Various methods of replicating violin parts, whether for use as reference pieces or as reinforcing during restoration have been used in the workshop for many years. For reference purposes, various types of silicon materials are used to produce moulds so precise that one can see the very structure of the wood. However, for routine work, plaster is the preferred material.

Plaster moulds or casts are usually made when very frail instrument parts need precise counter forms to act as reinforcement during restoration and are made by first isolating the instrument part that is to be worked on. This part is cleaned thoroughly then lightly glued onto a backing board. The work piece is then covered with a thin protective film such as cling film, latex or silicon film. If we’re working with a very fragile belly or back plate, it will often be packed with dry rice to offer added support.

IN THE WORKSHOP: PLASTER CASTING

ALEX W GRANT VIOLINS

DECEMBER 2012 ISSUE 8

DIVERTIMENTO

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Plaster casting for string instruments

• AMEB books now in stock

• Plenty of Christmas gift ideas

• Evah Pirazzi Gold

• Chamber music evening coming soon to Hawthorn store

• Christmas holiday hours

Alex has recently completed plaster cast moulds of a violin and ‘cello. Here he explains the how and why of plaster casting.

Alex pouring the plaster into the prepared mould. The black reinforcing fabric prevents the mould from cracking after it has set.

PAGE 2 DIVERTIMENTO

A dam is then built around the work piece, liquid plaster is poured in and a reinforcing steel or carbon fibre mesh is incorporated as a strengthening safety measure. This is important if the instrument part is shattered and has to be disassembled, the plaster cast may at some point become the only reference of what the instrument originally looked like. If the cast breaks you’re in serious trouble, hence these precautions.

A wooden base is also incorporated into the cast and, again, this is a protective measure so that the cast is protected from unusual pressure points which might cause the cast to crack. The other common use for plaster casts is in reforming the distorted plates in old instruments. Particularly fine plaster products are required and, in this case, a cast of the distorted plate is made then, in a very complex process, the plaster cast is reshaped to the restorer’s best approximation of a mirror image of the original shape. The distorted plate is then gently pressed into the reshaped cast using sustained, low level heat (a little over body temperature). This process allows the wood to heat through and a thermoplastic component of the wood called lignin, which is responsible for keeping the wood firm, softens enough to allow the individual fibres of wood to move and slide relative to each other so that the whole shape can be changed under light pressure. When the work piece cools down, the lignin solidifies and again holds the wood fibres firm, but now in a reformed shape. The use of plaster has greatly enhanced the range of restorative work that can be undertaken with the result that many more great old instruments can be given a new lease on life and continue to be played and enjoyed by musicians around the world.

The violin belly vacuum sealed in silicon film ready for plaster to be poured

The completed violin plaster cast mould

AMEB BOOKS NOW IN STOCK

Alex Grant Violins now carries a complete range of AMEB books at both stores. The range includes:

• Violin Series 9 books: Preliminary—Grade 7 • Viola Series 1 books: Preliminary—Grade 6 • Cello Series 2 books: Preliminary—Grade 7 • Technical work books • Sight reading books • Violin Series 9 handbooks with recordings • Manual of Syllabuses 2013

PAGE 3 DIVERTIMENTO

A selection of CDs produced by local artists is available at both our shops. Titles include: Upside Down at the Bottom of The World instrumental music by Helen Mountfort, Streetsweeper and Nektár by Cosmo Cosmolino and After the Dark by Silo String Quartet.

Gold rosins are a special luxury for string players. The addition of gold to the rosin enables a warmer and clearer tone to be produced. Pirastro Goldflex rosin is designed for violin and viola and is particularly good in humid climates. The gold in Goldflex is distributed like glitter: a bit of bling for those who like sparkles! Larica Gold rosin is hand-made and based on the famous Liebenzeller Gold Rosin. It comes in four grades each containing a different mix of other metals, along with the gold. Grades I and II are for violin, II and III for viola and III and IV for cello.

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS!

Two special wooden Artino endpin holders are available: Resonance and Cello. Resonance is notable for its innovative design, allowing the cello to resonate more freely. Resonance is hollow on the inside, allowing vibrations from the cello to be released into the performance space from the circular sound hole on the stopper. The Cello endpin holder has been designed for greater functionality, with three different holes for the endpin: a larger one for when a rubber stopper is attached and two smaller ones for a sharper spike. Both Artino endpin holders have rubber backing and an adjustable strap that wraps around the chair leg for increased security.

Grant Violins have a number of Christmas gifts for the string player in your life...whether it be a student, teacher, colleague or yourself.

Swarovski crystal sparkling mutes are available exclusively in Australia at Alex Grant Violins. Coming in a range of colours for violin/viola and cello, these mutes are sure to impress the player and audience alike!

Alex Grant Violins also stocks a range of smaller gifts, perfect as ‘stocking stuffers’. These include musical mugs, pencils, gift cards and cute little manuscript books. Drop in to either store to see the full range of items available.

If you still can’t decide what to get, gift vouchers are available in any denomination that you desire and can be redeemed at either store.

We have recently joined Facebook. It would mean a lot to us if you would like us. Our wall is updated weekly with information and new releases, feel free to post or leave your

comments. http://www.facebook.com/grantviolins

WWW. GR ANTVI OLIN S. COM. AU

26 Smith Street Collingwood Victoria 3066

Phone: 03 9417 4930 Fax: 03 9417 4980

Email: admin@grantviolins.com.au Mon—Fri 9.00 am—6.00 pm

Sat 10.00 am—2.00 pm

556 Glenferrie Road Hawthorn Victoria

Phone: 03 9815 0603 Fax: 03 9819 5641

E-mail: hawthorn@grantviolins.com.au Mon—Fri 9.00 am—5.00 pm

Sat 10.00 am—5.00 pm

ALEX W GRANT VIOLINS

Stephen and Larissa at the Hawthorn store will be hosting a Christmas chamber music evening on Wednesday 12th December. Repertoire is to include Suk, Boccherini and other string orchestra works. If you would like to join us for the evening, please contact Stephen: hawthorn@grantviolins.com.au or (03) 9815 0603.

CHRISTMAS CHAMBER MUSIC EVENING

Both Hawthorn and Collingwood shops will close for Christmas at 2pm on Saturday 22nd December, 2012 and reopen for business at 9am Monday 7th January, 2013. We wish you, your family and your instruments a safe and happy holiday season.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS

EVAH PIRAZZI GOLD Evah Pirazzi Gold are Pirastro’s newest line of violin strings. ‘Rich volume’ is the trademark quality of these strings. There are two versions of the G string – one wound with gold and one with silver. The gold-wound G gives a round, full tone, while the silver G emphasises brightness. Currently these strings are offered only as a set at Grant Violins.