I must be crazy

[krrtlr1]

Amazing! That is super cool.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

So I have pretty much shaped the neck other than some touch up final sanding so I began the process of fitting the neck to the body.
A pocket or mortise is cut into the body about 3/16" in sort of a mini dovetail. The neck heel slides down into the pocket and will be glued in. The neck heel sets down on the extension off the back which will form a cap or "button" as it is called.
Neck angle is crucial so the little jig rubber banded to the fingerboard helps to get that right.
I almost have it fitting correctly and the next step will be to glue it on.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

After many refinements the neck is glued in place and the "button" is carved and formed on the heel.
Looks pretty good.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

And just playing around with some varnish coloring

[TEETERFAN]

Looking very nice! I bet it is fun carving and forming all the different parts that an instrument that is way different than a guitar. It is an attractive piece of craftsmanship, even in its present unvarnished state. I can’t wait to see all that grain come alive with finishing. Thanks for the updates!

[Stray Feathers]

It's fascinating to see you bring it together!

[Kevin Sjostrand]

So the violin is together "in the white" so it can be tested/played before putting a finish on it.
I strung it up today. I got a bow and rosin and although I don't play the violin I am able to play the strings and it actually sounds like a violin!!!! My wife who is a pianist says it sounds GOOD. Well it needs to be played to really know. My granddaughter who plays will be here for Thanksgiving week and I'll find out then. I may need to make some minor adjustments but I am totally pleased at this stage. FUN!

[tippie53]

looks like a fiddle
nice job

[Diane Kauffmds]

Holy cow. That's beautiful.

[Morecowbell]

This IS crazy but its my kind of crazy, great job and thanks for posting!

I've always been intrigued by the early Gibson archtop guitars (L-1,L-2, etc), inspiring to watch the archtop process