So. CA Workshop: Kudos to Jim B. and Michael D.! Options

[Melving]

It sounds great!...A credit to the organisers and participants alike!

[M_A_T_T]

Is Michael left handed?

[Michael Darnton]

That's a funny question, and what makes you ask? It was a topic of discussion because, in fact, I'm a leftie/switch hitter, depending on what I'm doing.

. . . . Oh, I see---new picture added.....

[M_A_T_T]

The picture Jim posted has you sketching with your left hand....I'm left handed and just find it an interesting thing to learn about people because of the much smaller, and usually more artistic, majority of us. I discovered about month ago my sister's boyfriend of 3-4 years is left handed.

[Michael Darnton]

I think lefties have to be more versatile, just to get by. Also, we tend to die in accidents more (because we tend to respond the opposite of what the other side expects?), but we won't talk about that, will we?

[Jim_B]

More to wet your appetites



Now that's Anya on the 1714 Strad, Sam on the 1742 del Gesu, Chet on the Bergonzi and Dr. Sloane
on Chet's viola in a country/bluegrass fest.

Michael's got the sound bytes.



True Serenity,

Jim

[COB3]

I only WISH that were "Chet on the Bergonzi"-- the Bergonzi went home with its owner, and that is my #3 fiddle (Dolphin copy) that I am playing (attempting to play). :-)

[Jim_B]

Oops! If you say so. I was pretty sick that first week and wasn't altogether there. That was Todor who brought the Begonzi and he had left by this time.

Jim

[Jim_B]

A few more from week one






I'll send a post a few from week two shortly and the rest will be posted to my website in the near future.

J. Brown Website

Jim

[Jim_B]

Here's some week two stuff. Week two was centered on Scroll/Pegbox/Neck/Fingerboard issues along with the numerous other topics which were dealt with including neck sets. The general concensus was that a week of set-up was needed so next year, we'll be looking at a three week workshop with set-ups and possibly some restoration added. J-

Enjoy-

[Cassi]

wow, now i know why Michael D. is so awesome! he's left-handed!
 



cassi  



(who rarely did anything right-handed except shifting gears until
taking up the violin! being left-handed, i always notice other
people who are!) 

[Cassi]

oh, ok, looks like 10 other people noticed it too! i guess i should
read all the way to the end before i post!  



by-the-by, how much prior experience do you need for the set-up
workshop? does it involve power tools? i would be really interested
in taking that, if you could learn it from the beginning and only
work with hand tools...i would just need to somehow save up 3 weeks
vacation!



cassi  

[COB3]

I'm pretty sure he meant that the set-up portion would be one of the three weeks.

[Michael Darnton]

For this workshop, you were supposed to have some violin work under your belt, but two and two-halves people were completely new to it. The disadvantage is that you can't accomplish what the others will do, but I don't at all mind dealing with people where they are, if they don't mind waiting for me to get to them. I'm truely not sure how that would work for the setup class (which would be one of the three weeks). But there's a year to think about it. :-)

[Cassi]

quote:

---

Originally posted by: COB3 I'm pretty sure he
meant that the set-up portion would be one of the three
weeks.

---

oh, that would be even better! i definitely could manage a
week!



thanks for the info!



cassi  

[Cassi]

Michael,



thanks for the info! it's true, it's a year away, i get too excited
about stuff!  



are there power tools involved at all in the set-up portion?





thanks!

cassi  

[Michael Darnton]

No.

[Anya]

I was a participant in week one (standing next to Jim in the group photo) and it was just plain great. Hanging out with other luthier geeks was a rare treat, and the setting, instruction, food, organization, schedule, etc. were all first class. Plus, it was fun -- kind of like a working vacation in the best sense. I was especially impressed with the progress made by those who were building their first violins. Michael really helped to facilitate high level work, and has a great skill for teaching to whatever level you're at. Regardless of prior experience, I'd say everyone found the workshop to be a very enriching experience. A group of fun and smart people gathered around an interest in violins/ violin making... what could be better? Big thanks to Jim and Michael -- and hello to my new buddies out there...

[COB3]

And for those who missed it; hearing Anya play Cajun fiddle on a genuine 1714 Strad, and sing in French is really something special. :-) Probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Anya, I have forgotten the name of your current band association, and where the CD's are available(?)

[beneviolins]

As the least experienced participant at the workshop, I want to
express my appreciation for Jim. His efforts, and Michael's
generous dissemination of information bridged a gap for me between
the impossible and the possible.



Jim provided for our every need while playing host in the most
encouraging and gracious manner. I believe the success of his event
is best measured by the fact that we each received input
appropriate for our varying skill sets and agendas.  Combine
this with power tools, sharpening stations, tools available for
purchase, great lighting, resource information, comradery, housing
and great food and you've got a huge success.



I will always appreciate the caliber of this beginning to my new
endeavor.

Jennifer