My first homemade Instrument (that is not 3d printed)! A vielle/fidel that uses violin parts.

3 years ago by alleycat to c/luthier

The mensur is identical to that of a violin, as is fingerboard, bridge curvature, and general instrument size. Currently it's stringed with 1/2 viola strings, tuned C-G-D-A. Body and neck are carved from a single block of maple. No soundpost, only a bass bar. After varnishing, I'll attach a standard violin chinrest and Wittner integrated shoulder rest, so it can be played like a regular violin.

ModernRisk 4 points 3 years ago

Well done!

Are you able to play the Violin as well? I want to learn it however, unable to do due to hear damage and tinnitus.

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alleycat 3 points 3 years ago

Thanks!

I can play violin a bit (first position, without vibrato- which covers a lot of folk and medieval songs). Had to quit lessons due to the pandemic and have been practicing with books since then.

I have hearing damage as well, albeit only one sided. The right ear still works well, and I still have bone conduction through the chin rest. Have you tried hearing aids?

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ModernRisk 2 points 3 years ago

Nice but unfortunately that you had to quit due pandemic. Hope the practice with books works well!

Got a similar situation. Got hear damage on my left side (lost 80%). However also got tinnitus on the right side.

I went to my GP and he told me, it is better not to practice/ learn violin due to possible of losing more hearing my left side (even possible of becoming 100% deaf).

So I’m quite scared to risk it.

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BottleOfAlkahest 2 points 3 years ago

Beth overnight was famously deaf! You may be able to find a teacher willing to work with even if it's just online

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MeVoyAlSur 3 points 3 years ago

Looks great! Do you use the 3d printer to create tools? I'm thinking on getting one.

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alleycat 2 points 3 years ago

Yes, the router templates, glueing clamps and two dozen jigs and templates I used are all 3d printed. 100% worth it.

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Jakdracula 3 points 3 years ago

Are there any audio samples hanging around? I’d very much like to hear a mensur.

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alleycat 1 point 3 years ago

I'll post a sample after varnishing (which might take a while)

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