General

May 8, 2020

Join my community on Patreon!

A new project has just launched. My new Patron community is now live to give you additional exclusive materials regarding violinmaking via different options! Check it out.

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April 27, 2020

Weekly live from home

Since the lockdown started on March 11th I had the idea to go live on my youtube channel every Monday at 14:00 Italian time to answer all of your questions regarding stringed instruments and violinmaking.

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Violin Making by Edgar Russ, paint and varnish
March 6, 2020

How to store your Varnish

Preparing the varnish is just the first step of the whole process, storing it in ideal conditions is the second. Also varnish needs some TLC (tender, love, care), so discover my guidelines about the right place and storage for these special liquids.

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Workshop of Edgar Russ Luthier in Cremona
March 6, 2020

My Spirit Varnish Recipe

Spirit varnish is nothing else then varnish made with alcohol. There is a lot of secrecy around the perfect recipe, which is certainly very important. I would recommend you to experiment it and maybe you will make up your mind.

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March 6, 2020

Preparing the Oil for the Oil Varnish

Curious about the steps to prepare the oil varnish? You can use different types of oil, the most important detail is that the oil is not saturated: this means it’s still going to make a chemical reaction and be combined with other particles. Continue reading here!

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Sound Adjustment Edgar Russ
March 6, 2020

Introduction to Varnishing in Violinmaking

This topic seems to be full of secrets: people are talking so much about it that is even believed that there is a “magic varnish” you apply on the violin and that makes it sound incredible. Spoiler alert: it does not exist. 

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Sound Adjustment Edgar Russ
October 30, 2019

The importance of Sound Adjustment

Sound adjustment is the beating heart for every stringed instrument. As soon as you receive your instrument in your hands, this interesting and delicate process begins. There are plenty of tiny details which you have to consider and take into account before playing your instrument and get the most out of it!

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Tailpiece Distance Edgar Russ
October 10, 2019

Tailpiece Distance

The correct ideal Tailpiece distance is also a fundamental part of your instrument. If it is too short it would act like a backpack while you are trying to run your new record. If it is too long it increases wolf tones.

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String Height Edra Russ
October 10, 2019

The perfect String Height

The string height makes part of the sound adjustment since it interferes directly with the angle of the strings over the bridge. But besides this impact you as a musician have to keep up with the consequences. If the string height is too high, on one hand it might hurt for beginners, while on the other it is loved by professionals.

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Upper Nut Edgar Russ
October 10, 2019

The Upper Nut

Before focusing on details commonly known by most makers and musicians, I would like to catch your attention on an apparently insignificant part of the sound of your instrument: the upper nut.

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September 16, 2019

The Diamond Violin

Today I would like to invite you to hold on for a while and reflect on how your dream instrument could look like. Start today to draw your picture of your dream instrument decorated with precious stones, mother of pearl, silver and gold.

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September 16, 2019

MondoMusica 2019 at Edgar’s Workshop

You are all officially invited to come to my workshop during the three days of MondoMusica 2019, held in Cremona, Italy. A free breakfast or "aperitivo" will wait for you, while you will play the instruments!

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Soundpost Edgar Russ
January 10, 2019

The perfect Soundpost position

Since I am asked often where the soundpost should be here a short introduction regarding this crucial matter. Before we come to the position itself, I have to point out that the soundpost is actually not a single part which can make its duty all by itself.

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