|
|
|
|
Mr.Davis learned the majority of what he knows of the trade from Mr. Al Stancel, master maker and owner of Casa del Sol, Violins Ltd. in Indianapolis, Indiana. Other skills were developed from his extensive knowledge of materials and tool handling. He is currently
building violins based on the Dushkin Strad of 1707, and a rare
Johann Georg Thir, 1763. Whereas most players and indeed many builders
favor the general outlines and arching of the "common Strad", experience
has shown that the slightly more petite outline of the Thir, when coupled
with what most think of as Italian arching and F-hole placements yields
a violin of both power and sweetness, clarity of tone and balance, useful
in many situations ranging from solo to general concert work.
Typically, new
violins are made from the finest and most beautiful woods selected from
both domestic and European stock. Mr. Davis has had exceptional success
when using woods supplied by small producers in the American Northwest,
including Sitka Spruce from Alaska and Engleman Spruce from Oregon and
British Columbia. Most violins are tastefully shaded to eliminate the visual shock some players create when arriving at rehearsal with a "new" violin. Varnish used is created by Mr. Davis from traditional compounds and applied completely by hand, cured and rubbed to give the luster of age and the protection necessary for daily use, for a lifetime. In addition
to the lovely instruments Mr. Davis creates, he also restores and repairs
instruments giving the same care and detail that can be found in his original
work. If you are curious, take a look at the restoration
page. |
