Violin Forum/Message Board

kjb · Super Member Joined: 06 Feb 2013 Posts: 385

as there is one more string and more tension, should i make the neck root/mortise somewhat larger ? thanks

Chet Bishop · Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 2:14 pm Post subject:

I do not, but that doesn't mean much. I am pretty much of a beginner.

I have only made 22 instruments, while Michael has made ten times that many, and set up and or repaired thousands.

I guess my thinking is that a five string fiddle, (Even though mine fits in a violin case) is essentially a small viola with a fifth string. If I make the usual modifications for a five-string, it will not sound exactly like a violin, anyway. So, if it is just a small viola with a fifth string, then the fifth is the E, which I suspect does not add all that much stress to the neck. But I could be wrong.

We ought to talk Michael into building a five-string. Smile

_________________
Chet Bishop
https://bluefiddles.com
https://fivestringfiddles.com

jacobyfineviolins · Member Joined: 04 Mar 2013 Posts: 55 Location: Omaha, NE

No need, I think. As long as your mortice is 7 mm deep or so.
_________________
I could have carved a scroll by now.
http://jacobyfineviolins.squarespace.com/

kjb · Super Member Joined: 06 Feb 2013 Posts: 385

Thanks , chet you kind of hit my head with a stick and made me think.

I looked up the 3/4 viola and the 4/4 violin, duh they have very similar dimensions , so the many questions I was going to ask have been answered by the comparison and now I have some stats to work with??

my nut width will be 25.5 mm is about the only difference for the neck.

thanks also jacob for answering. kevin