The art of the Purfling
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- Crafting the purflings onto the violin represents a pinnacle of delicacy in the construction process. These intricate inlays not only frame and elevate the instrument but also serve as the distinctive autograph of the violin maker, adding a unique touch to each creation.
The violin showcased in this video draws inspiration from the masterful works of Maestro Gaetano Sgarabotto, an esteemed Italian violin maker of the early 20th century. Maestro Sgarabotto's legacy extends to the founding of the Violin Making School of Parma in 1928, influencing generations of craftsmen.
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What a beautiful story ♥️
Thank you
I bought a student violin recently for $50 and it has real purfling, a solid one piece flamed maple back and real ebony tuning pegs, nut, tailpiece and fingerboard. i am thinking that i got a very good price on it because the craftmanship is very well made in germany, it is a student model which was made in 1990 and it has such a good sound. amazing to see the real purfling on and how time consuming it is.
I'm just a lowly guitar player who builds as a hobby and this video taught me many things. All the guitar tutorials I've watched show the use of power tools but I've never felt comfortable with them. It turns out that somewhere along the line I picked up a pair of violin purfling tools in the hope that I could find a workaround but was asking in the wrong community on how to use them. Now I know. Thank you! You've probably saved my next build and given me the courage to fix the mistakes I've made on the previous ones!
I really like your method of holding the plate on a board (@9:20), that makes the process so much more ergonomic.
As decorative as it is, Purfling is primarily to enhance the structural integrity of the instrument. The inlaid wood protects the edges, and keeps the violin shape in check from warping or distorting. Think of it as a delicate, but strong, embrace.
Absolutely, your insight is spot on! While purfling indeed adds a decorative element to the violin, its primary function is structural.
The attention to purfling is indeed a distinctive and revealing aspect of a violin maker's craftsmanship. It's often in the meticulous placement and execution of these details that one can discern the dedication, skill, and artistry of the maker.
@@iottivibe-violinmakers If it's for structural function, why quite a bit of the inlaid purfling gets carved away?
@@AllisGoodThankGoodness Because it has to be flush with the surface of the soundboard. It's obviously slightly thicker than the groove.
És uma grande artista parabéns pelo seu trabalho
The internal arches can be copied from Italian violins, since air is also a resonator. And the external thicknesses of the decks can be adjusted so that the decks reproduce the same frequencies as the decks of Italian violins.
Strangely hypnotic
I'd be so afraid of one cut too many. This lass knows her game. Very calming to watch....
Attention to the purfling tells me so much about the violin maker. One of my favorite details. ❤
Absolutely! The attention to purfling is indeed a distinctive and revealing aspect of a violin maker's craftsmanship. It's often in the meticulous placement and execution of these details that one can discern the dedication, skill, and artistry of the maker. I'm glad to hear it's one of your favorite details. ❤️🎻
If there's anything specific that stood out to you or if you have any questions, feel free to share.
Your appreciation is truly valued!
Purfling adds immensely to the strength of the face pieces to prevent splitting and breakage at the edges. The violin is, after all, a box that is under extreme pressure from the strings and bridge.
What' I see here is love, devotion and patience. Very fine work indeed. Thank you for sharing.
Your words truly warm the heart, and I'm grateful for your appreciation.
Indeed, love, devotion, and patience are often integral elements in the creation of fine works, and it's wonderful to hear that those qualities resonated with you in the video.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, and I'm glad I could share this work with you.
If you have any more reflections or questions, feel free to express them.
@iottivibe-violinmakers Hello,
Now it's my turn to be very touched by your warm and kind reply. Thank you very much indeed for having answered so generously.
As it happens, I was a cabinet maker and furniture restorer for nearly 40 years, so the hand and the eye are very important to me. As I did do a little bit of work with a violin maker in Brighton, England (Dominic Excel) in the eighties, some of the procedures I am (modestly) familiar with. I remember a personal project I had in my workshop- a beautiful decorative tea box, in Tunbridge Ware. It was a challenge, to say the least! Something like like 7 filets, just to make a pattern barely 2.7 mm wide!
I find the violin a fascinating, almost diabolical instrument. However I'm better versed in piano music, and did spend some time devoting myself to piano restoration.
I wish you much joy and happiness in your wonderful domain of instrument making.
Best regards,
Ralph
Greetings from France.
