Charles Mcbain I know... maybe I misunderstood what ‘roasted’ means when I commented this. I probably didnt click on the comment I wanted to reply to. Sorry for pointing that out!
I'm 68 years old and in the process of making my first violin under the tutelage of master luthier, Joseph Trift. I've watched this video a number of times, and each time I see it I'm reinspired to the process of making a violin, a living instrument, out of a few pieces of wood! It's also sad to think that I'll never live to become a master at it!
Hi Harlan I have a newspaper article that I kept for inspiration, that I'd like to share with you, re an older violin maker. I tried to copy and paste here but it doesn't work. If you can give me your email, I'd be happy to forward it to you. david.adelaide@bigpond.com
As a violinist, i knew quite a bit of effort was put into making them, since they're pretty expensive. However, i never realized how much work and soul is put into each instrument. I'm definitely going to cherish each one i own.
This has been beyond fascinating seeing it from another view....my grandpa has been a carpenter and then a ... I’m not even sure how to describe his craft. He can just create the most beautiful things from wood. One day he came across a gorgeous piece of wood that he wanted to make into something special. Sometime later he came across plans for building a violin, and said he knew that is what this piece of wood was destined to be. He practiced first. The first violin was obviously not the best, but he worked with a musician friend to perfect every piece for the right sound. Now, many years down the road, he has repaired many instruments and has worked with violinists and fiddlers for custom pieces. I have a 1/4 size violin that he made for my son...the bow strings are actually made from the hair from my other grandfathers horse (Lady passed away several years ago, so this makes it even more special at this point, even though my son outgrew the violin about 12 years ago). So, yeah, I’m crazily crying and nostalgic through this entire video!! Thanks for sharing your work!
Beautiful. Just beautiful. Not only the violin itself, the the poetic reflection upon his craft. I can't help but love how he thinks and tells his story, and how he seems so calm.
Antiquing is a very bizarre concept. I had no idea it was even a thing. Certainly Stradivarius & Guarneri did not antique their instruments, & if your work is any good it will become "antiqued" on its own. Guess I'm in the school of "let new things look new & not try to covet an age that they don't deserve."
I do agree that it's a funny concept... It does seem somewhat more noble and mature to just finish an instrument and let time have its way. And yet there are plenty of customers who prefer antiqued finishes. I really don't have a very articulate response to this idea, but I do appreciate you taking the time to comment! : )
When I was making the film I thought it was a funny thing too. As a guitarist my guitars are reliquing themselves naturally, pokes and dents (dents?) are adding to the picture. When I look at relic custom shop guitars when tuners are brushed with coffee to look old I always think it's weird. But when I saw how intriguing the antiquing process was, I sort of figured out how it can be beautiful (correct me if i'm wrong). making a violin allows the luhier to mix different caracteristics, by bending curves more or less, working on old fashioned models and shapes, giving it an extra style that can relate to glorious standards, but when youre not an expert in violin shapes, these details can be really hard to bust. In my humble opinion antiquing is just like painting on a fresh canvas that you've just made. When it comes to antiquing (and you made clear the point that it's not about fooling people or making them believe that it is actualy old) luthiers are free to give the instrument more of a texture to it. PLain varnishes can be crackled, matified, layered, painted and scratched, different tones can be added etc... very interesting and not a lazy way to work It looks funny though, to see a very gentle and precise violin maker have fun with salt and hair dryer on a 200+ hours work. Refreshing, i couldn't say why. Lotta work indeed to "thrash" a jewel. that's the punk side of the luthier haha
Like Galen said... That's just what the majority of violinist will play! If you let the average player chose between a new flawless instrument and an old looking one, most of them will chose the antiqued violin. No question, you can hide quite a lot if you messed up and that's what some colleagues will always imply. And I will let them. But to be honest, good antique varnish is quite a lot of work compared to plain finish. And if you're not good at it, most people will notice right away... So if you don't put great effort into it and look at good old instruments, it won't charm a schooled eye. Galen did a pretty good job there!
