Making a Violin/Fiddle for Tally Ho: Part 3

[@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.

[@piperpa4272]

One thing i really have enjoyed about the Tally Ho project is all the various great makers and craftsmen I've been introduced to through this project, such as you and your channel.

[@JDanielGraham]

I agree! It has been so fun to meet all the people drawn to that project. Thanks so much for taking a look at what I do.

[@theradioweyr]

This violin is just more gold plate!

[@MrPossumeyes]

It's so nice watching a craftsman using his hands.

[@JDanielGraham]

So glad you enjoy watching! Thanks

[@wornoutwrench8128]

I have been subscribed to Leo for years. I am completely blown away by the incredible workmanship on Tally Ho, and now there are a bunch of others making things for Leo. I love it. Subscribed. Now will go watch some more.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate that. Yeah that project has reached and drawn in so many! Myself included.

[@douglasweekley6245]

Love the craftsmanship and enjoy the video but the music is something else

[@JDanielGraham]

His name is Andrew Montana and he is a recent acquaintance of mine. His stuff is just great! He just got off his first tour. I am going to have him come by the shop and play a little soon. I'll see if he will let me post some video of his visit.

[@douglasweekley6245]

@@JDanielGraham that was me being polite

[@douglasweekley6245]

@@JDanielGraham maybe don't turn the volume on the music so high.

[@rustyreckman2892]

Light tables shots are really interesting. Great tool

[@JDanielGraham]

It's so interesting. It is a helpful tool for me.

[@GregorShapiro]

Dial gauges and light tables in all glory but the way I did it as a luthier apprentice was to listen to the wood as I scraped or rubbed the cover or back. It is after all a music instrument!

[@JDanielGraham]

I have known a few to do the same. It is so interesting to hear each species and how they react differently. I dont often make them with spruce tops. I like more alternative woods, they sound good as tops but the rubbing doesnt resonate the same in sycamore and soft maple.

[@geraldkramer3633]

It’s fun to watch someone who really knows what he’s doing… your craftsmanship is amazing. Cheers from Canada

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much! I appreciate it. I have quite a few friends in Canada, some great craft history up in your parts.

[@thomaswill37]

the light table trick is super cool

[@JDanielGraham]

It's a helpful tool for sure.

[@CMRWoodworks]

The lightbox method is cool. Enjoying the series!

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks! Yeah it is a cool tool to use.

[@jonviol]

And completely pointless and wrong .

[@CMRWoodworks]

@@jonviol What method do you use to check the joint?

[@jonviol]

I don't except whilst planing up the edges. I have an old 'Foden' 14" plane with a reverse grind on the double thickness blade (from Ray Isles) - tuned to perfection and only used on edges. Hide glue ,hot ,with no clamps ,warming the edges first with a blowlamp then rubbing and allowing the magic of nature to pull them together . That's how the old boys did it 300 years ago . @@CMRWoodworks

[@RoyBlumenthal]

Do you ever get tired of hearing, "Wow! Your work is next level!!!"?

[@JDanielGraham]

haha. It is nice to hear. I tell my wife she is the most beautiful woman ever made, I tell her at least once a day. I will till she tells me to stop, which hasn't happened in 19 years. It's nice to feel appreciated.

[@andthen0170]

I’m glad Leo’s Project brought me here. Subscribed. This us an insane amount of work. I didn’t realise how little I knew about violins, and am glad that is changing

[@JDanielGraham]

They are so unassuming it is crazy what goes into them! Thanks for watching.

[@zincfive]

I supported the Pink Fireman's cause, and was thanked with a small off-cut from the tally ho wood. I was thrilled with that, but I couldn't make a fiddle out of it. Thanks for showing how that's possible!

[@JDanielGraham]

How awesome! Very cool! I dont think anything needs to be made of a piece of wood to have it be special and beautiful. I have some super old pieces of wood that I never have done anything with because I know I couldn't make them better than they are in raw form.

[@loloaqici82qb4ipp]

I think you're on the right track. What I mean by this is that for those of us joining you from Leo's channel we are seeing an introduction into the luthier's art. It is certainly not boring and the pace of progress is good: we won't get bored. Sure, this leaves some wishing to know more detail but this could come in later videos for those who stick around or are sufficiently interested to watch out for your other and maybe future projects. You're doing fine.

