Absolutely true Olaf ! These days there is NO Apprentiship training. No-One undergoes the rigorous training that such expertise demands ! The way certain woods react to shaping, cutting and as you say segmental or slab cutting , [through and through], Even to the Gluing and Varnishing of the finished instrument. History has a lot to answer for ! Have a VERY Prosperous New Year 2024 ! Take care, Stu xx
A little over two years ago I began learning, I found your channel right about that time. About six months into learning I was looking to upgrade my violin, your videos and guidance were an amazing resource to knowing what to look for. The violin I went with is a beautifully figured one piece back with the neck, ribs, and scroll coming from the same slab with matching figuring. More importantly it is comfortable and a joy to play with a sound that grows with me, it hit all the major points you highlight. Speaking from myself, you have a unique and positive impact on my journey as an adult learner. Whenever you’re having a bad day, just remember people like me you have impacted on their journey!
Thank you for your kind feedback... Believe it or not I had one of those days yesterday so I really appreciate your comment. All the best on your journey 🙏🏼
I totally agree!! My violin is from Master Olaf and she is gorgeous. I hurt my knee not long ago and have been limited in my ability to get out much, but my music is always here and ready and my violin is right there. I love practicing it and taking my mind off the cold winter and knee discomfort. I can't thank master Olaf enough!
I appreciate your emphasis on the extreme importance of Bullet Proof Coffee in the proper set up, repair, and adjustment of violins. Proper appreciation of BBC is a rule that I follow religiously. And I never stray. One of the other violin repair channels promotes the use of tea and it makes me wonder how much of the violin repair information I can trust.
Hi Olaf, welcome back. A few years ago I saw an actual red violin and it had dark or black grain. It didn't look tacky, it was very beautiful. I didn't have an opportunity to ask the owner what stain was used to obtain such a beautiful shade of red. Years before that I saw an old upright piano which had the same shade of red stain or varnish with black grain and it too looked exquisite instead of tacky. Someone told me the name of the stain was Red Cherry but I was already familiar with that stain and it does not produce the shade of red stain I saw on the piano and violin. I think that the piano was produced circa 1905-10. I don't know what year the violin was made. The shade of red was perhaps the colour of new raspberry, it was distinctly a shade of red. Do you have any idea what kind of stain or varnish can produce such a colour? Yes, I saw the movie the Red Violin but that story has no connection to my experience. I have seen that colour of red on more than one piano but it's very rare and I've seen it only on one violin. Thank you.
Hey olaf! I'm currently training at newark school for violin making and repairs. Hypothetically: would you be looking for an apprentice for the summer holiday? I can give you exact dates if so :-)
Hi Crystal, Could you please email us with details on our contact form on my website? A little bit about yourself, how long you've been and dates etc. olafgrawertviolinstudio.com/contact/
I very much enjoy your videos. My day job is as a scientist. I woodwork (traditional joinery and furniture) evenings and weekends. I have no complaints about the day job and enjoy it most of the time. If I had to do it all over again and couldn’t be a scientist, I think I would be a luthier. Love making wooden objects and the thought of it producing an instrument that could bring pleasure to folks is irresistible. Is it hard to get formal training; not planning to do so, just curious.
Olaf, have you heard of mixing casein with calcium and a little water and applying a couple layers to the inside and outside top and bottom plates of the violin prior to putting on oil varnish so that the oil varnish does not penetrate too deeply into the wood. I was communicating with a luthier who does this and, prior to gluing the top and bottom plates onto the violin he returns it after applying the oil varnish because it's slightly changes the tone and he graduates the plates just a little to adjust for the oil varnish. Do you know anything about this? I guess Stradivarius used to use this technique
I really appreciate you. I was at the music store where I teach and I was able to share some facts about violins and how to make them have the best sound. It’s great to be able to share not only with my fellow workers but with my students also.
Hi Olaf, my name is Dr Wayne Tucker and I'm a theoretical physicist and I have always wanted to create my own violin, much like a master painting but instead of maple and spruce. I thoroughly enjoy your episodes and have picked up many good nuggets of information useful for the project. My violin is nearly complete, and it's been quite difficult as I am very handicapped with Parkinson's. As i also have problems speaking, I decided to design a system that allows me to talk through my violin. What advice would you give to someone making a talking violin? Does it need to be soft or hard, loud or weak in its tone and projection. So far I've tried to give it make a clear sound that will project. My goal, I have always wanted to play and I love the tone and technique. Is there any suggestions for practice and end goal for the beginner.
Wow Dr. Tucker. Great achievement. I am a beginner again myself. I have one of Master Olaf's violins. I would suggest long notes and scales to help you graduate into playing. Go at your own pace and don't let others judge your sound. Parkinson's is tough but my suggestion is speak with your violin with confidence. Can be soft, loud or a mix, but is your violin to speak as you would in a conversation. Music is a conversation between the composer, player and the listener. You might be both composer and player! Let your violin sing! Best wishes to you and I hope you enjoy many happy years playing your violin and music.