Very few things iv ever seen on a screen have touched me like this particular video. Life is beautiful.
I'm deeply moved by your comment. It's incredibly rewarding to hear that the video had such a profound impact on you. Life's beauty can indeed be found in unexpected places, and I'm glad this piece resonated with you. If you have any thoughts or reflections you'd like to share about what specifically touched you, I'd love to hear more. Thank you for taking the time to express your feelings.
@iottivibe-violinmakers If I had to put my finger on it first Its the background melody Than secondly the personal connection with the subject matter plays a great part, i enjoy handtool wood work, art, and particular wood grains are so beautiful they're touching. Instrument crafting is something in particular I always thought as art . I see that crafting quality instruments and working intricate grain as a stronghold for handtool woodwork. Some processes which are very focus driven,engaging, and rewarding when doing so. I believe those are sentiments most that appreciate wood craft could agree with. For me personally I was inspired to listen to more similiar music and carve an ocarina specially because that seemed like the project I would be satisfied with my current abilities to create. I treated my wood working as a time to learn and practice to create beautiful gifts. Aswell as career . Always thought if you do what makes you happy you'll never fail. And it had rung true. The failures I experience in this are all successes as I learn from my mistakes. I imagine all these things for alot of other wood workers. And the complexity of their life's along with a good tune. Made me feel the way I did to leave that comment. ✌️
I watched this for inspiration and to awake an old dream to make a Talharpa. After seeing your fine work I'm looking forward to every single movement of the process
Beautiful! Thank you for creating beauty, both in the violin and the violin itself!
How satisfying and thankful work must that be to make such craft(wo)manship into a form of art ❤ thank you for sharing this beautiful video with me ❤👍👍
Thank you sincerely for your heartwarming comment! It's truly gratifying to know that the intricate craftsmanship of violin making resonates as a form of art for you. Your appreciation fuels our passion for this craft.
If you're interested in delving deeper into the world of violin making or exploring additional captivating content, we invite you to visit our website. There, you'll find more in-depth information and exclusive resources. Your support means a lot to us, and we're grateful to have shared this beautiful video with you.
Increíble ver a una mujer con esa natural paciencia, ciencia, creatividad, arte......, la genialidad no depende del género o la edad...felicitaciones por su asociación artística.... abundancia, prosperidad, amor, salud, alegría, armonía,...para ud y su familia ...hare krishna
Thank you for your beautiful and encouraging words! It's true, genius transcends gender and age, and it's wonderful to witness individuals excelling in their art regardless of these factors.
May your well-wishes of abundance, prosperity, love, health, joy, and harmony also reflect in your life and that of your loved ones.
Exquisite craftsmanship!
Bravo!
Beautiful precise work.
beautiful work
😊
Very nice.
Beautiful hands at work! So lovely!
És uma mulher linda ❤
wow cutting the purfling channels for a violin looks so much less stressful than routing the binding/purfling channels for a guitar lol. looks very relaxing. i love watching all the different methods of all kinds of luthiers and how they go about the craft. great work!
Thank you! It is quite relaxing although it takes a steady and firm hand to cut the channel deep enough especially on the maple back. I usually have to do the channel one day and then inlay the purfling the next, because after cutting the channel my hands are too shaky from the tension built up. Haha
@@iottivibe-violinmakers that's interesting. You make it look so easy haha. The experience certainly shows.
@@hartleyshandcrafted Thanks !
Beautiful video and I love the coffee break ❤
More videos please!
Superb quality of craftsmanship, and beautiful video, thanks so much - very enjoyable to watch.
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed!
If you have any specific details you'd like to explore or suggestions for future content, please feel free to share. Your feedback is valuable to me, and I appreciate the positive experience. Thanks again!
Maravilhoso 🥰🥰😍👏👏👏
Bealtful
Sharp tools!!
Beautiful work, so good to watch
Thank you so much! I'm thrilled to hear that you found the work beautiful and enjoyed watching the process. If there's anything specific that stood out to you or if you have any questions, feel free to share.
Your appreciation is truly valued!
Fantástic!!
Thank you!
Lovely
Thank you
I noticed you work in the quiet. People sometimes ask, "How can you work in complete silence?" ❤
Working in silence can indeed be a unique and personal preference. It allows for a certain level of focus and concentration, creating a tranquil environment that some find conducive to their creative process.
