Violin_Arching_Patterns

   A reader asked me my opinion on violin plate arching and where to find plans for same:
   You should probably find the pattern for a famous (successful) violin that you want to copy (imitate) and then use the arching patterns that were used on that violin. A good set of plans will include the arching patterns.
   There were two basic shapes for Italian violins:
   The first style is patterned after the Amati violins which Stradivarius followed at first (he was trained in their shops). These give a full arch to the plates (which also increases the inside air volume). This is my favorite shape so it is the one I chose. Stradivarius used this fuller plate arching until perhaps the mid 1720's.
   Late in his vioin making carreer he started using a flatter arching pattern (perhaps to increase the power for larger auditoriums). So his violins of the 1740's are of this flatter type.
  The best violins from this golden period of Italian violin making (say 1670 - 1745 A.D.) that are being used today by the best concert artists seem to be split between the two arching patterns. So I would suggest you pick the one that appears most handsome to you and closely copy that.
   As for patterns, the Edward Herrin-Allen book ("Violin Making as it Was, and Is", (c) 1890) has a patten of each arching style with careful plans and patterns for each arching curve. I have gotten this book on Inter-Library loan for the price of postage. It is about $ 100 to purchase.
    Most good violin making books include a bull out pattern section the authors feels is excellent.
   Another excellent source is the full sized color posters published by "The Strad" magazine as supplements to their monthly string players magazine (published in England, but a good library should have copies). They have excellent photos of the various parts of the violins and on the back have detailed drawings that you can make a violin from (including arching and graduation measurements). They can be ordered separately by mail and are advertised iin Strad Magazine usually. I would say these are a must-have to accurately imitate certain famous violins and the best guide available for varnishing and detail finishing.
   As to the importance of this arching shape to the plates, I think the shape determines the ability of the wood to carry the string pressure loads and efficiently amplify the sound. The proper graduation of the plates inside is just as important for sound production; The two working together properly is the foundation of any good instrument.