Violin making process explained (Documentary with Commentary)

[@DakireProductions]

I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that the guy who spends all day making violins would have the attention to detail necessary to make such a good video as well

[@MekwokStudio]

Thanks for being the first one who notice it! That’s the reason why it took me so long to make videos. It doesn’t make sense to me if one claim that their art work is good when the filming is bad.

[@FilosophicalPharmer]

And now consider the differences in tools for each project…. 🙂👍🏼

[@mikereeder3703]

One of the real joys of KZbin is being able to watch real craftsmen and women do what they love to do. Watching this talented young man is a pleasure and his sense of humor is the icing on the cake! Thank you for taking the time to share your craft with us!

[@MekwokStudio]

Thanks! Glad that you enjoyed!

[@AFMR0420]

Difficulty level 100. You make it look easy, you’re a master.

[@MekwokStudio]

Thanks. Trying to make it easy for everyone here.

[@elishasharp1]

Because I play cello, I want to make cellos. It is very difficult to find videos to help me. This video was very helpful. Also, the violin you created looks beautiful.

[@MekwokStudio]

Thanks. Building a cello is harder than building a violin.

[@elishasharp1]

@@MekwokStudio Where do you get your tonewood from?

[@dougthomson5544]

A terrific job of this violin; I’m amazed.

[@MekwokStudio]

Thanks, glad that you like it!

[@stevenkapute1846]

Watching this really gives you a whole different appreciation of the instrument. Thank you

[@MekwokStudio]

Thank you, glad that you enjoyed!

[@NMranchhand]

Very enjoyable commentary on the journey and the way you view it. It seems like a labor of love.

[@MekwokStudio]

Thanks, glad that you like it!

[@LuneLovehearn]

I used to own a violin before switching instrument. I always wanted to know how it its made. Though now I roll with a guitar, i still appreciate learning how its made. It gives it more value and then you realize how much care you must have with your instrument.

[@MekwokStudio]

That’s very true.

[@piotrszarek9802]

This is fascinating and beautiful. I can't stop watching.

[@MekwokStudio]

Thank ls a lot!

[@cedricyu803]

Thanks for this very soothing video! I am an amateur violin maker, making my first (and only) violin in Cambridge, UK. It's difficult (to get things exactly right), and at times labour intensive. You and your video make it look so easy 😂

[@MekwokStudio]

I feel you, good luck 😂

[@flrn84791]

Finally a "DIY violin at home" from someone who 1 can play the violin, and 2 actually understand violin making. Thanks a lot for that commentary video! You did great work and I cannot wait to see what new videos you bring :) I just checked your Patreon out and will very gladly contribute! I'm getting started in violin making myself and will follow your journey and tips with a lot of attention!

[@MekwokStudio]

Thanks for your contribution! Gonna have more updates on Patreon soon!

[@arielmonteras4065]

I love your work sir. Thanks a lot for this video on how violin was made. I want to be a violin maker but I don't know where to study violin making. I do repair some broken violin but I think it's not good enough that's why I want to study huhuhu,but anyway thank you I got learning in this video. God bless.

[@MekwokStudio]

Thanks! Maybe you can check out the step by step guide I am making: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYrZnWlsjKmMfJo&t

[@정찬혁-v1v]

As a beginer, your work is amazing! Love your color

[@MekwokStudio]

Thank you!

[@stevenkapute1846]

I don’t even own a violin yet. Watched the whole thing. it’s so calming

[@anime_rifts]

Fr

[@johnalexander301]

Wow. This is great. I love your work. Thank you for sharing this beautiful build.

[@MekwokStudio]

Thank you very much!

[@satyanarayanamendu6231]

Great work by the Luthiar. Thanks. I enjoyed your work sir.

[@MekwokStudio]

Thank you very much!

[@peterrschuck]

I was really fascinated watching this version with the commentary. It really help to explain the process and reasoning behind how violins, cellos, violas etc are meticulously produced. It's an art form not just wood stuck together. Did you teach yourself or study under a violin maker to learn? Where did you get your violin mould and employs from? Where are you based? I started watching another video which had no commentary at all and found it wasn't interesting me as much as this one did. It would be good to gain an understanding in the longer versions of each part of making a violin having commentary, doesn't have to be constant. Just pointing out luke you did in this version, checking the thicknesses of the side plates by scratching the high spots like you did then using the small block plane and scraper afterwards to get the whole thing smooth. I though I heard you were going to list things needed to get into making violins for those interested, did you do that? I haven't read through the comments as yet. I can understand how certain aspects of working on making the violin pars can be therapeutic and calming. Distracting from troubles one may have in life. There's a Luther in Brisbane who is very skilled at his craft with violins, very interesting to watch. He does a lot of his finishings by French Polishing which I think would enhance the finishing on your own instruments you make. I really enjoyed this video and have subscribed and liked, try putting some voice overs to your future videos just makes them a whole lot more enjoyable in my humble opinion. I don't know how others feel but I know when watching woodworking videos and there's no oral description al9ng with what's on the screen, I often am left wondering what I just watch for 40 mins or longer. Take care, stay well and all the best with you violin endeavours. Search for Ask Olaf violin makes Brisbane here on KZbin. kzbin.info/www/bejne/enStnoyPrNOWbs0si=JgN6ogmhpFCOSGlH