All the most expensive violins in the world look "rough" because they are old. They have a lot of character. Oddly enough it's the really cheap violins that look super clean and new. If someone is spending $15k on a violin, they want it to look like a violin you'd spend $15k on, ideally a lot more than that. ($15k is just the first price I found for a Hartley violin - just to use as a ballpark number for what his violins sell for and who might be buying them). I feel like this is a transition period for someone like Hartley. People spend $15k for a high quality violin that can be used frequently (orchestra, concert, etc). The quality and look of the violin is more important than the name behind it. Assuming Hartley's violins continue to improve and his name gets more recognition, people will start buying the violin because it's a Hartley, not because it's a quality violin that looks more expensive than it is. A buyer of such a violin will be able to get the status that comes with owning an expensive violin by showing the maker's mark, rather than showing the patina.
@@hsuhorn Problem is there's also a factor out of his control when it comes to being the "best" brand of violin. Its theorized that part of the reason Stradivarius violins are deemed the best is because the weather around the time the trees were growing, so quite a few years, caused the trees in that area to seize up and produce insanely hard, dry wood that happened to be perfect for making violins. If somehow he could find a way to replicate that exact wood, or something better. Then he could possibly be the next best luthier. Otherwise he'd need to find some other revolutionary way to make violins.
I had the fortune some time ago to meet one of the most beautiful people I've ever known. And, it wasn't just his physical beauty that stood out. It went far deeper than that. He was always so calm, so pensive, so gentle, and he had an old soul that was far wiser than his age would otherwise suggest. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out what it was that made him so immensely intriguing. Then, one day, I learned that he's a woodworker, and it suddenly all made sense. His passion required him to be patient, sensitive, attentive, resolute, kind, and so many other things that, combined, made for an amazing person who could draw others in without even trying. I was reminded of him as I watched this video. Or, more to the point, you reminded me of him. So much so that I immediately emailed him after watching to ask if he has ever thought about making violins. Thank you for sharing. It was a very calming yet inspiring experience.
I saw this vid about 4 months or something after it came out, I watched it again last year, and now after remembering it have watched and thoroughly enjoyed it a third time
As a violinist, I just wanna say thanks. What you do is amazing and I'm so grateful to you and your fellow craftsmen for creating these amazing instruments that I love. The violin has shaped me as a person and without it I don't know where I'd be. So, thanks!!!!
When I was young and got my first guitar i really wanted one that had that vintage look, just imagine the SRV signature fender strat, distressed to look like the one he played. In the end I got a brand new looking California series american strat. Now that I've had it for almost 20 years its starting to show its age. the volume and tone knobs have yellowed. There's a burn on the headstock under the low E string from a carelessly tended cigarette or two while playing. There's a chip on the bottom from when my strap slipped off during a rehearsal for a show. All of this character is something personal to the instrument and carries a memory. While I appreciate the look of those distressed instruments, I think it's better to let time and adventure age the instrument. Excellent video and amazing craftsmanship. Hat's off to you!
Thank you, Marc! I agree that it's probably more fun and interesting to know where each little scratch and dent came from. I've been on the antiquing track for a while now and I admit that it's very hard for me to do just a clean varnish job that has the same impact as something artificially aged... but still, it's something to aspire to because when it works it is truly fantastic.
that's funny because I did not have ASMR microphones at the time but now I've bought some and I'm trying to properly record stuff with it. my next videos will be asmr friendly!
@Vanargand You do realize that if a sound makes you feel relaxed, that's automatically asmr for you. Doesnt matter if it's not titled ASMR, if it makes you feel good or relaxed then it's asmr.
"Really not an expert. Going to put that on a business card." I like your sense of humour. Oh, I also like your violin making. Having a tabby cat earns you extra points too!
This is so amazing, Galen! I got a little tear in my eye at the end, I'm not sure why. It could be a co-op thing, or maybe the craftsmanship, or maybe hearing the violin you made be played. How cool is that? Bravo!
