Exploring lost cello making practices 1: the neck

Around 2009, research was started on the life, instruments and working methods of the violin maker Benoit Joseph Boussu (1703-1773). As a first step, his previously unknown biography was disclosed in detail, demonstrating that Boussu first practised as a notary in the north of France until 1748, before working as luthier in respectively Liege (1749), Brussels (c1750-c1762) and Amsterdam (c1767-1772). The biographical results were published in the Galpin Society Journal of 2013 and updated in Early Music journal (November 2016). These investigations are part of the PhD project of violin maker/researcher Geerten Verberkmoes, initiator of the Boussu research project.
Next, many surviving original instruments by Boussu were studied, amongst these a violin and a cello in unaltered mid-18th century state from the collection of the Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels. The unaltered violin was CT-scanned and analysed in cooperation with dr. Anne-Emmanuelle Ceulemans (MIM Brussels), prof. dr. Danielle Balériaux (Erasmus hospital) and dr. Berend Stoel. The results of this study were published in the Galpin Society Journal of 2016. In a later stage, the unaltered Boussu cello was CT-scanned in the St. Luc hospital in Brussels under the guidance of professors Danse and Coche and their team.
Based on the CT-scan of the violin, two replicas were built in parallel between spring and fall of 2017 by Verberkmoes, using construction methods most likely employed by Boussu. These practices include an assembling process without the use of an inside mould. The replication process was captured entirely on video and is presented here as a series of videos. After finishing the violins, a cello replica was made in a similar way, during the end of 2017 and early 2018. Videos of the cello making process are presented as well on this channel.
In the final stage of the study, the three replicas are played by the newly formed 'Ensemble Boussu' (dr. Ann Cnop, Shiho Ono and Mathilde Wolfs), to perform Brussels court music from the times of Boussu. The musicians perform the trio sonata repertoire using solely bowed stringed instruments, a nowadays abandoned practice, but apparently a more common fashion in the middle of the 18th century. Examples of these performances can also be found on this channel.
The PhD project 'Boussu Inside Out' is supervised by prof. dr. Francis Maes (Gent University), dr. Geert Dhondt (School of Arts Gent) and dr. Anne-Emmanuelle Ceulemans (Musical Instruments Museum Brussels).
Enjoy watching and listening!

[@andydepaule3296]

As a semi-retired luthier of guitars since 1969 I've enjoyed watching your videos. I never knew that any bowed instruments had neck to side joints like the Spanish guitar.
Guess we are never too old to learn new information. Thank you.

[@Boussu_Inside_Out]

Hello Andy, Thank you for your reply! Yes, this method was used a lot by European violin makers during the 17-19th century. It was nice to try it out for this project.
Best regards, Geerten

[@peggylynnmilton]

Great set of videos ! I`ve made a few cigar box style guitars , making the boxes also . I`ve also made a PRS style semi hollow Vela style guitar and a skateboard guitar . they all came out pretty well and sound very good ! I love working with old hand tools as much as possible , so I admire your work very much !! I watched a video today of a 12 yr. old girl called Canen doing Ain`t No Sunshine When She`s Gone and there was a really nice solo by a guy playing a well worn cello and it gave me the chills hearing it !! So after hearing that and watching you r work , I`m going to try making one for myself. I`m sure it won`t be easy but being retired , I have plenty of time !! Thanks for your videos !!! Buddy Milton

[@Boussu_Inside_Out]

Hello Peggy, thanks for your kind comment, and nice to hear that you made a number of instruments yourself. With all this experience, it's a great next step to make a cello. Please note that the methods shown in my videos were performed for the sake of historical research, and that modern makers use somewhat different steps. For your cello, I would recomment to use the modern way. Good luck with the cello project! Best regards for the Netherlands, Geerten

[@amonlord553]

Super great series of videos. Are those CT scans publicly available? It would be greatly appreciated! Cheers

[@Boussu_Inside_Out]

Dear Amon, thank you for your kind reply, that's much appreciated. As for the CT-scans, these are controlled by the Brussels Musical Instruments Museum, since the scans were made from their instruments. I personally can not help you with that, sorry. Best regards, Geerten

[@amonlord553]

@@Boussu_Inside_Out Thank you Geerten for your kind response. This information is really valuable as well, so I'm grateful for that. After rewatching your video for a seccond time, I'm still amazed by your craftsmanship. Great work! Amon :)

[@Boussu_Inside_Out]

Thanks so much again!!

[@killdeerperiland3303]

or make your own style

[@Boussu_Inside_Out]

LOL, I also do:
ruclips.net/video/bUvl-O-P2CQ/видео.html
Cheers!