The highest grades of tonewood for string instruments are harvested
from old growth alpine forests. The proper aging of the wood and storage
are critically important to sound quality. Gammuto instruments are made
from hand selected wood that was harvested 40-50 years prior to the
commencement of work. The price of this wood is very hard to get, and
expensive. Novice luthiers shy away from this grade of wood for fear of
making a mistake, and rendering it unusable. This is one area where
experience matters.
Gammuto violins are crafted with the same hand
tools that the early Italian Masters used; a froe, gouges, chisels,
knives, jack planes, finger planes and scrapers. I draw the line at
working by oil lamps and candlelight.
Every time you sit down at the bench you have to re-examine your
approach to the task at hand, and look for opportunities to make
adjustments that will enhance the performance of the instrument.
The selection of the wood used is critical. It establishes the acousticproperties of the instrument from the outset, providing that everything else that follows is done properly. Giovanni Gammuto uses "Premium Select "tonewood that has been naturally seasoned, not kiln dried, is an essential ingredient. The older the wood, the better. Forty years+ wood has been used with great success, but it is very hard to locate.
Gammuto violins are crafted with the same hand
tools that the early Italian Masters used; a froe, gouges, chisels,
knives, jack planes, finger planes and scrapers. I draw the line at
working by oil lamps and candlelight.
Every time you sit down at the bench you have to re-examine your
approach to the task at hand, and look for opportunities to make
adjustments that will enhance the performance of the instrument.
After the materials have been secured, and A
construction plan is developed, the cutting, bending, and scraping
begins. Prior to assembly, every component must be checked, and re-checked a second time for accuracy.
An internal form is used to glue the bent ribs together, much like those used by Stradivari and Guarneri. ________________________________________________________________
FLEXING THE WOOD TO HIGH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
This is something that only the very best Luthiers consider when
crafting an instrument. It is one of the so called "secrets" of violin
making.
Multiple layers of oil varnish are applied to Gammuto instruments.
Gloss, Satin, Flat, and antique finishes are achieved with glazes,
assorted grades of natural rubbing compounds, and professional
distressing techniques. I particularly enjoy the antiquing work. It is
an art unto itself, if done properly. This skill was acquired in the
antique restoration business many years ago.release it to the public. The Gammuto varnish
has been subject to continuous improvement for many years, but it did
originate with Maestro Primavera's original formulation. After each coat
of varnish, the instrument is lightly sanded to eliminate surface
imperfections.
When the varnish is cured and polished, the fitting up is performed, i.e.,
adding the pegs, sound post, bridge, and installing the strings. This
is an important stage, because even a well made instrument can sound
dull if the setup is not properly done.
If
you noted that I neglected to mention the ground applied prior to the
varnish, this was intentional. You have to hold on to a few secrets
until the end. It took years to perfect, and it will take years for me
to
