Hershey Violins Instrument Production.

Central Pennsylvania Violin Maker Scott W. Hershey’s, instrument production line up is taking shape. I am in the final stages of plate tuning, final surface detailing and soon to begin the varnishing process on this years group of instruments. Then, the final polishing-out and set up will follow. If you would be interested in purchasing a violin or viola from this years harvest, please contact me by email or phone to be added to my customer list. Below, I have included photos of these instruments, along with some out takes of the tuning and varnishing process for your review.

Backs of instruments, awaiting final finishing details.
Fronts of instruments in the process of final plate tuning, "F" hole carving and bass bar carving and tuning.
Inside thickness carving (graduating) of a top plate. This thickness will determine the proper pitch and stiffness of the top. A series of tap tones are performed while this "graduating" process takes place. This same graduating process is also performed on the back plates

The careful removal of wood in just the right spot is critical during this tuning process.
A series of tap tones are performed while the "graduating" process takes place.
The thickness in certain areas of the top will determine the proper pitch and stiffness of the top. A series of careful measurements are taken during the tuning process using a thickness caliper.

After the instrument's top and back plates are properly tuned, the "FF" holes are properly placed and cut-in and the bass bar fitted and tuned. Then, the instrument is glued together where the term "in the white" comes from. This photo shows the final "scraping" and detailing around the "F" holes and any other surface requiring touch-up that may affect the look of the varnish.
Final detailing is taking place on the scroll.
The varnishing process is a multi-stepped process taking may hours to complete. The process begins with a plate sealer, isolating the varnish from the wood.

My spirit varnish is completely hand-made in my shop and hand brush applied. Each varnish coat is hand sanded between coats. When the final color is achieved, the instrument is hand-rubbed to a final gloss finished.
Careful consideration of sound post placement, bridge cutting and string height adjustments are critical in determining an instruments final sound production and playability.


 

scott-viewing-violin

Hershey Violins

11 West Main Street
Mechanicsburg, Pa 17055
717.697.6341

Shop Hours:

Tue. thru Fri: 11am – 5pm
Saturday: 10am – 3pm
Other hours by appointment
call: 717. 697. 6341