[@GeorgeNetzel]

Very Well Done. Excellent video.

[@christalcatc528]

Your video deserves millions views, thank you for the amazing video!

[@MekwokStudio]

Cheers!

[@TheCrimsonrey]

Beautiful work. It would be very interesting to see your sharpen techniques

[@MekwokStudio]

Thanks! Sharpening is going to be in the online course

[@eliseumachado7678]

Bravooo... realmente uma obra de arte! Parabéns! 👏

[@fusion-music]

Your video making skills are extremely excellent. You have planned this very well and your narrative voice is a nice balance of voice quality and appropriate enthusiasm. Really enjoyed seeing your skill at luthery and have watched this a number of times. Thanks

[@MekwokStudio]

Thank you for your kind words! I am still looking ways to improve my audio recording!

[@fusion-music]

​@@MekwokStudioHi. What is it you would like to improve in the audio? For myself, the audio for the voice quality is fine. It has the presence (higher frequencies) needed for clarity. I do hear background noises, such as traffic and perhaps hiss. But the audio still suits the purposes of what you are doing and gives a little context to your surroundings. Are you using Davinci Resolve to edit? They have a free version. I'm not sure what is included in the free version, but they have some good audio filters and also a voice isolation tab. I have spent money on filters, and tried out some expensive ones too. The expensive ones do not always deliver what you hope for. Sometimes I opt for more hiss (top end) rather than use a filter - or try to use the filter to a lesser extent. Let me know what your problems are and I will have a think about it. One point you might keep in mind that it is always better to plan ahead to get good audio, rather than try to get rid of audio problems after you have recorded. So, that might mean recording at night - but that might not suit the neighbourhood, or household. So, you just have to do your best. We cannot always have perfect Conditions for recording. Having the microphone closer to you or the object you want to record is a good way of isolating background sounds - but then you need to make sure the audio levels are not too high in the recording process.

[@MekwokStudio]

Wow, thanks for your input. I’m using Logic Pro, I always feel that there is something missing in the sound, like missing a layer in the sandwiches.. maybe need more bass? And a little bit closer? But I’m struggling with closer and mouth clicks then!

[@fusion-music]

Logic Pro, is an excellent audio editor. They probably have noise reduction filters. I've used many audio DAWs but I haven't used this one. The problem with adding bass is that you could add unwanted gloominess. But there's no harm in giving it a try. But a useful bit of information,mis thatbif younger doing a voiceover, you can have the microphone closer and get more bass response. It called bass top-up, where then proximity of the mic cause it to respond to the lower frequencies more. The other thing you might try is using two microphones and mixing the result. That often gives a bit more depth. Your struggle with mouth clicks when it is closer is the thing that all voice-overs struggle with. That is the nature of the game. This is why I mentioned that your audio is adequate for the purpose. Because your primary craft is as a luthier. Voiceover artists record the script and give it to production with all the noises and mouth clicks etc. They do work on eliminating Sibilance and pronunciation, but the recording has to be worked on. So, you have to make that call, as to how far you go in editing. The more time you spend, the less time you have as a luthier and a family member. Hope this is a little help.

[@MekwokStudio]

Thanks a lot my friend! Will keep working on that!

[@desandbonville9254]

Outstanding! Thank you.

[@nnthsttrls]

Very enjoyable to watch this. Fantastic workmanship and teaching.

[@MekwokStudio]

Thank you!

[@dabarons001]

Great video. Very much enjoyed watching how a violin is made.

[@MekwokStudio]

Thank you.

[@laurencelebeustclair6844]

could you show method you use to hawk out the inside if the belly and back of violin would be appreciated

[@zonderbaar]

This is so incredibly beautiful !

[@MekwokStudio]

Thank you !

[@JohnColgan.]

Amazing detail in your work. Getting the body out of the forming jig was a scary moment! Finished violin looked & sounded beautiful

[@MekwokStudio]

Yes, very scary! Glad that you enjoyed!

