Violin Makers Association
of Arizona International

The Chimneys 2008 Workshop
For Violin Makers

The Chimneys Workshop For Violin Makers, sponsored by VMAAI, is held for four weeks each spring in Tucson, Arizona. Taught by Master Violin Maker, Ed Campbell of The Chimneys Violin Shop, 2008's sessions will be held between April 7 and May 2 at the Inn Suites, 475 North Granada Avenue.


  • Week One, April 7-11, 2008

    The first week this year will be devoted to two projects: SETUP, and a (NEW-FOR-THE SECOND TIME AROUND - 2008 -BECAUSE IT MADE SUCH A HIT IN 2007!) BEGINNER'S CLASS, to be run simultaneously.

    Setup is the most important process in violin making . . . a process that is performed repeatedly over the life of an instrument. Please bring, at least, one completed instrument . . . more if possible, since the more instruments you bring, the more you will benefit from the variety of problems encountered . . . if you just sold your last instrument, bring along whatever you can get your hands on!

    BEGINNER'S CLASS: If you're an 'aspiring' violin maker who wants to start off on the right foot . . . or perhaps, one who has made one or two instruments and wants to make sure he's headed in the right direction, this is the class for you! Topics to be covered will include: choosing the proper tools; selecting a pattern; constructing a mold; rib bending; introduction to plate tuning, choosing the right wood and a myriad of other related subjects.

    If you don't have the tools you need, or are unsure as to how to select the proper wood . . . we've got you covered: both will be available for purchase at the workshop . . . at reasonable prices.

  • Week Two, April 14-18, 2008

    The second week will cover the making of new instruments. If possible, participants whould bring at least one set of plates ready to be tuned, with the 'f' holes cut and the top and back finished on the outside . . . don't panic if you are not this far along, you can still learn 'how-to-do-it'. Bring your tools, fixtures, holding jigs along with any problems you may have encountered.

  • Week Three, April 21-25, 2008 and Week Four, April 28 - May 2, 2008

    The third and Fourth weeks will be devoted to new making, restoration of instruments and bows, including rehairing.


Participants may sign up for one or more of the four weeks, but newcomers are urged to attend (at least) the first week to become familiar with the terminology. Cost for each week is $900, which includes tuition, hotel room (single or double occupancy) Monday through Thursday and breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Registration for each session will be limited to 20 so that participants can receive individual attention and guidance.

Though lodging is included in the total cost, individuals must make their own reservations . . . be sure to mention that you are with the Chimneys Violin Maker’s Workshop; the toll free phone number is: (800) 842 4242 and the front desk is 520 622 3000.

As mentioned above, if possible, participants should bring a finished instrument and at least one set of plates ready to be tuned, with the "f" holes cut and the top and back finished on the outside (don't panic if you are not this far along, you can still learn "how-to-do-it"!). Bring your tools, fixtures, holding devices and jigs, along with any problems you may have encountered.

Subjects covered during the course of the workshop will include bridge tuning; soundpost adjustments; violin set-up; plate tuning (leave plenty of room in your rough plates to fine-tune the arching); edges; channeling and purfling; neck setting and tuning; fingerboard tuning; arches and how to do them correctly. During each week, a one-half hour period will be set aside for each violin maker so that he/she may ask questions and receive personal instructions without interruptions from others.

To register, send a check for $100 (payable to VMAAI) to cover one week ($50 for each additional week) to: The Chimneys Violin Shop, 614 Lerew Road, Boiling Springs, PA 17007. Be sure to indicate which week(s) you will be attending. In order to carry this workshop, we will need a minimum of 10 participants each session and will close registration when total registrations reach 20 per week.

2003 Workshop Photos
CLICK Link for Workshop Photo page

For More Information:


violin making workshops



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