[@JDanielGraham]

Well I really appreciate that. Thank you for the feedback. I know I have posted a couple of banjo builds that give full detail into what I am doing. I try and strike a balance between showing every single step vs a broad brush overview.

[@tommooe4524]

I agree, like how the micro router cuts the groove and the tool and guide that finishes it would be a good start

[@JDanielGraham]

It's funny how often I forget we can mix processes. It doesn't have to be one way or another it can be a combination. @@tommooe4524

[@richardnorthover8995]

Hi Daniel, I came to your channel as a sailor and navigator and frommyself watching Leo's transformation of Tally Ho since the very beginning. Like him your craftsmanship speaks for itself and to boot you provide an easy an engaging educational narative. Thank you for your videos and content they have equally inspired and delighted. The community of craftsmen and women linked to the Tally Ho Project is superb. A new suscriber to your channel, Richard from Westward Ho, Devon UK

[@JDanielGraham]

That's awesome! Thank you for the kind words. Thanks for following along.

[@johnanderson8096]

Well said Richard!!!!!

[@lazyplumber1616]

When you started to twist that piece I came out of my chair...I will trust the process!

[@jonviol]

Why ? Its nonsense.

[@JDanielGraham]

It is just to show how flexible the plates are and how they are different from each other. It is not something that is done to test anything but I think it is just interesting to share.

[@stimpsonjcat67]

The light board is bloody brilliant!

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

I must say that the back piece of timber has beautiful grain lines and will look fantastic when sealed. You are one fantastic master craftsman. I am sure Leo will cherish this very much.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. I hope he does

[@bensteel3944]

I am guessing that modern-day violins are CNC machined or they would never make a profit as opposed to a hand-crafted piece that you have made. I have really enjoyed watching the process of how a violin is made by a true craftsman.

[@JDanielGraham]

oddly not really. They are often still carved by hand but they are done overseas in a place where craftspeople are working in factories. But some people even 3d print them for kids so it all ranges in process. There are still a number of high end makers that make a living doing it, which I think is awesome. I know I could never afford one that I made, haha and I'm not in that bracket.

[@fransdriesen1311]

What Leo does with Tally Ho, you do with the violins..Nothing but love and craftsmanship..

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much I appreciate that!

[@Paul_C]

Why not combine a violin player and a sailing vessel and watch sailing Magic Carpet? 😂❤

[@Aethelgeat]

I see parallels between building a violin and building a sailing vessel, with one major difference in scale. Both are using different types of wood, each with it's own characteristics - and no two pieces of the same wood are exactly the same. They are assembled into a a shape that needs to be light, flexible in some places and strong in others, and manage the woods interaction and reaction to the environment. If someone managed to gather Daniel, Leo, Maya and Aladino (Sailing Magic Carpet) all into one place, I would just sit back, listen, and enjoy.

[@rickwilkins3055]

The 3 videos that I have just watched are as interesting as Leo's boat build. I am rapt. Well done that man !!!!!!!

[@JDanielGraham]

Aww thanks so much that means a lot!

[@mndlessdrwer]

Scraping to a final finish is a really difficult and wholly under-practiced art, which is a shame because it makes the grain and figuring pop in a way that sanding simply cannot. I think the wildest modification I've ever seen to a very conventional violin design was when they reshaped the area around the f-holes to allow them to sculpt the little winglets so that the top one rose slightly above the surface of the violin's top and the bottom one sank slightly below. It made for a very sculptural effect that looked just so sophisticated and elegant. I love seeing people really discussing the reason why certain woods are chosen for wood-bodied instruments and where you can make changes and what impact choosing a non-traditional wood could have on the sound of the instrument. There's a youtuber who makes fiddles out of various woods and some are definitely more successful than others, but each has its own unique and characteristic sound. People fail to recognize that the only reason there's a tradition behind choosing spruce and maple for the Violin body is because the luthiers were looking for a very specific sound and that is what they could readily get that gave them that sound. Honestly, you could swap to a slightly more resonant and warmer sounding wood and get close to the sound of a traditional violin with the more accurate gut strings. Modern nylon strings are great from a performance standpoint, because they're more consistent, louder, and far more durable, but they're also brighter and more aggressive compared to gut. I'd love it if more people really explored what different woods did to the sound of these instruments, particularly when you go all-in on tuning the top and back with different bow heights and thicknesses to make something truly special within such a traditional framework.