Aw, thanks Buffy! That is just lovely to hear... I had some kind of co-op pride feeling after reading Radio Belly, too. Thanks again, really great to hear from you!
That was incredibly satisfying. Thank you. I certainly hope you're able to sell them for $10k or more. We, as a society, should always celebrate and support the works of people like you.
Since I saw this video a few years ago, I've watched it several times. It just amazes me how much effort and work is put into making just one instrument. It also relaxes me a lot to hear his voice too. Thank you for this masterpiece, I'll see you in a few months :)
What a great mini-documentary. My grandson is learning the violin, so I loved watching the process of turning beautiful wood into an incredibly delicate and resonant instrument.
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Seeing someone's craft in a slight bit of detail and divulging the mentality and motivation behind what drives the craft is always a sight to behold. Needless to say, seeing this video was truly inspiring. Best wishes, and I hope your craft takes you far and bestows much happiness upon you and those who take up your instruments.
Ah, I am in love with everything about this. Thank you for sharing this art. (I am referring to both the making of the violin as well as the videography and thought that has gone into this video.)
This video was so satisfying to watch. The delicate woodwork, the narrator’s voice, the story, the craftsmanship, the love, the editing , even the cat. ❤️😊
I didn't even notice the length of the video it was so captivating. Beautiful people, music, and instruments all coming together to make a beautiful video. Great job!
@@adamgc73 wow! may I know roughly how much did it cost you? I've been playing the violin for over 16 years now and have gone through a couple of violins (mainly from growing up from a toddler to an adult) but never truly appreciated the craftsmanship behind them, I'm hoping to buy my next one not simply by its aesthetics but by also having a deeper understanding
Absolutely mesmerizing!!! I formerly belong to a family that is dedicated to fine wood working. Personally I am an Sculptor, your Job is something similar. Your modesty makes you great!!!
Wow! I'm impressed! the clips of the violin being played sounds very impressive for a modern violin! Sounds like at least it has been aged for at least a 100 years! it's really impressive! currently, I am using a Conrad Goetz but I hope that my mom would soon allow me to get one of your violins. I might be going to Bordeaux at the end of the year and would definitely be paying you a visit! sincerely, 12 year old violinist.
I love this video! All of the craft and pride, without all of the unnecessary pretentiousness. The modesty, too, is so inspiring. Now I want to make a violin!
Thank God there are true craftsman like you in the world! I had to watch the video twice to make certain that I absorbed all of the finesse that you coaxed out of your violin. To watch how you managed to compel the instrument to give up it's tone. I am a guitar tech and keep my instruments singing and playing properly and appreciate the craft. Great work, I only wish to have been there when first played on that beautiful stage.
Amazing work on the video, but also on the violin! Really enjoyed watching it and looking at you working through all the steps of making such a piece of art. Thanks for sharing...
I read a little bit of the French captions even though I speak English cause I'm from the USA. I love this video. It's really fasonating watching how violins are being made! 😄
I don't play violin (yet) but I've always been passionate about it. I really wanted to learn it but never had the money to buy one (I play by air haha my imagination can get way too far sometimes). so watching how one was made, made me realize "Wow, violins should be more expensive" which would be a disadvantage for me but seriously though, this things were made from within. Made from the heart of its maker and it is just so wonderful to watch how it was made with so much compassion and love. And those things could never ever be payed by money. It made me respect every single thing on this world because just wow. You are cool man and I love how passionate you are. I hope I could be as passionate as you are when I finally get my own violin some day (THAT DAY WILL COME NO MATTER WHAT). So yeah. Good job sir!
galenhartley I do hope so too. There are violins in our school (that unfortunately, we are not to touch) and I sometimes secretly set them up when our trainor's not around. But before I even start to try it, our rondalla practice would start. It's such a shame that those violins are just collecting dusts... sorry for the long message. I feel like I just have to say those. I'll work hard to get one soon. I will.
