Here's a video(unfortunately only available in English) showing Patrick Jowett, a former teacher at the Newark-On-Trent School of Violin Making, explaining the steps involved in bending the ribs on a violin. Generations of luthiers have been trained by this charismatic figure. Despite his retirement a few years ago, he continues to build instruments in his workshop in West-Bridgeford, on the outskirts of Nottingham. This video was made to present the products offered by the company Luthier's Bench. The company has collaborated with NSVM (Newark and Sherwood Violin Making school) to offer top-quality belts and bending irons.
A few words about Pat Jowett
Pat Jowett is an English luthier from the Nottingham area who has influenced many modern instrument makers through his teaching at the famous Newark-On-Trent School of Violin Making. He himself graduated with honors from the school in 1980. He went on to build violins, violas and cellos. He asserted that each of his instruments should appeal both aesthetically and acoustically. Creating excitement for the senses and representing an artistic ideal of form, line and color. In other words: an individual soul.
[pullquote] »What looks right, is right » Patrick Jowett[/pullquote]
Luthier's Bench products
Luthier'sBench is a small family business based in Nottingham. They only offer equipment for bending the sides of stringed instruments, but the quality of their product is truly excellent.
I've been using this equipment for years and have found it to have many advantages:
- Not only are the belts beautiful, but their stainless steel always returns to its original shape... which is not always the case with some of their competitors.
- In addition to the sturdiness and reliability of the electronics inside the iron, even under the repeated assault of steam and water. Its special shape enables it to adapt to a wide range of joint curves. That's why a multitude of different models can be bent. The basic model can be used to make violins of all sizes, guitars and even cellos.
- A relatively affordable price for this quality, at around €200(aluminum bending iron). It's even lower than some of its far less versatile competitors.
In any case, don't hesitate to visit their website for more information. The address is: http: //www.luthiersbench.co.uk/