[@leosheridan2636]

very good video, great craftsmanship

[@MekwokStudio]

Thank you

[@chrisgriffith1573]

Excellent video! I really enjoyed watching!

[@MekwokStudio]

Thank you! Glad that you liked it!

[@B.McAllister]

13:55 WHAT?! AN ELECTRIC DRILL?! HOW DARE YOU! Kidding. A confession in using electric hand drill as if some sort of sin. Meanwhile you craft 99% of this piece of art with your hands. No worries. Love your work. Not only in wood work but also, film work too. Brilliant.

[@MekwokStudio]

That’s an electric HAND drill! LOL! Just using the confession as helmet and shield from judgey people you know. Thanks for appreciating!

[@patriciajrs46]

Quite excellent video. Thank you.

[@MekwokStudio]

Thank you.

[@truckywuckyuwu]

I want to make this for a loved one. You make it look so easy but I'm sure if I start it'll be a few weeks of work..

[@MekwokStudio]

That would be a very beautiful thing to do.

[@jbmakes]

Thanks for this, really inspiring - especially this version with your commentary. Looking forward to your tutorial. Is there any particular book on violin making that you would recommend for a beginner?

[@MekwokStudio]

Thank you, glad that you like it. The Art of Violin Making by Chris Johnson and Roy Courtnall is good to have, although there are some on off of measurements here and there. Do ask again next year, maybe there will be a book written by me, Hah!

[@tpistor]

Thanks! Great video, and great build. I look forward to your future videos.

[@MekwokStudio]

Thanks!

[@Peyto23]

So what is actually required to make a simple violin that sounds good is this, but you may not need the decorative bits? Would that be a good starting place?

[@bbowjazz]

Dances with woods!

[@MekwokStudio]

With your blues please!

[@bbowjazz]

@@MekwokStudio ... As as I'm sure you know, violin making is similar to fine carved archtop guitar and mandolin making. I probably spend more time listening to great classical music than jazz or blues at this point!

[@RyanGuruleCello]

the music you are playing at the beginning and end sounds just like the middle section of Bach's chaconne from partita no 2, but with different rhythms. Anyway great vid, that is a beautiful violin. incredible craftsmanship and camerawork too.

[@MekwokStudio]

Thanks man and You are awesome! You are the first one figured this out! Because the original piece doesn’t fit a 4/4 drum beat, so I think why not do a little variations.

[@homebroodcelticband9534]

Great stuff, more please!

[@MekwokStudio]

Thanks! Am working on it!

[@chrisviolaris3783]

Great video and obviously you are a great master! I have a question. Can you make on order a true copy of an Antonious Stradivarius violin ( same wood quality) and how much would it cost me?

[@MekwokStudio]

Thank you! And NO, I can't do same wood quality, it's impossible for me to find woods that been aged and untouched for 400 years!

[@hasanzakeri8708]

Can’t wait for the tutorial!!

[@London-Lad]

You're amazing, thank you

[@MekwokStudio]

Thank you my friend

[@ericrichardson8600]

I dont even play but this is beautiful. Thank you for this video

[@MekwokStudio]

Thank you.

[@DevilDocPlays]

For some reason here lately I have wanted to learn to make them. I want learn to play too.

[@MekwokStudio]

Welcome to the Club SPAARTAAAN!!

[@yaryar1976]

How is the sound post mounted?

[@pinkiepie1656]

Vertically:)

[@MekwokStudio]

With the Sound post settler. Yes. Vertically.

[@plexibreath]

Amazing! Is it important to use a European maple, or is American hard maple just as good? What kind of spruce?

[@MekwokStudio]

American hard maple is good too! The spruce I use is also European.

[@FilosophicalPharmer]

Favorite thing I learned??? “Brain juice”!! Hahaha! That’s great! 😂

[@MekwokStudio]

Very important!

[@FilosophicalPharmer]

@@MekwokStudio The greatest computer in the universe is between our ears! 😊 I am excited about making a fiddl…..er, violin! Thank You!

[@osmildmay]

Very Interesting Thank You

[@MekwokStudio]

Thank you!

[@phillcom3]

so i ahve a shop, i can make most furniture types, if i wanted to try my hand at biolin makign what speccific tools do i ened to add?

[@MekwokStudio]

Here you go my friend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3K3oIiHlt19qbssi=vh2xEDDec-0dI7Li

[@lukejones5272]

Loved it.

[@MekwokStudio]

Thanks.

[@KravchenkoAudioPerth]

Love the explanations Corvus. Mark

[@MekwokStudio]

Thank you, I will do some more in the next video.