[@JDanielGraham]

I love seining people experimenting as well. Especially people who are after something unique for authentic reasons and not just attention. People forget that the "master makers" also did a lot of experimentation. It all depends on what you are chasing. So many people today chase after replication of an ideal that has been made. I respect it but far from understand it haha. But I am an artist first and instrument maker second in my approach most times. That f hole alteration sounds super interesting!

[@JeffHanke]

That light table was very cool!

[@JDanielGraham]

It can be a helpful tool.

[@amateurshooter6054]

Thanks

[@TillerQueen]

It's funny, I thought exactly the same that violin fronts and backs were bent around a shape and were the same thickness but when you imagine how that wood will resonate it makes so much sense that you'd have this formed wood with a soundboard at the back. It's a really fascinating series of videos and not something I'd have chosen to watch if it wasn't for the connection to Tally Ho but I'm really beguiled by the process. Wonderful and much appreciated.

[@JDanielGraham]

So glad you are enjoying them. Violins are such a weird thing. So many little details that change everything.

[@Proud2bmodest]

Dial indicators and hand scraping as used in precision machining coupled with modern and traditional wood working techniques and then explained very concisely and clearly. Absolutely amazing.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much. I appreciate that. It is a hard balance between sharing too much and too little info.

[@robertneal9732]

I would love to see a "time clock", be it days, hours or minutes, in the corner of the videos. Seeing a relationship to the time it takes to do certain tasks would help us more appreciate the craftsmanship you truly put into every work of art you make.

[@JDanielGraham]

Ok I appreciate that feedback. I often juggle lots of projects so I would have to think about how to best organize and share a time table. Some tasks take 10 min some take days and weeks. But let me think on that.

[@Aethelgeat]

I've been following Leo for years. At the same time, I've always enjoyed watching a luthier work. Had I known there was such a thing when I was younger, I might have pursued it as a vocation. Like Daniel, I originally thought the front and back of violins, violas, and string basses were steamed and moulded. I noticed that as Daniel planed and scraped the front and back, the sound of the blade on wood changed as the wood became more resonate.

[@jonviol]

Yep, but this guy is not a luthier nor ever will be with his approach to everything .

[@darrellshuman7751]

Craftsmanship that matches the Tally Ho project. I for one actually like the music volume.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thank you. Some love it some hate it. I like hearing music vs trying to listen to music but I understand both sides.

[@DM-gq9ev]

JEEZ!!! when you started twisting and bending the front, you freaked me out the same way Leo does every time he fires up the chainsaw near the Tally Ho..... nice work!!

[@JDanielGraham]

haha! It it just to show how flexible things are in the instrument. I had a chainsaw angle grinder attachment kick back into my stomach 3 years ago. Every time I start one to this day I brace myself.

[@DhulstDirk]

It took about 5 minutes to figure out that you are a professor. Really clear, concise presentation in a logical format. You stress those areas that can be approached differently based upon personal preference and you have an absolute mastery of the subject matter. Really makes me wish more professors started KZbin channels. Thank you for the great content and I am glad your creation will be part of Leo's project!

[@JDanielGraham]

Wow thank you so much for your kind words! I am grateful to be apart of the project even if in some small way.

[@weird1600]

great use of a dial indicator! I would say a bit of purple heart might have been nice.

[@JDanielGraham]

I agree. I offered the use of it in a few areas to Leo and he doesn't like the color it settles into and wanted it more traditional. I totally understand that. I offered to make it out of all sorts of woods from the boat but this is what he wanted.

[@stretchedits]

I've been following Leo and his teams endevours since the beginning of the Tally-Ho project. I'm no sailor or anything, but do like to see beautiful craftsmanship. Not sure how KZbin suggested your channel, but I just watch all three of your episodes making this violin. I never knew such workmanship, time and skill went into making one, but I can't wait to see the end result and hear the end result. Leo is a very lucky chap your making the Tally-Ho violin! All the best and great work Dave.

[@JDanielGraham]

thanks so much! I appreciate it. Yeah so much goes into making any instrument really. That is one of the things I love about crafted objects is that every single one has a history and a rabbit hole of process to fall down.

[@rogeroliver6326]

LOVE IT

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much!

[@williamschmiedel6890]

I would like to say I love your videos. The perfect balance of explaination of what you are doing, time lapses, and overviews of the work being done. It is a fine balance to showcase the details of what you are doing, and finding a way not to show the full 200+ hours I would guess it would take to craft a violin, then add in the video factor where it generally take 2-3 times longer to do a task when you record it. I have is I noticed in previous videos you mentioned something in the lines of "it is not wrong as long as you still have all your fingers." That is sound advice I bet Leo wishes he would have heard a few years ago . . . Sorry Leo . . . Thank you for showing us what you love to do!