AlecziiMacaronii definitely, but they are one of the most expensive instruments to keep and maintain. You need the instrument, a case, rosin, shoulder rest, bow, cloth(you don’t technically need to buy that), a tuner(there are apps, but normally aren’t that great) and someway to learn. Then you need to rehair your bow every 1-2 years, and change the strings. But it’s worth it, never drop it... obvious, but just don’t, mine broke at where the neck and body meet, thankfully it was an easy fix. Hope you get one they are beautiful
Nice job on the violin! I’ve been playing the violin for 3 years and I’ve loved it ever since and the violin you made looks so good I wanna play it myself! Yet I’m kinda interested into making a violin.
oh that was beautiful and I dreamed about doing that about 10 years ago...maybe some day I will. That antiquing really hurt me to watch, I could understand rubbing the varnish thin it spots to simulate a wear pattern but all that scratching and pitting after such attention to detail :(
I don’t play violin so haven’t given them much attention but after watching this video definitely have a newfound appreciation for the violin and builders like yourself. I didn’t realize just how much work went into making a violin. Great video thank you
This was beyond beautiful, a mesmerizing and truly inspiring thing to watch. Attention to the details is what brings true awe. Thank you for sharing this experience.
I have been a wood worker for all my life, and early this year I have begun to research violin making in earnest, finally I came to a point where I feel I could make one, but as you say there is more to it than that- tool being the biggest step I need to overcome, they are not the same as that of making frames and furniture for sure. None of my 50 or more clamps will do... so make it, or buy it. Both take time to get. Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed hearing of your journey.
Fantastic and inspirational !! I'm building my first violin from a Stewart MacDonald kit and watching your video is a great part of my planning. Thank you for posting
PSA TO COMMENTERS: If you came to watch a man make a violin, only comment on the violin. If you don’t like tattoos, for example, nobody cares! Thank you.
i can't believe i actually finished watching this 18minutes video. i get all the goosebumps and felt the excitement you're feeling when the professional violinist is going to test out your masterpiece (around 16:50). Glad that you're enjoying what you're doing man :)
Beautiful journey and work ! I am a painter in Oregon and my journey is similar , very subjective ,constantly learning and life giving. Blessings on your journey!
i liked the way it looks before antiquing :( i respect other musicians ideas though. its just that if i want a new instrument i want to start the journey together i want it to get legit scratches from our adventures then when i grow old i will see the battle scars it got from our adventures as i past it on to the next owner probably my son or grandchildren XD then i die from old age hehe :D
I have never torn a pair of jeans in my life, and I have some really old ones because I keep everything. I'd have to wait decades for them to have holes naturally.
Maybe that’s because I very often sit outdoors on the ground in parcs and I don’t have a car so I walk a lot and use a bicycle. Holes come after 3 to four years on vintage Levi’s.
*watched the video then tried to go made one* *starts to carve with a really crappy steak knife* *messes up and splits half of it* GODDAMNIT! *throws knife and now can’t find it*
Wow! A straight answer! That’s exceedingly rare! I hope you stick to your price for another year. I should have saved up enough to be able to afford your creation!
you had me tearing up a few times because this is something that i've wanted to in my life. the violin is so very dear to me, but i've left it for so long now. i now fear i'll never be able to make a violin. thank you so much for making this video, brilliant.
@@ThePhiloctopus as it is...as it so surely is...there still lays within...A beautiful sole in the instrument in spite of the camelion jacket placed on it...we live in a world of frauds...leave "them" to it and stay true to, & in yourself & that which you create, Be that you, & your craft.
Throws shades on Monsanto like a conspiracy nut in a violin building video but still smokes cigarettes. Great video and beautiful violin still, though.
Such a gentle, affirming video beautifully made. Watching it from my place in isolation, I felt it gave me some real connection to the rest of humanity. Thank you so much
I recently started working at a little shop in Atlanta repairing and setting up the student instruments. I love how almost every luthier I’ve met says something along the lines of “I sort of fell into this line of work.” Almost no one actually seems to set out to be a luthier. The process is so satisfying though.
