing experience. So many words to just say "keep going" 😏

[@forton615]

Personally I'm not a fan of christian banjo music and I don't have the feeling it's there because of the musical quality. Something I don't have with the Tally Ho videos. And it IS pretty loud. But it's his video and so does whatever he wants. He certainly doesn't "hide his love". 🙄