Instrument Making

New Viola – part 5 (closing the box, fitting the neck)

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This week, it’s time to finish the viola “in the white” or do everything before the varnish is applied.

The linings, which are 2mm think strips of spruce are glued to the inside of the ribs. This gives more surface area when gluing the plates to the ribs.
Gluing the back to the ribs.
The mould had now been removed, and I’m gluing the linings to the face-side of the ribs.
Fitting the bass bar perfectly to the top takes hours of work. The fit has to be precise or else any number of issues may arise.
Gluing the box shut. This always feels like a big step being accomplished.
Taking a quick victory lap.
The neck has been morticed into the box.
The neck needs to be carved into a playable shape. This step is very important, since the neck is the main point of contact between player and instrument.
Neck rounded.
Just a bit of fun- Gillian’s viola on the left, the new viola on the right.

View the next article here: New Viola – part 6 (varnish, set-up)