I've made a few violins over the last 20 some years. I'm not particularly set in my ways, and have gradually adopted a range of working methods and philosophies. My friend wants to learn, so I've decided to work on getting a more-systematic methodology in place. I use more of a "recipe" method to adapt to how the work develops. Last year David Beard put down his research, pointing to a recipe approach, in a nice form. I had bits and pieces of this, but he's really got it assembled nicely. So I'm assigning first a review of his four nice summary blog posts [ David of Santa Barbara -- Violin Maker David Beard: Measurements & Proportions ] We'll also be following Davide Sora's excellent super master class series on youtube [ Davide Sora - YouTube ] And of course, bringing in lots of other concepts and methods from my friends and associates world wide [Thank you Michael Darnton, Kelvin Scott, Peter Westerlund, Francois Denis, and the dozens of other folks I've bothered over the years].

My "apprentice" is an architect, interested in interior design, and I foresee delightful cross pollination. I'll direct them to GoldenArches.pdf (free.fr)

We have some access to old Cremonese instruments, and to a few fine shops with highly knowledgeable folks. My aim is to have them take their instrument to makers for review.

I also have all the stuff for a UV drying cabinet, so we might be able to use some of the slower setting varnish from, for example, Joe Robson. That would be fun. I already use his colors (recommend).

If we do well together, perhaps we'll continue building.

I was going to pick a particular violin and reverse engineer it, but I'm moving more towards having them pick one that appeals, then develop it anew via reverse engineering and geometric principles. Personally, I'm more fond of compact models than of typical Stradivari models, although I've heard a long pattern Stradivari enough to wonder whether I would do well to build one. And then A. Amati appeals. But of course, they're all wonderful!!!!!!

Comments and suggestions on how to proceed, questions, all welcome.