It's as if the absence of external noise allows the inner thoughts and creativity to flourish undisturbed. It's not about the absence of sound, but the presence of a serene canvas for one's thoughts and work to unfold. Each creator has their own rhythm, and for some, that rhythm harmonizes best in the quiet cadence of their own thoughts.
Estou encantada com seu trabalho
Very clean work. I'm impressed.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm truly happy that you appreciated the clean work.
If there are specific details you'd like to discuss or if there's anything else you'd like to see, feel free to share your ideas. Your feedback is important to me, and I genuinely appreciate that you noticed and enjoyed the attention to detail in the work.
Bonjour, quel précision dans les gestes 😮… merci de nous faire partager ces instants d’arts.. 🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼❤️
Bonjour ! Merci beaucoup pour votre commentaire encourageant. Je suis ravi(e) que vous ayez apprécié la précision des gestes dans la vidéo. C'est un plaisir de partager ces moments artistiques avec vous.
Si vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur notre travail ou découvrir d'autres contenus exclusifs, n'hésitez pas à visiter notre site web. Vous y trouverez des informations approfondies et des ressources supplémentaires. Merci de votre soutien ! 😊
❤❤❤
Very nice purflings! i would like to see you carve a scroll, and i guess i am not the only one.
Thank you for your kind words about the purflings! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed that aspect of the video. Your interest in seeing the process of carving a scroll is wonderful, and it's clear that many share that curiosity.
Carving a scroll is a highly intricate and captivating part of violin making, and I'm definitely considering featuring it in an upcoming video. Your feedback is invaluable, and I'm always open to suggestions for content that resonates with viewers like you.
If you have specific details you'd like to see in the scroll carving process or if you have any other suggestions for future videos, please feel free to share. Your input guides the content creation, and I appreciate your support! Stay tuned for more, and thank you for being a part of this journey! 🎻👍
Wonder what's the name of background musi? It's so good
You would think they would have used a violin solo for this video! LOL!
As soon as I saw the espresso pot brewing, I knew-made in Italy by old world craftsman.
Beautiful work. Most people dont understand how much skill with tools and knowledge of the materials goes into producing works like these! I just want to point out that in the description it says "spiked your interest" i think you mean "piqued"...had to say it, sorry. Greetings from Canada
"spiked your interest" is ok; a bit stronger than "piqued"
Thank you so much for your kind words and appreciation! I'm thrilled you enjoyed the work. And thank you for catching that slip in the description-I appreciate the correction.
Greetings from Parma to Canada! 🍁
I took class in violin assembly , spent a day in laying purfling I gave myself a C- I will never look at violins same way again ....I intend to build another soon and improve what I learned. And take my time ...NOT 5 days worth 10:46 watching purfling match at the stingers and tapping it in is satisfaction
It's great that you're planning to build another and take the time to enhance your skills. Remember, the journey of craftsmanship is often as valuable as the end result. Best of luck with your future violin-building endeavors, and may the next one be a masterpiece! 🎻🔨
Such a wonderful piece of work and such beautiful music. I'm building my first viola and I love being in my studio. Thank you so much.
Your enthusiasm is truly heartwarming! It's fantastic to hear that!
If you ever want to share more about your progress or have any questions along the way, feel free to reach out.
美しい🎵
Absolutely exquisite 👌 a pleasure to watch a true craftswoman at work.
Another pleasing thing was to see pfeil chisels being used, I absolutely love using mine and yes I have a few, they are just perfection.
It's amazing what you can do with wood 🪵 love it.
I’m more interested in tonal adjustment via the base bar and sound post.
Bravo kompliment
Grazie mille!
The inlay is made of what? I just wondered
Máster!
thank you very much, it is an honor to be called masters!
молодец
Purflection.
I have the same tool, but the gap between blades is greater than the width of my purfling. Do you cut one line at a time? Or how do you deal with this ‘to wide’ gap between the blades?
So the way I resolve this issue is to switch up the way the blades are turned, if I turn it one way it fits generally for violins and if i turn it the other way it fits for cellos. I would suggest you to try that and if that does not help I would grind one side of the blade slightly. Hope that helps :)
Does anyone know the music?
Such a beautiful video.❤️
Just a question, what does it take to become a violin maker. Are there institutions that teach that?