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks for that I really appreciate it! Oh man that episode where he lost the tip of his finger. Im just glad it wasn't worse. I know I have had some close calls and learned lessons in the past. And yes it is a balancing act trying to share but not show the whole long process, It would not be good to watch.

[@sunny71169]

Love to watch folks like you who understand, live, and articulate the Zen of woodworking. Thank you for showing us how special it is to take a piece of nature's fabulous material and massage it into a piece of art that enriches our brief existence on earth. If only...

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much! I appreciate it!

[@egonkemp3512]

I just have to say that I felt such joy in watching you craft such a bellismo thing as with your refreshing music.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much

[@Josef_R]

16:00 A time lapse (stop motion?) of this light box view would be amazing.

[@JDanielGraham]

That is a nice idea. I will keep that in mind. Thanks

[@watchful1168]

Thank you sooo much for this!!

[@catherinehackett7722]

Love seeing the light through the top! Seems alive and just waiting to vibrate. So incredible to think of an instrument made with offcuts from Tally Ho. You do gorgeous work.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much I really appreciate it!

[@jimlippi4001]

Tuning the wood.

[@Robert-cg2bj]

I'm havin' a bit of trouble believing I'm watching a luthier, BUT I am actually into it and look forward to the next video!

[@JDanielGraham]

Im an artist and professor first, then someone who makes instruments. But I never use the term luthier since it is not my main profession out of respect for those that do use it as their lifes work or main income.

[@johnnyb362]

I was a third of the way through the first video in this series dreading the wait for the next installment when I saw there were already two more waiting for me. I immediately watched both of those and now I’m a subscriber who’s eagerly anticipating installment number four. Perfect complement to Tally Ho and I’ll bet Leo’s going to find musicians all over the world on his adventures to play it and will show every one of them the sister planks around the boat that the various components are made from. He knows that that boat as well as anyone can know a vessel and if he sent you the lumber there’s no doubt in my mind that he knows where every piece came from.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks for watching along. I will post number 4 now. I was going to wait a couple of days, but since you are looking forward to it...might as well. Yeah I think it is going to fun to see his reaction and hear it for the first time.

[@johnnyb362]

@@JDanielGraham I just watched the new episode and appreciate the quick upload. I have a little workshop where I’m glacially slow on every project. Given that, you’d think I’d be more patient watching someone create a masterpiece. Take your time, it’s looking gorgeous and in the meantime I’ll watch you remake a flooring saw.

[@yousontheloose]

Amazing!

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

So interesting. I've watched similar videos before but I really enjoy the process that you describe so well. Leo needs to start taking fiddling lessons. 😂

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks! and I think he might be!

[@KevinHorecka]

When you twisted the nearly finished product I almost had a heart attack lol. Really fun channel! I'm happy I found your content!

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it! Yeah I think it is so interesting to see how flexible the parts are!

[@michaelhockus8208]

fascinating!

[@stephenmorse342]

Light table is very cool!!! Nice method indeed.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks! yeah it comes in real handy for all the subtle transitions!

[@OnkelPeters]

I like the map like lines in the maple - a fitting pattern for Tally Ho :)

[@JDanielGraham]

I know! All i could think of when shaping the back was the look of a chart table.

[@michellerizzoandersen]

This is amazing craftsmanship! I am sending them an amateur drawing I did of Tally Ho and deck of Tally Ho brand playing cards. 🤣 You’ve certainly upstaged me, sir! Well done!

[@JDanielGraham]

Oh that will be super cool! Thanks so much

[@radamus210]

OK, I'm hooked - This is grade A wood porn like has drawn so many to Tally Ho. Seeing things done I'll never attempt, but learning something every darn time. I worked in a cabinet shop out of HS and we did high end custom stuff and I became very acquainted with scraping instead sanding for high end finishes. I was impressed with the light table. I have seen one used before, but for the live of me can't remember it's purpose, or maybe it was some woodworker for something. They weren't making fiddles I know that. I will sit applauding and intrigued in respect of your perseverance to achieve these abilities. If I spent 6 months attempting I'd have a years supply of kindling to show for my efforts.