Do you have any online recommendations for the self taught to fill in the gaps? Apart from watching your wonderful videos that is. I make guitars and would love to try some other string instruments including the violin.
Speechless Olaf! I love the new angles in your workshop, and projects you shared! I especially love seeing your current personal violin build. You have some creative behind the scenes planning happening and it shows in the video! Excellent way to kick off the new year.!
I don’t play but im a hobbyist was a old time machinist. I watch you simply because you’re a pro and work with your hands!! Amazing a rare thing 😊 keep up the amazing job 👍
My uncle is a retired machinist and always worked with his hands. Kudos to you, good sir! May health and happiness, as well as music enrich your life for a long time. Master Olaf is amazing!!
G’day Olaf, As a random question or possibly idea for a future episode… Does bridge thickness effect the sound? I have a couple of violins, and i’ve noticed that some bridges vary in thickness. I noticed it when i put my (artino over bridge style) mute on & it sits higher on some bridges more than others.
I just bought a cracked violin, and the back and belly are twice the thickness they should be The back averages 6mm. I am recarving them. Even the sides are 1 mm too thick.
ur the best olaf,,, i have a nice violin and had a great bow,, but i just got a 150 year old german bow from a antique shop and now my playing is way better,,,,more smooth sounding,,,,, so the question is are old bows better,,, thanks dana
Really love and appreciate your videos, Olaf! Learning about and how to apply peg paste, properly installing new strings, fixing small buzzes, are just a few things that I've learned from your videos.
glad u love ur work,, i am 62 an learning violin,, it has added so much joy to my life,, it is unbelieveable. bless u for helping so many violin players.
Love your work Olaf!!!❤
Absolutely true Olaf !
These days there is NO Apprentiship training.
No-One undergoes the rigorous training that such expertise demands !
The way certain woods react to shaping, cutting and as you say segmental or slab cutting , [through and through],
Even to the Gluing and Varnishing of the finished instrument.
History has a lot to answer for !
Have a VERY Prosperous New Year 2024 !
Take care,
Stu xx
I really enjoy seeing progress on your violin build!
A little over two years ago I began learning, I found your channel right about that time. About six months into learning I was looking to upgrade my violin, your videos and guidance were an amazing resource to knowing what to look for. The violin I went with is a beautifully figured one piece back with the neck, ribs, and scroll coming from the same slab with matching figuring. More importantly it is comfortable and a joy to play with a sound that grows with me, it hit all the major points you highlight. Speaking from myself, you have a unique and positive impact on my journey as an adult learner. Whenever you’re having a bad day, just remember people like me you have impacted on their journey!
Thank you for your kind feedback...
Believe it or not I had one of those days yesterday so I really appreciate your comment.
All the best on your journey 🙏🏼
I totally agree!! My violin is from Master Olaf and she is gorgeous. I hurt my knee not long ago and have been limited in my ability to get out much, but my music is always here and ready and my violin is right there. I love practicing it and taking my mind off the cold winter and knee discomfort. I can't thank master Olaf enough!
Haha, I love your editor- keep it all in-house!
I always enjoying starting my day by joining Olaf in a hot cuppa Joe. And today's THAT day.
I appreciate your emphasis on the extreme importance of Bullet Proof Coffee in the proper set up, repair, and adjustment of violins. Proper appreciation of BBC is a rule that I follow religiously. And I never stray. One of the other violin repair channels promotes the use of tea and it makes me wonder how much of the violin repair information I can trust.
Hey Olaf, love ur work ❤😊
Hi Olaf, welcome back. A few years ago I saw an actual red violin and it had dark or black grain. It didn't look tacky, it was very beautiful. I didn't have an opportunity to ask the owner what stain was used to obtain such a beautiful shade of red. Years before that I saw an old upright piano which had the same shade of red stain or varnish with black grain and it too looked exquisite instead of tacky. Someone told me the name of the stain was Red Cherry but I was already familiar with that stain and it does not produce the shade of red stain I saw on the piano and violin. I think that the piano was produced circa 1905-10. I don't know what year the violin was made. The shade of red was perhaps the colour of new raspberry, it was distinctly a shade of red. Do you have any idea what kind of stain or varnish can produce such a colour? Yes, I saw the movie the Red Violin but that story has no connection to my experience. I have seen that colour of red on more than one piano but it's very rare and I've seen it only on one violin. Thank you.
Hmmm I’m not ready for a violin upgrade yet but maybe when I am the Piere Lomont will be a good choice 😻
It is an excellent choice! I have one and it is a lovingly put together instrument that sounds great. Lovingly setup by our master.
While it does hurt me to see one in such a shape, it was very nice to see you working on a cello (or two)! :D
You have Black-backed Magpies. Over the ditch, my locals are White backs
I have the fourth generation now introducing their fledglings to my workshop.
Hey olaf! I'm currently training at newark school for violin making and repairs. Hypothetically: would you be looking for an apprentice for the summer holiday? I can give you exact dates if so :-)
Hi Crystal,
Could you please email us with details on our contact form on my website?
