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.