I was absolutely gutted when he started “ageing” it. You’ve gone to all that time, effort, precision of cutting, scraping, sanding, planing to create something beautiful....then you ruin it by trying to make it look like somebody else’s instrument. Absolutely gutted! Hand on heart...if you made one for me and I arrived to take ownership and seen you had done that? I wouldn’t accept it. I would ask for my money back and I would just walk away. I would be absolutely devastated and to be honest I would actually feel I had been disrespected.
Don't worry, nobody ever get surprised with an antiqued instrument : ) Like Luka says, it's a feature that some people request. Anytime anyone orders an instrument there is a long period of planning where we figure out exactly what they want so there are no unhappy surprises when it's finished.
@@galenhartley Guess not lol. I don't know. I'm under the impression that purposely ruining such a wonderful instrument is a terrible thing to do. This is just my perspective as a violinist (I personally take very good care of my violin so I can't really see the value in scratching the instrument, trying to make it look older, other than monetary gain). I think a violin should age with time, a worthy instrument will gain antiquity regardless which is why they're so prized. Stradivari never had to scratch his instruments.
What a beautiful story! Playing the violin and constructing the violin are both incredible art forms. Glad I am part of at least one of the two- that's playing it.
I loved watching this process! I am a Viola player and had no idea that the bass bar was in there! thank you for your craftmanship, we couldnt play if you didnt build.
This was fascinating to watch! It's given me a much greater understanding and appreciation of what's involved in the making of a high quality handmade instrument.
I went from TwoSetViolin to people making violins what a day
LOOOOL same
same here
SAME
Tia Leung same
Same...
I didnt realize I watched 18 minutes of this until i watched 18 minutes of this.
That is a good sign! Glad you enjoyed it.
Potato lmao roasted
YipHyGaming - Truncation [150 coming] it means his voice was very nice, like ASMR... he wasn't even being rude...
Charles Mcbain I know... maybe I misunderstood what ‘roasted’ means when I commented this. I probably didnt click on the comment I wanted to reply to. Sorry for pointing that out!
YipHyGaming - Truncation [150 coming] Alright then.
This was incredibly enjoyable to watch, and inspirational to see such craft. Thank you.
Thank you so much!
galenhartley yeah awesome 😎
But I thought Ling Ling owned a Kachikiwawa?
I now have a sudden urge to make a violin
Did you do it? What did it cost?
me too lol
DO IT COWARD!
@Most dislikes on a video World Record 😂😂🤣
Me too
If you can build a violin slowly, you can build it quickly.
Eventuelly you can make it up to 15 violins per second !!
Interesting! You can also make a B natural into a B flat!
But its still not a 1.5 million 'violin' with 5 strings
It's reverse psychology.
Ling ling makes 40 perfect violins everyday
I'm 68 years old and in the process of making my first violin under the tutelage of master luthier, Joseph Trift. I've watched this video a number of times, and each time I see it I'm reinspired to the process of making a violin, a living instrument, out of a few pieces of wood! It's also sad to think that I'll never live to become a master at it!
Thank you, Harlan. Joseph's work looks very nice - I reckon you're in good hands there!
Harlan Stone don’t give up harlen, it’s never too late to find something to enjoy. Even if you only get to make a few!
Hi Harlan I have a newspaper article that I kept for inspiration, that I'd like to share with you, re an older violin maker. I tried to copy and paste here but it doesn't work. If you can give me your email, I'd be happy to forward it to
you. david.adelaide@bigpond.com
Did you finish the violin?
Dear Maestro;
In which country, and city of Europe, can I buy spruce pine, or "Picea"? Does anyone know any website? Thank you so much !
As a violinist, i knew quite a bit of effort was put into making them, since they're pretty expensive. However, i never realized how much work and soul is put into each instrument. I'm definitely going to cherish each one i own.
Thank you for the comment ! Glad you enjoyed the video !
