The beginning

It all started by checking all the books in libraries near and far. The best four I could find are:

• "Violin-making : A practical guide" by Juliet Barker
• "Violin Making: Step by Step" by Henry A. Strobel
• "Cello Making: Step by Step" by Henry A. Strobel

And one with the best title of them all:

• "Violin-making, as it was and is; being a historical, theoretical, and practical treatise on the science and art of violin-making, for the of violin makers and players, amateur and professional." by Ed. Heron-Allen (first published in the late 19th century)

I find Juliet Barker's explanations on the ways of working excellent and clear. The book concentrates on violins, but has a table for measurements for different sizes of cellos in the end which I found particularly useful.

Henry Strobel's books are also very clear. The Cello Making needs Violin Making alongside it as many of the steps in the Violin Making are being referred to. It was also the only one I could find which had the plans including contours for a (full size) cello.

Edward Heron-Allen's book is full of information. It was too much for me on the first read though. But after reading other books it became a valuable source of information later on. As a bonus, Heron-Allen's writing style is a joy to read.

In my project I decided to use Strobel's books and plans for the most part. Barker's book provides additional technical information and I am trying to adapt the measurements for the 1/2 cello to build Strobel's cello as a smaller one.

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