[@JDanielGraham]

Haha. Thanks. Yeah the light table in our space is usually used for drawing and tracing out things. It is not normally used for this purpose but it works great. thanks for watching!

[@johnpowersification]

Fascinating! I came for Tally Ho and have stayed (and subscribed) for the great content and craftsmanship.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks SO much and thanks for following along.

[@zoltanguitar]

Yes, Yes, I thought there was a consistent shape. I think I appreciated the carving -vs- bending but had no idea that the thickness was purposefully designed I get it, makes sense - Sonic distribution - Thanks so much

[@JDanielGraham]

I know right! Who would have known! What blows my mind is the history of people figuring that out.

[@chrisgriffith1573]

OMG. That light table technique is bonkers! I would have never thought to do it that way! Such a good way to check your work! I have been a graphic artist for decades using light tables to do things, and never thought to check density when carving out something as critical as this! I knew violins had some pretty detailed workmanship involved, but never thought that they all held such crazy craftmanship when it came to their custom shaping. Thank you for sharing!

[@JDanielGraham]

Im so glad you are enjoying it! It is such a fun and mysterious process to see.

[@jonviol]

And pointless as it achieves nothing other than how much light passes through. So what ?

[@chrisgriffith1573]

It shows you the density and how evenly the sound will resonate. Too thick and it dulls the sound, too thin and it reverbs.@@jonviol

[@jonviol]

Nonsense. All it does is show how much light is passing through. The resonance alters due to the shape and nearness or not the edge and during the making process is adjusted by listening to the pitch by scratching or tapping . View a;llof Peter westerlunds uploads . @@chrisgriffith1573

[@flickerblip9044]

Excellent work and filming. It would be helpful to have the description at ~8:30 much earlier (like on part 2). I kept expecting you to go to the band saw and didn't really know what profile you were trying to achieve.

[@MikeC19100]

WOW! I had no idea of how much work it took to create a violin from scratch. It’s obvious that you care about what your doing and how nice the finish product is when it’s done. Thank you for sharing this with us and I know that Leo will be so pleased when it’s done and onboard his home-on-the-water.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it. I hope he really loves it.

[@zincfive]

Boy, this is very interesting content, I hope it does really well for you. I really like your banjo playing...

[@JDanielGraham]

oh thanks I really appreciate it!

[@MrOj53]

I have followed Tally Ho from the beginning and am very excited. I am a kitchen musician and treat some instruments. So when I saw your posts I saw all three so now I have to subscribe, to see the end result and hear a sailor's tune. Good job from Sweden

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much!! What do you play?

[@donwilliams3626]

Interesting techniques. Mastering making music is one thing - mastering making musical instruments is its own discipline. Thanks for sharing.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thank you so much. Both of those disciplines can take a life time. Which I think is kind of the point. I like any craft where there is no finish line.

[@donwilliams3626]

Go Tigers!

[@troyboyd3100]

Awe inspiring! You are a Master of the art, in the same way Leo is.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much I really appreciate it.

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

👍👌👏 Extremely precise artwork!

[@Cynyr]

Man, i really need to spend some time learning how to sharpen my card scraper. Binging this series, so cool.

[@JDanielGraham]

I can do a tutorial on that if you want. I love sharpening card scrapers.

[@Cynyr]

@@JDanielGraham i seem to struggle with the forming and turning the burr. It'd be great to watch a tutorial on it!

[@nr1hetzer]

The worktable signed Sjöberg is from Sweden. Nice to see 😉

[@JDanielGraham]

Yes! it is the main bench in one the studios and myself and students really enjoy it. I dont think I would own a different bench unless it is one I have made.

[@nr1hetzer]

Yep, quality from sweden 😉

[@arthurjones9580]

Wow, I love this!!!!!

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks! It has been a fun build!

[@hojo7258]

Can't wait to see it on the boat.

[@JDanielGraham]

ME TOO!!

[@chefmichaelt]

Looking good ❤❤❤

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much.

[@davidbarnes4150]

I have followed Leo form the beginning. Your craftsmanship will bring heart and sole to the adventures of Tally Ho through the sounds of music. I can already hear the spirits of lively tunes comeing to life, in the days and years ahead in the story of Tally Ho.

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much!! I sure hope it has a good life with Tally Ho.

[@johnbeeson8225]

Excellent workmanship!!!

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much!

[@jonviol]

Oh really ? Amateur bodgemanship more like it .

