The next day, I lay my pattern against the side of new 'bar and draw a pencil line somewhat oversize.
I use violin making planes to quickly bring shape down to the pencil line, always working with the grain.
The next step is to begin final shaping, all the while taping the bar on top and comparing to 213 HZ tuning of Top Plate.( It will sound in harmony with...)
Gradually round the top of the bar and dish it unit the bar taps the same as the tuned plate at all points along its length. In this way the sound being transmitted is in acoustical balance with each part of the top plate it is transfering sound to.
..The bass bar is to be tuned to 188HZ all along its length. Please see main website "Bass Bar"
for latest dimensions.
..
Top view of completed top plate and (in this case) angled bass bar. Remember, the bass bas must follow the grain of the top plate but be shifted in toward the centerline 1/20" at the top and out 1/20" at the bottom of the plate (center the ends). 10 1/2" is about the correct length for traditional grain orientation, here I am using a length slightly because of the grain angle.
This violin (Opus # 16) spent the next 30 days in a special reflective box which has two 20 watt ultra violet fluorescent light bulbs on, 24 hours a day. (with pan of water in bottom so as to prevent excessive drying out) {see "Useful Tools" section for details}
Note how much the back plate has already darkened since it was put in when it was completed.(it used to be just as white as top plate added nearby)
In this manner, both the inside wood and out side surfaces benefit from UV treatment. ..Some say this does wonderful things for the instrument tone.
My guess is that this is equivalent to 6 months hanging in the sun in a warm climate.
Modified 1/2021
Page O16C_53
..The layout position of bass bar for traditional bass bar: First, establish the centerline of the plate marked on inside. Second, center the bass bar on graduated portion of plate; inner edge is 0.442" over at top and 0.542" over at bottom.