This has been beyond fascinating seeing it from another view....my grandpa has been a carpenter and then a ... I’m not even sure how to describe his craft. He can just create the most beautiful things from wood. One day he came across a gorgeous piece of wood that he wanted to make into something special. Sometime later he came across plans for building a violin, and said he knew that is what this piece of wood was destined to be. He practiced first. The first violin was obviously not the best, but he worked with a musician friend to perfect every piece for the right sound. Now, many years down the road, he has repaired many instruments and has worked with violinists and fiddlers for custom pieces. I have a 1/4 size violin that he made for my son...the bow strings are actually made from the hair from my other grandfathers horse (Lady passed away several years ago, so this makes it even more special at this point, even though my son outgrew the violin about 12 years ago). So, yeah, I’m crazily crying and nostalgic through this entire video!! Thanks for sharing your work!
Thanks so much! Really glad the video connected with you. Thank YOU for sharing!
I wanna hear this man read an audiobook
I agree 100%.
Beautiful. Just beautiful. Not only the violin itself, the the poetic reflection upon his craft. I can't help but love how he thinks and tells his story, and how he seems so calm.
Thank you, Johnny !
Antiquing is a very bizarre concept. I had no idea it was even a thing. Certainly Stradivarius & Guarneri did not antique their instruments, & if your work is any good it will become "antiqued" on its own. Guess I'm in the school of "let new things look new & not try to covet an age that they don't deserve."
I do agree that it's a funny concept... It does seem somewhat more noble and mature to just finish an instrument and let time have its way. And yet there are plenty of customers who prefer antiqued finishes. I really don't have a very articulate response to this idea, but I do appreciate you taking the time to comment! : )
When I was making the film I thought it was a funny thing too. As a guitarist my guitars are reliquing themselves naturally, pokes and dents (dents?) are adding to the picture. When I look at relic custom shop guitars when tuners are brushed with coffee to look old I always think it's weird.
But when I saw how intriguing the antiquing process was, I sort of figured out how it can be beautiful (correct me if i'm wrong). making a violin allows the luhier to mix different caracteristics, by bending curves more or less, working on old fashioned models and shapes, giving it an extra style that can relate to glorious standards, but when youre not an expert in violin shapes, these details can be really hard to bust. In my humble opinion antiquing is just like painting on a fresh canvas that you've just made. When it comes to antiquing (and you made clear the point that it's not about fooling people or making them believe that it is actualy old) luthiers are free to give the instrument more of a texture to it. PLain varnishes can be crackled, matified, layered, painted and scratched, different tones can be added etc... very interesting and not a lazy way to work
It looks funny though, to see a very gentle and precise violin maker have fun with salt and hair dryer on a 200+ hours work. Refreshing, i couldn't say why. Lotta work indeed to "thrash" a jewel. that's the punk side of the luthier haha
galenhartley it’s very popular in the guitar world too.
Like Galen said... That's just what the majority of violinist will play! If you let the average player chose between a new flawless instrument and an old looking one, most of them will chose the antiqued violin. No question, you can hide quite a lot if you messed up and that's what some colleagues will always imply. And I will let them. But to be honest, good antique varnish is quite a lot of work compared to plain finish. And if you're not good at it, most people will notice right away... So if you don't put great effort into it and look at good old instruments, it won't charm a schooled eye. Galen did a pretty good job there!
All the most expensive violins in the world look "rough" because they are old. They have a lot of character. Oddly enough it's the really cheap violins that look super clean and new. If someone is spending $15k on a violin, they want it to look like a violin you'd spend $15k on, ideally a lot more than that. ($15k is just the first price I found for a Hartley violin - just to use as a ballpark number for what his violins sell for and who might be buying them).
I feel like this is a transition period for someone like Hartley. People spend $15k for a high quality violin that can be used frequently (orchestra, concert, etc). The quality and look of the violin is more important than the name behind it. Assuming Hartley's violins continue to improve and his name gets more recognition, people will start buying the violin because it's a Hartley, not because it's a quality violin that looks more expensive than it is. A buyer of such a violin will be able to get the status that comes with owning an expensive violin by showing the maker's mark, rather than showing the patina.
