Arguably these could be the most exciting times for all involved in making but also in the effort at understanding how artisans made such beautiful bowed string instruments during 16^th and 17^th century particularly in Italian city of Cremona. For decades, perhaps more than a century, a contemporary luthiers were trying to recreate the method of the “old Masters” and achieve not only astonishing appearance but also tonal quality of violin family instruments. Thing that strikes me the most is how those artisans were able to make such exceptional artefacts in 1550. or lets say 1702.

Spectacles and lenses were in use but also light amplifiers called water-globes depicted in wood cut art work dated 17^th century but nevertheless how?!?                                                                           

Inventiveness like use of shadow to shape three dimensional curve, various specific tools, use of pine resins or amber to make varnish or that tale how they used feather to measure critical heating point.

It is very hard to describe sublime encounter when someone makes presentation of a violin made by great master. Stunnig outward yet delicate inner beauty. Superb wooden object that glows … radiates … literary. And then the bow. Exquisite craftsmanship. Like magic wand it gives incomprehensible volume and formidable power to that, such sweet, violin tone.

[P  R S]

As Mr Keith Hill wrote beautifully in his essay: “Our senses are designed to respond to effects created by nature and all these effects are the result of some underlying principle. This is why we as natural organisms tend to gravitate to art, which also, in imitation of nature, has effects created by some underlying principle. When a person utilizes a principle we call that person an artist. When we see an artist using principles intelligently, we call the artist a genius.

. . . 

When we embrace true principles, we find that they do most of our real work for us. All we need to do is be present and expend a little energy to get the job done. Most importantly, our work is done for others, not for ourselves. Because the principles are objective in the effects that they produce, we can be certain that others will experience our work exactly as we intend it.

I believe that artists such as Rembrandt and Guarneri del Gesu were neither talented nor geniuses, as we might think. They were just men who were sensibly aware, who thought deeply about the principles underlying their art, who applied those principles strictly and intelligently, who were unafraid to experiment, and who enjoyed the doing of what they did. Anyone who does likewise would be as great. How could it be otherwise?”

Once upon a time European salesmen landed across Atlantic ocean and started a trade route, importing various exotic goods. Most items were packed, for convenient shipping, into wooden barrels made of abundant local sort of wood. As being practical beings these merchants tried to figure out what to do with all the barrels. At first someone decided to turn that wood into finely ground powder and use it as a dye. Since men were sailing or trading it was for women to process wood. Wood powder was all around and all over them and as it was falling onto their faces and into their eyes these women were crying while work. Wood powder turned their tears into red blood like streaks.

It is no wonder they called that wood Pernanbuco (pau-de-pernanbuco / “wood from long river”) or Paubrasil (“red wood”) and distant land they called Terra do Brasil.

Story says that wood-dye was more valuable than content of barrels so wood it self became main import good. At some point in time someone tried to make a violin bow out of this type of wood. Land was deforested and Paubrasilia echinata almost extinct.

Modern bow-makers were short in supply. Price goes up and so Pernanbuco goes illegal. Practical, isn’t it.

Anyhow, that is how the story goes.

In case You wonder why this story, well, most of people starting to play, let’s say a violin, take things for granted and aspire a “stradivari” or magical set of strings, but the real magic is in the bow. The bow as being a extension of our arm and a tool for exciting the string must have good balance of forces. Tension of both stick and hank of horse hair must allow the player to “manipulate” all aspects of vibrating string. Only then we can discuss vibration of sound box and how violin irridiate sound. It is the bow that evolved in most recent history while violin (viola, violoncello or contrabass) changed so little since 16th century. Yes, oldest surviving violin was made in 1564. by Andrea Amati. That was a long time ago.

Modern bow appeared in 19th century in France. Here is a starter if You want to study more about that.

Ever since Third millennium started the count we turn to Internet in a quest for knowledge. Like many other things, all the things except modern computers and internet content, the art of bow making takes far greater time than typing words into web-browser a reading out the results. Nevertheless internet can be a very good resource. Here is one fine example made by Charles Espey. But, please, do not get me wrong, internet content can make up for lack of books, publications like scientific papers or personal contact. I have never met Mr Charles Espey, maybe I will, thou I’m grateful for his blog.

We humans try to explain phenomenon via measurement. It is not a bad thing. Many things were made, improved or invented due to precise system of units. Considering bowed string instruments here is latest achievement, a great tool that can help luthier or bow-maker.

My point of view is that the art of bow or violin making will always be one step beyond.

Today was quite interesting “music day”.

Thanks to IoT and social media platforms I got in touch with my friend, who moved over, across the sea, looking for a better life for himself and his wife.

A decade ago we used to hang out, make music… stuff like that. Now, he says, he wants to learn to play bass !!! I’d be more than happy if I can help.

Today I was thinking about music, no, I mean, like really thinking about and of it, listening to variety of music, playing some tunes, trying to “compose” some new bass-lines for this new band I’m into, but also thinking about how to start a musical journey on this blog. So, that chat, with my old friend, kinda gave me a clue.

A lot of people like music. A lot of people would like to play music. A lot of people would love to play a specific instrument. Majority thinks of playing or making music like it is something they can not achieve for number of reasons. Nothing is more unsound than that.

Why?

Well, think of it like kids do; a child sees a ball and just reaches for it, or grabs a toy or any other object. Young person does not “think” about it. Kids just DO what they want. So, be a kid.

Grab the instrument and hold it. It doesn’t matter if You do not know how to make a sound.

Explore +

Wonder +

Play = D

Just play with it. Some things You will figure out by yourself, some things You can read or see on TV or internet video channel, or some blog-post. Sometimes, someone will just notice some small thing and point it out. At first You may think of it as insignificant but later it will fall into place of endless universe of music. This leads us to the next step – it takes time. It also requires self awareness and deliberate and thoughtful action while playing. Your thoughts must direct and conduct your muscles, your ears must give “feedback” on what You actually do and eventually it will become as easy as breathing. At that moment You will be “in flow”.

It is not always easy, it is not always quick. Some times it’s good, some times ain’t. But remember, there are no “wrong notes” and there are not only nice sounds (in sense of musical tone). One must be patient and be willing to wonder, to explore…

As days, weeks and years go by, You may find true what old masters of music say: “It is a journey of a life-time”.

Simple as that

: )

For a long time I considered where to share my “bassic” experience.

Now new problem arouses – how to do it.

As a person who fell in love with bowed string instruments and as a bass player, naturally I was intrigued how pieces of wood, hank of horse hair and few strings could vibrate harmoniously so we perceive pleasing sounds.

I will try not to play smart – there are many persons who are masters on this subject and some of them made things we can hardly grasp.

Also I will try not to be very serious on the subject matter for one simple reason: It Must Be Fun !!!!

My “bass-apron” represents the sail of this Gaff-rig craft.

So, let’s hope for good wind and stars to align … ‘cos there is a lot of meticulous planing … ahead.

    > cutting the painter !!

Već dugo vremena smišljam i premišljam …
Rešio sam da “dignem sidro” i postavim svoja skromna iskustva na nekom drugom mestu…
ili kako bi to kazali italijani:
Prego! 

Thanks for joining me!

“Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter.” — Izaak Walton