Making progress on the Lion-head viola

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Posted by Chet Bishop on Thursday, September 5, 2013

I finally completed the graduation of both plates, and installed the back plate on the rib garland last night. Since, in this case, I am using the "French-style" one-piece interior mold, I had only installed linings on the back side of the rib garland, and now, after removing the mold, I will install the front linings. I will continue assembling the instrument after trimming the linings and blocks and generally "cleaning up" the interior.

I have the f-holes partially cut out, but my hands were getting tired, and, though the upright "stem" of each f-hole is out, the little corners remain to be cut. The holes are drilled and look good. I don't want to mess something up by a mistake made due to fatigue.

After the f-holes are cut, I will install the bass-bar. Then I will complete the edge work and close it up.

Getting there, but it has been a long, slow haul.

I did have a call for a five-string fiddle, so I need to get going on that, too. The last one sold almost immediately, so I don't even have one to show, let alone ship. Gotta get going, here.

I will post photos in a day or two.

Thanks for all the encouragement offered here.

5 comments on “Making progress on the Lion-head viola”

Chet Bishop Says:
Friday, September 6, 2013 @6:46:54 AM

I completed the f-holes yesterday evening, but I had two young fellows there, working on their first instruments, which slowed me down somewhat. I began the bass-bar, but was getting pretty tired when they left for the night, so I just cleaned up and called it quits.

I hope to get the front linings and bass-bar in tonight. Then, if time permits, I will try to get the neck/fingerboard close to completeion.

Chet Bishop Says:
Monday, September 9, 2013 @6:41:16 AM

I put in a fair day of work, Saturday, and the body is closed, as well as the neck and fingerboard being ready to install. I will ty to accomplish the neck-set tonight.

Chet Bishop Says:
Monday, September 9, 2013 @8:51:50 AM

Aiming to have it playing by the evening of Sept. 21st

Chet Bishop Says:
Monday, September 9, 2013 @7:58:33 PM

The neck is set--glue is still drying. I will trim the heel tomorrow, and post a piocture or two.

Chet Bishop Says:
Wednesday, September 11, 2013 @8:45:12 AM

The photos are over on the forum, under "lion-head viola beginning"; the instrument is complete, structurally, and I have begun the finishing sequence...so far, only the initial coffee stain. :-)

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