Thank you so much! Sorry for the late response! Well it very much depends on where you are in the world, because the way schools are structured differs greatly from country to country. Most European countries have violin making schools and there are several ones in the US as well. I am not too informed on how the situation is outside of Europe however. Can I ask where you would like to study? Then I might be able to advise you better. Best regards :)
May i know why purflings are added? Does it have a functional purpose?
Shock absorber, keeps minor edge bumps from becoming cracks, progressing further into the top
Can violin shape be different or if it's not this classic style it wont make proper sounds?
No it won't.
Well it could potentially be different in shape, however you have to respect the way the traditional violin vibrates and resonates, if you want it to be adapted to classical music. Especially an orchestra instrument has to blend in with all the rest in terms of sound and the musicians also rely on a certain consistency if they have to study a piece of music written with a certain sound in mind. Hope that answered your question. :)
Great skills young lady. One slip and it’s easy to mess up what you are working on.
This work must be so time consuming and you need great patience and perseverance. 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️
and that is what I lack. I am retired military and expect things NOW!! But I try my best.
Thank you!
Now you know why good violins are expensive ! I just wonder what the purpose of the first pass (with the wooden tool) is.
Absolutely! The craftsmanship involved in making high-quality violins is truly intricate, contributing to their value.
The wooden tool used in the first pass has a crucial purpose. It is used to draw the outline of the purfling with a pencil tip
✋👏👌
thanks!
Where did you purchase the tool for scoring the wood for setting in the purfling? Thank you
International violin supply...nice people
Are you working at Scrollevezza’s shop? Or school?
Hi, we have our own workshop in Parma, a few years ago we studied at the Scrolavezza school
Can you tell me what xacto knife you use?
Где можно купить такой инструмент для чистки канала?
Is that leather you insert into the groove? What kind of glue is it?
I believe it's wood that is inserted. Hide glue is used in violin making.
It is purfling. That is what this video is all about.
It is indeed made of wood. Usually three layers of maple having the outer layers tinted black.
Damn who else thought that was hide glue. Not coffee......
Oh, absolutely! Because nothing says craftsmanship like a good ol' cup of coffee glue.
I did for a few seconds untill i recognized the percolator.
Just my kind of job. My second name is Patience.
🤣
This was great to watch. Thank you.
But the cabinet knobs at the end through me for a loop. All that attention to detail with the violin carcass, but when you put it away, the cabinet knobs looked way off, just saying.
I appreciate your feedback, and I'm glad you enjoyed watching the process!
It's always interesting to hear different perspectives, and I appreciate your attention to detail. Sometimes, even the smallest elements can make a big difference in the overall aesthetic.
Your observation about the cabinet knobs is duly noted, and it's a reminder that every aspect of a creation contributes to the final impression.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! If there's anything specific you'd like to discuss or if you have more feedback, feel free to let me know.
@@iottivibe-violinmakers I know I shouldn't be so picky, but as a builder, I am paid (and expected) to notice things like that. I wish I had your fine motor skills to do that kind of detail work. The soundtrack was a pleasure to listen to also.
i really wish i could learn from you...
Surprised she does not wear gloves to prevent natural skin oils from marking the wood
En fornøjelse at se dig i gang 🌹
Lovely. I would enjoy it more without music. Thanks for sharing!
thanks you!
I vote for the music.
Beer and tea
Hello, where did you buy the small chisel that you use at minute 2:10 to remove the wood from the channel? The one I bought was 2 mm wide and I had to reduce it with the grinder to 1.2 mm. Thank you very much
And I thought only wrinkled old men built violins!
🎸📽️
ua-cam.com/video/9wH2qKdaziY/v-deo.htmlsi=HYZ2Hsr5DWcbToqt
🙏😍
The background music made it difficult to watch the complete video.
I kiss your hands.
beautiful video... subbed... if you do merch and make a coffee cup with your logo available... reply to this comment telling my you have... and i will add it to my collection. better craftsmanship than most... by a large measure.. you have what it takes. reply not because you need the rediculess 20 bucks plus they charge for a coffee cup... but to know.. your logo is in my cabinet... where it belongs... with all the other hero youtubers i could get a cup from.
at 7:22 which size is that gouge? and that gouge, is that 22,5degrees?
It depends on the type of visual effect we want to obtain, in this case we use a 7/14 gouge, other times 5/20
thank you!!@@iottivibe-violinmakers