How to Craft Violin Parts to Exact Optimal Weights

In the previous article, I introduced a method of designing a violin by calculating the optimal weight ratios for its various parts. The method is grounded in psychical phenomena called mass-frequency relationship and demonstrates how the soundboard’s surface area can be used to determine the ideal weights for the bass-bar, top plate, back plate, ribs, fingerboard, and neck, creating a harmonious balance akin to musical intervals.

This follow-up article picks up where the previous one left off, focusing on the crafting process needed to achieve these calculated optimal weights for violin parts. Here, I will explain how to craft each component—particularly the top and back plates—while ensuring both that their thicknesses align as closely as possible with those of the reference violin and that the exact target weight for each plate is precisely met.

Shaping the Top and Bottom Plates of a Violin

At this stage, we presume that the plates have already been pre-cut to match the outline and general appearance of the reference violin, so we won’t be addressing that here. Instead, our focus here is on shaping the plates to the appropriate thicknesses while at the same time precisely achieving the optimal target weight that we calculated beforehand.

When planning how to craft the top and bottom plates to meet the optimal target weights, we start with the plate thickness measurements at various points on the reference violin. Initially, however, we leave a substantial safety margin at each point, allowing for gradual adjustments. From there, we continue to evenly thin the plate from the inside, periodically weighing the plate to monitor progress. This process continues until we achieve the desired weight. Reference measurements of plate thickness and other dimensions can be found in sources such as Strad Posters or in books like Peter Biddulph: Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù.

While working with the plates, there are a few things I’d like to point out that we need to take into account.

I'll add information about these points in the very near future.