A little bit about yourself, how long you've been and dates etc.
olafgrawertviolinstudio.com/contact/
I very much enjoy your videos. My day job is as a scientist. I woodwork (traditional joinery and furniture) evenings and weekends. I have no complaints about the day job and enjoy it most of the time. If I had to do it all over again and couldn’t be a scientist, I think I would be a luthier. Love making wooden objects and the thought of it producing an instrument that could bring pleasure to folks is irresistible. Is it hard to get formal training; not planning to do so, just curious.
I think a photo of your workshop would make a great jigsaw puzzle.
Oh yes! That would be great!
Great idea!
I’d love to have an original Olaf violin. I think it’d be fun to play!
Wow, this magpie looks somewhat similar to the ones we have but sounds completely different.
Is varnish required? What would happen if an instrument was finished with mineral oil or some other type of oil only?
Olaf, have you heard of mixing casein with calcium and a little water and applying a couple layers to the inside and outside top and bottom plates of the violin prior to putting on oil varnish so that the oil varnish does not penetrate too deeply into the wood.
I was communicating with a luthier who does this and, prior to gluing the top and bottom plates onto the violin he returns it after applying the oil varnish because it's slightly changes the tone and he graduates the plates just a little to adjust for the oil varnish. Do you know anything about this? I guess Stradivarius used to use this technique
Trees DO become toilet rolls...
I really appreciate you. I was at the music store where I teach and I was able to share some facts about violins and how to make them have the best sound. It’s great to be able to share not only with my fellow workers but with my students also.
Hi Olaf, my name is Dr Wayne Tucker and I'm a theoretical physicist and I have always wanted to create my own violin, much like a master painting but instead of maple and spruce. I thoroughly enjoy your episodes and have picked up many good nuggets of information useful for the project. My violin is nearly complete, and it's been quite difficult as I am very handicapped with Parkinson's. As i also have problems speaking, I decided to design a system that allows me to talk through my violin. What advice would you give to someone making a talking violin? Does it need to be soft or hard, loud or weak in its tone and projection. So far I've tried to give it make a clear sound that will project. My goal, I have always wanted to play and I love the tone and technique. Is there any suggestions for practice and end goal for the beginner.
Wow Dr. Tucker. Great achievement. I am a beginner again myself. I have one of Master Olaf's violins. I would suggest long notes and scales to help you graduate into playing. Go at your own pace and don't let others judge your sound. Parkinson's is tough but my suggestion is speak with your violin with confidence. Can be soft, loud or a mix, but is your violin to speak as you would in a conversation. Music is a conversation between the composer, player and the listener. You might be both composer and player! Let your violin sing! Best wishes to you and I hope you enjoy many happy years playing your violin and music.
Do you have any online recommendations for the self taught to fill in the gaps? Apart from watching your wonderful videos that is.
I make guitars and would love to try some other string instruments including the violin.
Speechless Olaf! I love the new angles in your workshop, and projects you shared! I especially love seeing your current personal violin build. You have some creative behind the scenes planning happening and it shows in the video! Excellent way to kick off the new year.!
Good afternoon Olaf from the Bahamas!
love watching your content as it is always informative for someone interested in a stringed instrument
I don’t play but im a hobbyist was a old time machinist. I watch you simply because you’re a pro and work with your hands!! Amazing a rare thing 😊 keep up the amazing job 👍
My uncle is a retired machinist and always worked with his hands. Kudos to you, good sir! May health and happiness, as well as music enrich your life for a long time. Master Olaf is amazing!!
G’day Olaf,
As a random question or possibly idea for a future episode…
Does bridge thickness effect the sound?
I have a couple of violins, and i’ve noticed that some bridges vary in thickness. I noticed it when i put my (artino over bridge style) mute on & it sits higher on some bridges more than others.
I just bought a cracked violin, and the back and belly are twice the thickness they should be The back averages 6mm. I am recarving them. Even the sides are 1 mm too thick.
The insects in the background are crazy loud.
ur the best olaf,,, i have a nice violin and had a great bow,, but i just got a 150 year old german bow from a antique shop and now my playing is way better,,,,more smooth sounding,,,,, so the question is are old bows better,,, thanks dana
I want a magpie!
Keep up the good work. If you come near Portugal someday I would be honored to drink some coffee with you.
What is the point of saving this cello? Of course there might be a sentimental value of it.
Really love and appreciate your videos, Olaf! Learning about and how to apply peg paste, properly installing new strings, fixing small buzzes, are just a few things that I've learned from your videos.
Flat sawn
I appreciate all you teach us on this channel, and the love you have for players and great sounding violins. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Which strings are on the cello?
Larson
I would like to hear a cellist playing the cello😊
Sometimes, the tree DOES become a toilet roll. (Though not trees of quality to become a beautiful instrument . . . hopefully.) 😁
glad u love ur work,, i am 62 an learning violin,, it has added so much joy to my life,, it is unbelieveable. bless u for helping so many violin players.
Nice video. Really appreciated meeting your daughter. I'd really love to learn more about how your family is involved in your business.
Excellent 😉
Lovely! ❤️