Chapel violins: Day 5

This is a backdated account as my dear Auntie Elaine came to pick me up from the Chapel and take me to the Doncaster area to spend what was to be a fabulous weekend. I did not get write about my day when the evening came.

 

It was only me and John at the Chapel on Friday until about lunchtime. It was great to have one on one teaching, and I am grateful to John for the time he was able to give me.

 

As predicted on Thursday, I was able to get my sound post fitted by lunchtime. There were many tries throughout the morning and as my chiseling slowly whittled away at my maple dowel. I had a sense of growing excitement as my final attempt got closer to becoming upright. I seemed to know that "this was it" - and it turned out to be true!! Phew.

 

John took me into town to visit the Model shop to get some brass sheeting to enable me to make the guide that needed to have to fit sound posts when I get home. John was very good to wait for me as I phoned my brother to organize some flat packed buildings for him to put on his model railway. I also had the opportunity to go and pick up some photo CDs that I had ordered the previous Sunday, as well as take out cash to pay John for his teaching. I have learned to appreciate the $50 notes you get back home, because you get a selection of £10 and £20 notes when you take cash out form the teller here. It doesn't take much to cram your wallet when you take out sizable amounts here.

 

On our return to the Chapel, we were joined by Marcus, a student of violin making who is helping John on a very exciting project. We had many laughs throughout the afternoon. One instance in particular was when I had been taking photos of John and Marcus collaborating. Marcus promptly declared that he looked like Harry Potter in one shot that I showed them.

Marcus and John, discussing fingerboard planing

 

We also got to see what must be the world's largest wood plane.

John's biggest wood plane

I did get some work done amongst the lighthearted afternoon. I made a start on cutting and fitting the all important bridge. you start with what it called a blank, which is a rough cut shape. The feet need to be moulded and cut exactly to the shape of each individual instrument. This takes time and patience, as I was to find out!

Placing the bridge blank, ready to be fitted

 

It was lovely to greet Auntie Elaine who took me off to her place at Stainforth. She had prepared a delicious meal of cottage pie, steamed vegetables and superb rice pudding. It was lovely to spend the night chatting with her and Uncle Dave. Getting to know them was such a treat.

 

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