Violin Forum/Message Board

MANFIO

This instrument is very similar to the latest one I posted here (Fiammetta), so I was in doubt about posting it here...

It was made on the same form of "Fiammeta", a wide outline, not all that ellegant but this "square" outline is quite effective in terms of sound, at least on my experience. The varnish in this one is brighter, but a bit more transparent too.

Tullia D'Aragona was a cultured courtesan, a writer (poetry and prose), she was trained in music also. She publised many books in her lifetime.

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Mikes · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 4:26 pm Post subject:

Manfio,
Another handsome viola, really like the scroll and that varnish is really great!

MANFIO · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 5:10 pm Post subject:

Thanks Mike!
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Mat Roop · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 7:47 pm Post subject:

Manfio... Thanks to you that you keep posting pictures of your violas... You are an inspiration! Beautiful work as usual!
BTW... on that first picture on the lower bout is that just a reflection of light? or dare I ask Wink

... a flaw ?
Cheers, Mat

MANFIO · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 8:40 pm Post subject:

Yes, it's a flaw, she is Courtesan, not an immculated girl...

It's an stain, one of those surprises we have while carving wood... this dumb guy tried to bleach it.... it bleached a bit, but the surrounding area bleached too, making it more visible than if I had left it as it was.... So the next time a find an stain like that I'll leave it as it is, as Rocca did many many times.
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Mat Roop · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 11:22 pm Post subject:

Manfio... In that circumstance would some discrete touch up by blending additional color to the bleached area help?.. or is the "character" better left alone?
I know these things occur with natural materials, but sometimes customers may not always understand. So, speculating....
If this was a commissioned job... how would you approach the client on this?
Always appreciate your advice and discussion! ... Mat

kel · Member Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Posts: 73 Location: Asia

Manfio, your instruments' varnish always look excellent
congratulation !!

is it spirit or oil varnish?

how long does it take for u varnish one?
did u use light box to speed up the drying?

the color of it is gorgeous !! i must clap
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Newbie Maker Kelvin

MANFIO · Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 6:16 am Post subject:

Thanks! It's oil varnish, I cook the oil for the ground, I think I have described my system here in the past.

It takes about a week to varnish. Yes, I use the UV box in the night and the sun during the day.
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/7875988@N02/with/464604020/

Ignitegems · Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 9:43 am Post subject:

It is beautiful!! The "flaw" just gives it character and enhances the charm of the instrument.
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It doesn't have to be perfect, but you do have to try!

Geemac · Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 9:55 am Post subject:

As usual, Manfio, you have produced a delight for the eye. I particularly like the one piece maple back.
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GeeMac

MANFIO · Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2009 9:09 pm Post subject:

Thanks! I hope to have another one finished in some weeks.
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/7875988@N02/with/464604020/

kipp · Junior Member Joined: 17 Jul 2009 Posts: 11

Is that Maple local? It looks much like the west coast maple in North America.
That Scroll is just great by the way. This is what we are all trying to do.

MANFIO · Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 4:23 pm Post subject:

Yes, the back and ribs are made from North American Red Maple, not a new thing in lutherie, Rocca used it 150 years ago in Italy.

I like the sound given by Red Maple, I think it's less hard than European maple.

The scroll is made from European maple. I posted a scroll carving tutorial step by step here sometime ago.

Thanks!
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violinarius · Member Joined: 14 Dec 2007 Posts: 171

It is always an inspiration to see your work!!!
Thanks!

MANFIO · Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 6:17 pm Post subject:

You are wellcome! I've just graduated the back of the one I'm currently making.
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/7875988@N02/with/464604020/