Violin Making & Varnish
As many have pointed out in the past that his varnish has the secret of Stradivari, the Cremonese Varnish are outstanding. Many makers consider the varnish as having a major role in making the great sounding instruments. The methods and steps remain yet to be unveiled and many have attempted and failed in reproducing the Cremonese finish.
There are mainly 2 types of varnish, alcohol and oil. They differ depending on a maker’s school. The varnish is important in that it not only protects the surfaces of the woods, but also effects the sound quality of the instruments. Many makers use their original varnish they invented by their own way.