[@belledetector]

Nice work and presentation

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much! I appreciate that.

[@robrae5292]

Very interesting.😲

[@JDanielGraham]

I like to think so.

[@koningkryksuiwerbloed6070]

Well done

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks!

[@ianwit]

Your content and detail levels are great, love the info about the board thicknesses.

[@JDanielGraham]

It's all so fascinating! Im just trying to strike a good balance of not oversharing the detail but still making it informative.

[@jonviol]

And wrong.

[@Alltakenbla]

Well done on music and editing.

[@JDanielGraham]

I appreciate that! thanks

[@lindacolaprete7324]

I wish I had even a fraction of the patience you have to do such great work. Thanks for sharing the process with us. Ed C

[@JDanielGraham]

Haha Thanks. Sometimes I wish I had a choice but I can't help but get sucked into projects that are deep in process.

[@saltydawg1793]

I would enjoy any comments you might have about any differences in your basic construction from somebody in more ancient times such as Stradivarius and how the sounds of the instruments might compare.

[@JDanielGraham]

Not much honestly has changed in terms of construction. The wood types and quality have changed or become more rare and the processes have altered slightly but in terms of the goals and what is made, hasn't changed too much.

[@saltydawg1793]

Thank you for the reply. I might have guessed after watching your videos that nothing much has changed. Is there any reason a modern made violin would not sound just as sweet as a Strad?@@JDanielGraham

[@JDanielGraham]

Often it is time, the age of the wood and the conditions that they were grown in. It can make a difference. @@saltydawg1793

[@Lee-qp6gf]

Really enjoying the build. This fiddle has a big future ahead of it even if doesn't get played much. Leo better find a crew member that can play if Leo cannot. lol

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks! Yeah I sure hope it gets played by whoever wants to!

[@flanagon360]

When you demonstrate the flex I almost died never do that again

[@JDanielGraham]

haha! They can take abuse that is for sure.

[@davidantill6949]

Great work. I have come to your site via Tally Ho but I will certainly keep following you. I love your attitude towards the work, especially using technology to speed up parts to allow you to spend more time on the parts you enjoy. Hopefully, one day, you will show the building of a Mandolin

[@JDanielGraham]

Ive thought about making one. If someone ever orders one I think it would be a fun project to film!

[@kevinryan573]

I have a friend who has a custom Stratocaster.I realize it’s not the same. He speaks of the luthier “ knocking” a pile of wood to find the best tonal qualities. Is that something you do as well? And would you have rejected one of Leo’s pieces if it was a dud? Beautiful work.

[@JDanielGraham]

I do knock on boards and check their tone. I would not have rejected the wood in this one. It was equally as important that it was wood from the boat.

[@stephenjdixon1]

some makers would use only planes and scrapers never sandpaper as it spoils the surface

[@JDanielGraham]

yeah some use glass scrapers some use shark skin, I do scrape the final finish but I enjoy sanding for shaping.

[@rickgreen9936]

Does Leo play the violin? If not, do you know if lessons will be starting? Would be sad to see this unique beauty of a violin stowed away and only brought out as a show piece. Now I wonder if a violin (fiddle) had some significance in Tally Ho's first life, why Leo would choose a violin? Are you planning an in person hand delivery, would be fitting. Your idea of making and video documentation of this instrument is intriguing. I sub'd and will be checking out your other vids with some interesting woodworking. Thanks

[@JDanielGraham]

I wish i could hand deliver it but I dont know finically i will. He is starting to learn so he will be playing it.

[@matswallsten1628]

Great job! Fun to follow your work

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much!

[@shadetreemechanicracing22]

In my youth I made bassoon reeds,and I thought that was a lot of work.

[@JDanielGraham]

Oh I bet that was! What an interesting craft. I think woodwinds are interesting. I am going to be making a tenor recorder later this year. That should be interesting to figure out.

[@Mike-oz4cv]

Serious question: How much of that elaborate shape and careful work is actually required for a sturdy and nice sounding instrument? How bad would it be if it’s just a rectangular or oval box with a flat top and bottom glued on?

[@billward8377]

Thanks for the sound track!

[@chrisstaylor8377]

You use an angle grinder ,you might as well use a CNC mill to shape the whole. Front and back

[@JDanielGraham]

One could but I like having the hand in there and I enjoy that part. It still keeps the connection between maker and object like a handtool.

