Violin makers / Luthiers

The making of violin musical instruments, in their modern form has been around since the mid 1500s.  Extremely rare violins, considered works of art, are highly collectible and very expensive.  In 2008 a rare violin sold in Russia for a reported and seven million U.S. dollars.

People who make violins are called Luthiers, or violin technicians.  Violin making is a much overlooked art.  Because it is much more than a craft, violin making entails much more than the mere construction of a violin.  The luthier must master many areas of expertise, performing the skills of:

1.      Architect and engineer.  The construction design of the violin is dependent on it services and curved lines.  These services are bent and cart for optimum strength, flexibility, and weight.  The potential of the finished violin is determined by its design and choice of woods.

2.      Acoustician.  The luthier relies on his instinct to improve the sound of each new violin through slight changes in the model and its dimensions.  The violin technician is trying to achieve carrying power, which is far more than just volume.

3.      Art restorer.  Employing the techniques of fine art restoration, the violin technician must couple with these techniques the remaining skills of the luthier.

4.      Merchant.  The violin maker must also be willing to advertise and sell his or her own products.  Usually, a long-term relationship is developed between the luthier and their clientele.  He must be available after the sale to perform a periodic adjustments and maintenance.

5.       Musician.  The maker of violin musical instruments must expand his vocabulary and develop an ear for sound to better understand his customer’s needs.  The ability to make and hear subtle tone adjustments are necessary.  You must have a musician’s perspective to properly adjust the various pieces of the violin with which a musician has the closest involvement.

6.      Toolmaker.  The luthier is responsible to create and maintain the specialized tools of the trade.  Chisels, gouges, and planes must be kept extremely sharp.

7.      Varnish maker.  Making a varnish includes purifying, bodying and sun-bleaching oils, mixing and cooking resins, and preparing colors.

8.      Wood sculptor.  The violin maker obviously must be a wood sculptor of impeccable talent.

To acquire the rudimentary skills of the journeyman violin maker involves a 2 to 4 year apprenticeship in the shop of a master. An additional 2 to 4 years are required before a luthier can open his own shop.  Furthering one’s education comes from the study of historic violins, learning violin yourself and from continuing education presented by professional organizations or guilds.

As you can see, becoming a luthier or violin technician is really more of a calling than an occupation.  Extreme dedication to the craft and to one’s customers is of paramount importance.  Choosing the career of a luthier requires discipline, extreme motivation, as well as dedication.  The rewards are myriad.  Gaining the respect of your peers is secondary to having the sense of accomplishment that only comes through diligence and hard work.  Your study of violin musical instruments is second to none!