[@MetalMario137]

Do you have some templates or detailed measurements for the jigs that you clamped your work to? (A CAD file would be awesome) Great vid man! Definitely learned a lot and it seems pretty doable to build a violin! However, as a regular woodworker, I'm definitely using a router to greatly reduce the amount of chiseling lol.

[@MekwokStudio]

Thanks! Do you mean the cradle I’m using?

[@MetalMario137]

@@MekwokStudio Yes, the cradle.

[@MekwokStudio]

@@MetalMario137 I don't have a CAD file for that, but maybe I can work on it since you are asking :)

[@MrThuraKo]

Thank you 😊

[@cachogianneschi367]

Excelent!!! Tank

[@robertfrempong6047]

Please what type of wood do you use or recommend to manufacture a violin. Do you have a website selling your violins?

[@MekwokStudio]

That’s spruce and maple. I only do commission works these few years!

[@Johnny-sg5tc]

What note are the back and top plates before gluing. Thanks.

[@MekwokStudio]

3 G and 1 Eb

[@OLDMADRASMOTORCYCLES]

Love it ❤

[@metatron1980]

Hi Corvus, is it normal for other makers like Italians especially that they strip off the varnish at the sides of the wood of the violin after the purfling like the wood is exposed already

[@MekwokStudio]

Hi, do you mean using a finger to strip off the varnish on the edge before it dries?

[@metatron1980]

Yes, they really intentionally remove the varnish at thr sides because they said it is a pratice of cremonese or brescian makere that they remove it at the sides

[@MekwokStudio]

It depends, some varnish, specially oil, are very thin and run to the edge very fast, so we need to strip of the drippings

[@daves6220]

Did you use a diamond wire for sawing the back and top?

[@MekwokStudio]

It's just a normal wire.

[@chipcurry]

Very nice!

[@MekwokStudio]

Thanks!

[@ecisme10]

You should use a bandsaw

[@michellek5789]

How long have you been building violins?

[@MekwokStudio]

For a few years!

[@marrakes802]

do you make your fingerboards or do you just buy them? i was just wondering if a fingerboard bought online will ruin the sound

[@MekwokStudio]

I buy semi finish ones and refine them. There are too many/much way to ruin the sound, a fingerboard could only do a little harm (if there are any) compare to other factors lol

[@MekwokStudio]

And I would avoid fingerboards with brown color on

[@arunr754]

I need a violin

[@mkf-violin]

This is why handmade violins are expensive..

[@WatataSkididap]

I can see the 'S' cavity it was small

[@MekwokStudio]

‘S’ cavity?

[@WatataSkididap]

@MekwokStudio try making it bigger maybe it was commercial quality

[@신-r2r]

Meanwhile, me buying a violin bridge and adjusting it with sandpaper and a kitchen knife 🤣

[@MekwokStudio]

Still a good start🤣

[@cheeyoongyong1968]

純手艺一次性制造❤

[@MekwokStudio]

Here is the 1st Part of the "How to Make a Violin at Home" Tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3K3oIiHlt19qbs&t

[@STEVEN-STEELE]

Absolutely gorgeous. I have built Cigar box type guitars. But on a slightly larger scale.I made my own box,with dove tail corners In order to use a smaller child scale 6 string neck. I added pezo pickups and a strat type single pole pickup at the bridge. The two I made turned out pretty good. One was like I wrote above the 2nd had the pezo pickup and a home made resonator from a pot lid. Of course I braced the inside. I was curious about lubing the pegs. The store bought violins I have bought. The tuning pegs slipped some worse than others. It wasn't until I used rosin on them and applied inward pressure when tuning,did they finally held and let me tune them. I found out that just about all new pegs have this. I wouldn't say problem as it is in the design and what the outcome of smooth surfaces have. Do your legs do this when tuning them?

[@thomascooper193]

Amazing your craftsmanship is awesome do you commission violins?

[@MekwokStudio]

Yes

[@cliffsandifer3877]

I took violin assembly course ....5 days long. NOT enough to learn it all; the body was already cut carved assembled bur still a learn...I do play but I will never look at violins the same way again ...assemble a violin will teach a person PATIENCE i 6:19 n our high speed wifi you tube world......IF one doesn't go crazy....how long u ou let varnish dry: a long Long time= 3 - 4 weeks ??

[@Infms_TacocaT]

Mmm sleep audio

[@Richard-v6i]

The varnish work is poor. The spruce is splotchy.

[@pauljones2519]

WOW 😅

[@Themheals]

A CNC router would make quick work and produce an amazing violin.