Violin Forum/Message Board

Mat Roop · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 9:08 pm Post subject: Cedar Bass bar

I found a nice block of staright and tight grain cedar (approx 25 grains/in) in my old wood scrap bin. It looks like it could make about 4 nice violin bass bars.
Is there any reason why cedar would not work reasonably well as a bass bar for rebuilding factory violins?
If so, because it is lighter, should the final dimensions of the bar be a little fatter?
Cheers, Mat

Dave Chandler · Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2011 1:54 pm Post subject: Cedar Bass Bar

I've used cedar, did not detect a difference, but back then I didn't know what I was doing, maybe still don't.

My thoughts would be to take two blanks, one cedar and one spruce (or white pine or whatever you traditionally use), exactly same length width and height. Then see what it takes to make the cedar match the tap tone of the pine/spruce. It may give you an idea of what adjustment you might want to make to your cedar bar.
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Southern Violin Association

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