As an audio engineer, I really appreciated the comparison of the "antiqueness" to mixing an album. Very effective way of describing it!
Who knows this guy could be founder of world best violin brand in next few hundreds years.
doubtful
MUS1C4L 1NSTRUMENTS you never know
@@hsuhorn Problem is there's also a factor out of his control when it comes to being the "best" brand of violin. Its theorized that part of the reason Stradivarius violins are deemed the best is because the weather around the time the trees were growing, so quite a few years, caused the trees in that area to seize up and produce insanely hard, dry wood that happened to be perfect for making violins. If somehow he could find a way to replicate that exact wood, or something better. Then he could possibly be the next best luthier. Otherwise he'd need to find some other revolutionary way to make violins.
Sir Pantsalot exactly the weather could change and become super hard and dry because global warming and stuff
Mr. Chase no lol
I had the fortune some time ago to meet one of the most beautiful people I've ever known. And, it wasn't just his physical beauty that stood out. It went far deeper than that. He was always so calm, so pensive, so gentle, and he had an old soul that was far wiser than his age would otherwise suggest. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out what it was that made him so immensely intriguing. Then, one day, I learned that he's a woodworker, and it suddenly all made sense. His passion required him to be patient, sensitive, attentive, resolute, kind, and so many other things that, combined, made for an amazing person who could draw others in without even trying.
I was reminded of him as I watched this video. Or, more to the point, you reminded me of him. So much so that I immediately emailed him after watching to ask if he has ever thought about making violins.
Thank you for sharing. It was a very calming yet inspiring experience.
I saw this vid about 4 months or something after it came out, I watched it again last year, and now after remembering it have watched and thoroughly enjoyed it a third time
As a violinist, I just wanna say thanks. What you do is amazing and I'm so grateful to you and your fellow craftsmen for creating these amazing instruments that I love. The violin has shaped me as a person and without it I don't know where I'd be. So, thanks!!!!
Thank you so much! Hard to imagine where I'd be without lutherie and violins either : )
When I was young and got my first guitar i really wanted one that had that vintage look, just imagine the SRV signature fender strat, distressed to look like the one he played. In the end I got a brand new looking California series american strat. Now that I've had it for almost 20 years its starting to show its age. the volume and tone knobs have yellowed. There's a burn on the headstock under the low E string from a carelessly tended cigarette or two while playing. There's a chip on the bottom from when my strap slipped off during a rehearsal for a show. All of this character is something personal to the instrument and carries a memory. While I appreciate the look of those distressed instruments, I think it's better to let time and adventure age the instrument.
Excellent video and amazing craftsmanship. Hat's off to you!
Thank you, Marc! I agree that it's probably more fun and interesting to know where each little scratch and dent came from. I've been on the antiquing track for a while now and I admit that it's very hard for me to do just a clean varnish job that has the same impact as something artificially aged... but still, it's something to aspire to because when it works it is truly fantastic.
This could be a good ASMR video. . .
that's funny because I did not have ASMR microphones at the time but now I've bought some and I'm trying to properly record stuff with it. my next videos will be asmr friendly!
Yea.. too bad he talked the whole way through :c
αвѕolυтe αвѕυrd :3 I think this is better. He has a really calm voice and personality and I wouldn’t have watched the whole video without it.
@Vanargand You do realize that if a sound makes you feel relaxed, that's automatically asmr for you. Doesnt matter if it's not titled ASMR, if it makes you feel good or relaxed then it's asmr.
There's something truly beautiful about the passion so clearly imbued into this video, it's simplicity is soothing in such a unique way.
Thank you!
"Really not an expert. Going to put that on a business card." I like your sense of humour. Oh, I also like your violin making. Having a tabby cat earns you extra points too!
Thank you !
