I've spent the last 6 months trying to bring out the best in my last

complete violin.  I am happy to report that I have reached my goal.

Donna Turk test drove the violin last night and a long time excellent violin player had something

like this to say.....

I've had lots of makers come up to me and ask me to try their violin and tell them what I think. 

After hearing Donna play your violin, this is the first one I felt compelled to buy if I

could afford it and didn't already have mine.

I have a client that has the first option to purchase this violin.  If she chooses not to go

with it then it will be available to others.  In the meantime, I'm enjoying

showing it around and simply playing it.

I am pleased to announce that Myhre's Music http://www.myhresmusic.com/

in Edmonton is representing my violins.

Those who have heard Byron Myhre play know that he's an exceptional

musician and I am honoured that he values my creations.

Byron's experience, ability and manner make it a pleasure to be working with him.

I now have varnish and lots of it.  Joe Robson at violinvarnish.com makes it. 

I considered making my own, but it's a lot of work and the results can be variable.

Joe  is probably the foremost violin varnish authority on this continent. 

He is also very supportive.

Today, weather permitting, I will try out his balsam ground system on my latest creation.

I have only one really good violin back in stock so I went shopping.

A supplier in Europe is sending me 2 of his very best one-piece backs.  He has

never seen better quality.  I'm also getting 2 very high quality 2 piece backs. 

This is good timing as I have a client that want's a custom made violin and I will

be able to offer him some extremely good choices in terms of wood.

I have 3 violins sun tanning at the moment. 

They await the warm weather in May when conditions will be favorable for varnish application. 

I haven't decided whether to make my own varnish or

source the wonderful dark amber varnish from Joe Robson in New York.

In the meantime, I'm working on a new violin based on the original Haag pattern. 

However, I'm trying out a different arching style which is flatter around the edges. 

Visually, I love it.  Tonally, who knows?  The arching is a shift more towards the Italian style.

I seem to be doing a lot of setup work for clients right now,

and I'm spending one day a week with two other luthiers. 

I'm finding this to be very energizing. 

It's a nice diversion from working alone in my studio and I'm gaining exposure to other ideas,

techniques and tools. 

It's a bonus that these other luthiers happen to be nice people!

I remain indebted to Bert Jackson of Robert Jackson Violins for taking the time

to show me the finer points of bow rehairing. 

Bert is a maker of very nice bows and a great patron of my work.

I would also like to acknowledge the support of Donna Turk who is a gifted violinist and

Artistic Director of the Calgary Fiddlers.

She provides straight up, no nonsense feedback on the tone and playability of my violins. 

With her feedback, I am able to make adjustments to bring out the best in the instruments. 

It's great working with her.