[@curtiss5781]

When you wiggled that front, I cringed. So scary but cool

[@jackn4853]

Absolutely fascinating processes. Please would you tell us the ( approximate) number of hours from start to finish. And, in general are you ever completely satisfied with a finished instrument, or is there something that you think that you could have done better?

[@JDanielGraham]

About 250-300 hours total start to finish. Each project ranges though. The violin I made for my wife (the mockingbird violin which you can see here kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJXafnaMbdF5pck ) took way longer!! I think we can always see something we want to change or wish we could do better but it all is what we focus on. I try and focus and see the things I couldn't do before the project and what I can do now.

[@Adam-n5c8t]

Really enjoying watching these videos and I'm also a huge Leo fan. But I have to say that the music in these videos is PAINFUL.

[@JDanielGraham]

I totally understand. Some people love the music some people hate it. I usually just record me playing banjo for the background music but just tried something different from a friend of mine.

[@banba317]

Fascinating to watch you work a piece of wood like it was clay. I got hooked on Sampson Boat Co., and now I'm hooked on J. D. Graham. Oh and thanks for introducing us to Andrew Montana... great score for your videos!

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much. Im glad you are enjoying it!

[@peterkelly8953]

Has anyone trained a Beaver to do some of the whittling away??

[@JDanielGraham]

Gosh I wish I could! that would be awesome

[@patrickadams6394]

How would the sound be different if you'd been able to get your hands on some of the original wood from TallyHo? Would the age have made much difference?

[@JDanielGraham]

The age not so much in this case because the species is so different. If I had some of the original teak it would be warmer and not as bright. Which is what I normally like. I like to use cherry or walnut backs whenever the patron is open to it. A lot of the other woods were not the right species for the top so if they were used it would have sounded dull. Great Questions!

[@michaelgraystone7881]

As yet you haven’t said anything about moisture content there’s dry and then there’s dry?

[@JDanielGraham]

Yeah there are all kinds of dry. I made sure this was down low and stable through kiln and acclimation. But also I dont want it too dry here in KY and when it gets near the ocean it destroys itself in acclimatizing. So it was a balance.

[@kevinwatson5833]

Could you use english walnut inplace of the maple?

[@JDanielGraham]

I have used walnut in the past. The back wood can tone the sound a bit so it would be warmer with the walnut than the maple, Which personally I like. But Leo wanted a traditional one and the maple is from the mast of the boat.

[@MrKroesamaja]

Great work, great videos except as many others mentioned the music. It does not match and is way too loud.

[@JDanielGraham]

I appreciate it and sorry about the volume. Still working on that side of things.

[@patnpugs]

Don't agree at all. I love your music choices!

[@JDanielGraham]

I appreciate that! Thanks so much for taking the time to watch.

[@richardkowalski9580]

hi, great videos, out of interest why do you not carve the inside first so your always working on a flat surface. Thank you

[@JDanielGraham]

Great question. The inside carving determines thickness and the outside determines shape. You have to have the shape before thicknessing. Now I guess you could do the opposite but you would have to sculpt the shape and graduations in the negative. The inside is not a smooth curve like the outside so that would take a lot to figure out. Most folks carve the inside with the plates in a cradle so it performs like a flat surface. Thanks for a good question!

[@bimmerpooch]

This suggestion will probably be considered blasphemy on a fiddle buuuut. I feel it would be neat to add small accents of the white and orange just like the Tally Ho hull.

[@JDanielGraham]

Oh...I wanted to make him a pochette that was shaped like tally ho and with all the colors and everything. But he asked for something more traditional so I am honoring that.

[@Yaivenov]

Why cedar for the front while maple for sides and back?

[@JDanielGraham]

The spruce for the top is traditionally done for the sound quality and weight. The hard maple back reflects the sound of the front and can tone the sound. It is used for the sides for structure. While these are traditional choices it can be done other ways, which I enjoy but Leo wanted it more traditional so I honored that.

[@Yaivenov]

@@JDanielGraham Thank you, that makes a lot of sense. I do have to say I was hoping for some accents with bits of teak, cocobolo, or purple heart but I understand the choice.

[@ChadPrestonOfficialThree]

The link to Leo's channel in your video description is broken. "404 Not Found".

[@JDanielGraham]

Thanks so much for letting me know. Weird. Ill fix that right away

[@JDanielGraham]

Got it fixed, thanks for that. I dont know why it only did that on a couple but the rest were fine.