Has anybody every built their own cello?

Question

I'm thinking of doing this as I've found a luthier in Paris who's willing to provide me with the use of his workshop and lessons. He's told me to start by making a violin and then move onto a cello. Has anyone done this before? How long will it take? Years I imagine, given that I have a full time job.

I don't see why that would make Dylan hate you. Dylan loved the cello.

Answer 1

I've heard that it takes 200 to 250 hours to make a violin 300 for a viola and 400 for a cello from scratch. The majority of this time is spent carving the instrument from a solid block of wood.

I don't know if all of these hours are spent actually crafting or if some of it is down time while forming wood into shape, gluing etc. having never made one myself, but on that basis If you do it for 2 hours a week then it will translate into years. If you take a few weeks holiday you could probably knock one out.

You can buy kits which simplify the process but you would end up with a cheap violin and won't learn any of the skills or true craftmanship required to produce a Stradivari.

William Bartruff takes his violin making very seriously indeed. In fact, having perused his website this evening while researching your question, I would say that he takes violin making to the kind of extreme that borders on the insane. The link below gives step by step instructions on how to make a violin and a list of the equipment you would need. I am assuming that the first item on the list is not for consumption while waiting for glue to set or varnish to dry but I like this guy's style. He clearly has a very good grasp of the English language. Almost makes me want to have a go myself :

http://www.bartruff.com/howto.php

Answer 2

No. I haven't. That would reall make Dylan (see screen name) hate me...

Answer 3

no but good luck