Tools & Materials: Foundation for Violin Set up: Level 2
Materials:
· 1 or 2 4/4 size violins; older ones are fine IF in good shape with no repairs needed. If you’re have a violin needing a seam glued, please use another violin that’s in good shape for bridge fitting. Suppliers offer new student violins at good prices.
· 3-4 Bridge blanks, 41.5mm and/or 42mm medium grade; Despiau, Aubert, Teller, etc. Many prefer Aubert Mirecourt and some prefer Despiau 1-tree, but it’s your decision.
· Strings: decide if you want new strings (whichever make/model you choose), and if so, have them ready
· Sound Post setter, gauge, retriever, etc. if sound post falls and you want to reset it
· Peg bushings; available from suppliers (have at least 4 available)
· Glue pot, electric hot plate and small “sauce” pan w/ lid for heating hide glue flakes
Tools:
Violin knives; ¼”, ½”, ¾” sharpened and ready for use!
Block plane: many prefer old Stanley 9½, but other manufacturers offer very nice planes (see below)
Chisel; 1/8”, ¼”, ½” or wider too
Reamer (for peg holes in scroll); preferably a “straight” flute rather than spiral
Small, fine tooth saw for cutting peg bushings (see below)
Sound Post setter
Sound Post retriever
Sound Post inspection mirror
Bend-a-light, or similar light to fit into the F-holes of the violin
Mousetail file – very small (coarse)
Mousetail file – very small (fine)
Flat medium coarse file; Grobet makes nice files; Cut 2, 1, 0, 00 but you’ll only need the Cut 1 for this class
Nut files (set of 4 or 5)
Sandpaper; grits beginning with 80 up to 600 grit
Small compass dividers (preferably with metal points on both ends – not a pencil on one end)
Towel and/or “cradle” for holding/supporting violin while on bench
Digital calipers
Flexible 30 cm ruler
Rigid 12” ruler; prefer one side with metric, one side standard (U.S.A.)
Grease pencil, black (for marking bridge feet)
Grease pencil, white for marking placement of bridge; post-its, blue painter’s tape will work too for this
Soft 9 B pencil (VERY SOFT LEAD)
Alcohol lamp (denatured alcohol)
1mm or 1/16” drill bit (only used for pegs)
Power hand drill (used for pegs)
Chinrest key
Bridge template (comes in a set for Violin, Viola & Cello from bostonfiddle.com)
Scraper set (Japanese set is available from Metropolitan Music that is very good)
Parchments to protect bridge from “E” string digging in (bostonfiddle.com)
Carpenter’s Wood glue – fresh
Hide glue (flakes, not liquid)
Pallet knife – for opening a seam
Water-color brush (not too narrow, not too wide – “Goldilocks” size); used to apply hot hide glue
Chop stick – you’ll see J
Bridge lifter – optional but great to have
Magnifying glasses (Opti-visor, etc.) used for close up work
Peg compound (Hill or other is fine)
Pencil
Paper towels, soft cotton rags
Optional tools/materials:
Sharpening stones
Diamond stones
Violin polish
0000 Steel Wool
Spray Shellac (yellow can)
Suppliers (& others):
Metropolitan Music
Woodcraft Tool Supply
Lie Nielson Toolworks
Lee Valley Tools
International Violin
Connolly Music
Stewart McDonald
Violintools.com
Hardware stores
Howard Core
Contact Metropolitan Music for a complete pre-packaged “toolbox” for purchase at a discount. When you call, they can help guide your questions. sales@metmusic.com, (866) 846-5461. Other suppliers may offer similar packages if you ask.
