Violin Forum/Message Board

Scott S · Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 9:15 pm Post subject: Neck And End Block Sizes

Hello, 1st topic on this forum. I recognize most of the names here, so I'm sure I'll get some good help. Very Happy

I'm working up 5 different moulds of different models. I'm not concerned with "exact copies" for any of them. Some are from plans and some are drawings of customers instruments. I've been doing repairs but have not really paid attention to the sizes of various blocks.

My question is......What are good "finished" sizes (before neck fitting) for neck and end blocks? Maybe a better question is....What's too small and what's too big?

My notes and searches are all over the road and some dimensions are rough and some are finished.

Scott
_________________
As always, send lawyers, guns, and money

Michael Darnton · Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:50 pm Post subject:

I start with a bottom block that's 13-15mm x 50mm, and top block of 18 x 55mm, and knock the corners off, or round, that, not substantially changing the overall sizes in doing so.

I don't think they need to be any wider, but sometimes I think a little more depth might be OK for more grab to the top and back, in line with the string tension, which is why I increase the 13mm I was taught for the bottom to 15mm, and if the top block mortise in the mold is a little deep in that direction, I don't try to cut that away.
_________________
new blog at my site! http://darntonviolins.com/blog
my work sites: http://darntonviolins.com and http://darntonhersh.com

Scott S · Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 11:39 pm Post subject:

OK, I have already made the moulds, with suggested mortices of 17mm x 50mm at the top and 13mm x45mm at the bottom. I was sure that the bottom would be too small after contemplating the cutout.

I'll be nibbling out both of the cutouts now.

Thanks a bunch Michael,

Scott
_________________
As always, send lawyers, guns, and money