Tuning the Violin Plates

[@JohnNowlin-x2c]

Thank you for responding. Something that truly amazed me was one day my dad was almost done with a violin except for finger board etc. He had me hold it close to my ear. He was about 10' away and he humed into another violin. The sound went thru the air and resonated the one I was holding. It was so loud I nearly dropped it. I had no idea. Pretty cool. I learned a lot from him. Take care.

[@WilliamTurnerViolins]

Part of the problem is stain. It soaks into the grain of the wood and deadens it. Best to seal the grain before any varnish work.

[@JohnNowlin-x2c]

My father tuned his plates using an electronic tuner. Then after gluing the pitch changes and he would make more tuning adjustments. Good video.

[@ThePrairieFiddler]

I tried using an electronic device but gave up in frustration. In retrospect, this video could be called 'thicknessing the plates'. It's kind of a crapshoot on whether it will work out. Most do. I now actually use tap tones to a degree, making sure different regions of the plates have resonance in relation to the others. It seems to work better but I'm sure there are far better technicians than I.

[@JohnNowlin-x2c]

By the way your right about the electronic tuner, they aren't the best. I think he started using a fork or rod later on.

[@mccypr]

Fascinating stuff. Thanks much!!!✌️🌞😎🎻

[@bluehoo0]

As you said it’s fascinating and fun, that’s how I see it. Check David Sora he demonstrates tap tuning in one of his videos. His work is perfection, plus he has lots of other videos on construction, and very generous with his knowledge.

[@tommierichardson9070]

Love the vids, keep em coming

[@ThePrairieFiddler]

Thanks

[@deadmanswife3625]

Nice

[@gervasegallant]

Have you been following the work of Peter Westerlund? He uses a technique called "scratch toning" which is similar to what you described. There are some videos on the process.

[@ThePrairieFiddler]

I'll check it out.

[@irenemeno3585]

Peter Westerlund is great with tone tuning.

[@zeneszpeter]

Could you explain how do you use that template rod for tuning the plates?

[@ThePrairieFiddler]

I'm kind of embarrassed, as the more I learn, the more I realize I don't know. The title of the video would be better as, thicknessing plates. I was simply following the thickness plan of some of the great violin. The problem is it doesn't take into account variations in wood density. I'm currently trying to actually "tune" plates now using sound. It is very difficult.

[@ThePrairieFiddler]

Tuning plates using taps is causing me much difficulty. I'm having a friend show me better how to do it.

[@zeneszpeter]

@@ThePrairieFiddler I am on the same way. I try to follow a useful method, but no one wants to work.