Edward Klose viole de gambe Toulouse

12/09/2026

This process used to feel like trial and error but it’s simpler than it looks. All the bending is done from the inside and all three staves can be bent and glued in a day.

Making a viol front using staves has numerous benefits not only sonically but environmentally too.

This clip shows the first joint between the central stave and the middle bass stave. The bending of the middle bass stave is complex but becomes simple when the shape is fully understood.

This technique was used 400 years ago and that blows my mind.

02/09/2026

Building a viol without using a mould means only the bottom of the ribs conform to a predetermined shape. The ribs follow a line drawn on back and the curve is maintained throughout the rib. This often results in discrepancies between front and back outlines and can be seen in viols made this way during the baroque period. Without the use of a mould there are neither corner blocks nor rib lining so linen is used to replace both.

28/08/2026

27/08/2026

Cutting the break in a viol back.

23/08/2026

Fitting and shaping the soundpost plate represents the first strategic decision in a viol’s construction. It’s the first stage where two types of wood are brought together, each chosen for properties the other lacks. Spruce is used for the soundpost plate because it offers excellent longitudinal strength while remaining lightweight. It is therefore an ideal wood for reinforcing the area of the back where the sound post fits. The plate also helps prevent the back from distorting over time.

17/06/2026

There is never really the last bit of work on an instrument. It’s only the last big of work until the next bit of work. This last bit of work was the work on the bridge. I pass through all the grades of sandpaper systematically until finishing with leather. String positions are set and the instrument is strung up.

I estimate half a year of playing after the instrument is delivered to find the voice of the instrument and this is a good time to reassess the setup and make changes to the bridge, sound post and other aspects such as strings and fittings.

Since musical instruments are made to be played for centuries each set up is a continuation of it’s sound and therefore a part of it’s continuos evolution. I find this the most inspiring aspect of instrument making.

12/06/2026

String height / string spacing and laying out the openings for the bridge.

The openings have arguably the greatest affect on the tone of an instrument as these dictate to a large extent the mass of he bridge. It is for this reason I like to leave designing and cutting them until the feet are fitting and the string heights are established. I start with the bridge thick and the openings small so the tone can be adjusted as the openings are cut. Generally the instrument opens up during this process.

The shapes that make the openings are what can been seen being drawn at the end of this clip.