Quality making and repair of violin family instruments.

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Aim: To make your own violin from the beginning (no kits used).  Note: This class does not lead to any qualification. 

Location:  Olivia Pelling's workshop at 2116 Fillmore Crescent, Ottawa.

Upcoming Dates (Spaces fill up quickly - Book Soon!):

Cost (includes coffee/tea and treats):

$1000

To reserve your spot a $150 deposit is required.

Class size:  Maximum 3:1 ratio of students: professional luthier

Class information:  The class time will be relaxed with the priority of getting work accomplished and to learn.  Topics covered will include, an outline of the making process, recommended reading, tools and tool sharpening, wood, template and mould making, thinning and bending ribs, preparing front and back and jointing them, carving arching, purfling preparation and fitting, thicknessing front and back plates, positioning and carving f holes, fitting of the bassbar, preparation of the neck and fingerboard, scroll carving, setting of the neck, varnishing steps, setting up of the instrument.

Important Note: Unless the student is willing to work on one's instrument outside of class hours it is highly unlikely one will be able to complete an entire instrument in 16 weeks.

Cost for materials is extra: If you want to purchase wood from Fine Strings, I would have to know in advance. Otherwise you could contact David Widmer (www.widmerluthier.com) in Montreal to choose and purchase a set of wood to make your instrument or find another wood supplier.  The set would include wood for a two piece back, front, neck, sides and bassbar.

First choice wood price = $275, Second choice wood price = $200 (Prices don't include tax)

Additional information: All ages and professions are welcome. Previous woodwork experience is not required (though can be a benefit if you have it). Some tools will be provided but students are expected to provide their own small hand tools (chisels, gouges, thumb planes, knives, scrapers). One of the first classes will cover which tools are recommended and where to purchase them. These can be acquired over time as they are needed,  if not already owned.

Disclaimer: Completion of the class does not qualify the participant to be a professional luthier, which requires many years of qualified training.