Gaspard da Salo

Gaspard da Salo, Brecia, , lived and worked from 1555-1610. His early instruments were said to be "violas" and "tenors", not always of four strings. Violins came later! Maple/sycamore was used as well as pear wood for the backs.  Heron-Allen tells of a light-brown amber varnish preference.Labels are not dated making instrument histories less definite!

This maker was selected at Violins of Plymouth to be a primary candidate for a viola reproduction. Amber-gold was chosen for the varnish.

This instrument is a fine viola with  satisfying, mello voice! Pegs are inlaid with MOP. F-holes are characteristic of da Salo. As with Maggini, the book on Brecian makers was closed in the mid 17th century with the onset of the plague! A resumption of luthier product and art will occur in Cremona.

Violins of Plymouth first post!

Violins of Plymouth first post!

The Violins of Plymouth blog begins here.....

Time out from violin making for the "first blog post" describing the first ten years of my violins and violas. Blogspot looks good for a blogging tool. I have lots of photos of fiddles in various states of fabrication. And lots of help in digital photography and blogging. Many friends expect this blog and are interested in specific instruments! Your suggestions and questions will help as there are so many pithy topics.

Violins are about 500 years old in western Europe. As they were introduced and became capable, virtuoso players performed and great composers wrote! Violin design progressed to meet new requirements and to utilize better materials, all good blog topics!

Now, which blog topics should I include? Maybe, how and why I started. What space and "shop tools" did I need? What materials including wood and varnish should be used? Next, how do I choose a candidate reproduction. What is an early violin? Which makers are interesting? How do I match oil finishes? Arching? F-holes? Scrolls? What strings should be considered?

Stay tuned for lots more!