Wow other than the fact that you make pretty awesome stuff, the video was well made! Great work!
Please do make more videos
thank you !
Thank you very much!
incredible video work indeed
This is so amazing, Galen! I got a little tear in my eye at the end, I'm not sure why. It could be a co-op thing, or maybe the craftsmanship, or maybe hearing the violin you made be played. How cool is that? Bravo!
Aw, thanks Buffy! That is just lovely to hear... I had some kind of co-op pride feeling after reading Radio Belly, too. Thanks again, really great to hear from you!
Thanks! Next book is on the way. I wish I could make a movie about its genesis but that would be much more boring than your movie!
Wow. I'm amazed with the sound quality of your violin. I would love to purchase one.
Thank you very much! I would also love you to purchase one :) Send me an email if you'd like to discuss it further. And happy new year!
galenhartley singerboyking2791@gmail.com
DeAngelo Burruss wow thats a funny email lmao
galenhartley what does your violins sell for
@Vanargand Yeah it seems ill advised to put your email in a youtube comment section...
That was incredibly satisfying. Thank you. I certainly hope you're able to sell them for $10k or more. We, as a society, should always celebrate and support the works of people like you.
THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR ARTISTRY, IT WAS TRULY A BEAUTIFUL THING TO WATCH!!
Since I saw this video a few years ago, I've watched it several times. It just amazes me how much effort and work is put into making just one instrument. It also relaxes me a lot to hear his voice too. Thank you for this masterpiece, I'll see you in a few months :)
Here for like the 9th time since I saw the video for the first time.
Once again ;)
Hello! haha
Ling Ling will love to practice 40 hours with this violin
Ling ling!
viola gang !!
Ling ling doesn't practice.
@DAVID MELLA No he doesn't. He knows how to play all of the songs already.
@@sierra6293 but he only knows all the songs because he practiced 40 hours
I gave my violin a hug after watching this
Good. It needs that.
What a great mini-documentary. My grandson is learning the violin, so I loved watching the process of turning beautiful wood into an incredibly delicate and resonant instrument.
Thank you, John!
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Seeing someone's craft in a slight bit of detail and divulging the mentality and motivation behind what drives the craft is always a sight to behold. Needless to say, seeing this video was truly inspiring. Best wishes, and I hope your craft takes you far and bestows much happiness upon you and those who take up your instruments.
Thank you so much! This comment is very much appreciated!
Learning how difficult and long it takes to make a violin makes me feel bad. I always make dents or chip my violin...
Well, they're meant to live a full and adventurous life, just like us :) Maybe you could just think of it as a very slow antiquing process.
authenticity
Same, my viola has changed overtime
Unless it is a bench violin, (2-20k) its not made like this.
Don't feel bad, he actually went out of his way to dent and chip this one.
This is so relaxing, I love it
Thank you!
Ah, I am in love with everything about this. Thank you for sharing this art. (I am referring to both the making of the violin as well as the videography and thought that has gone into this video.)
Thank you so much!
This video was so satisfying to watch. The delicate woodwork, the narrator’s voice, the story, the craftsmanship, the love, the editing , even the cat. ❤️😊
I didn't even notice the length of the video it was so captivating. Beautiful people, music, and instruments all coming together to make a beautiful video. Great job!
My heart sank when he “aged” the thing.
mine too
I agree it was beautiful before it was aged, my violin has aged for 244 years I'm assuming naturally lol
@@adamgc73 wow! may I know roughly how much did it cost you? I've been playing the violin for over 16 years now and have gone through a couple of violins (mainly from growing up from a toddler to an adult) but never truly appreciated the craftsmanship behind them, I'm hoping to buy my next one not simply by its aesthetics but by also having a deeper understanding
Timestamp?
Diego Ortega 12:08
Absolutely mesmerizing!!!
I formerly belong to a family that is dedicated to fine wood working. Personally I am an Sculptor, your Job is something similar.
Your modesty makes you great!!!
Thank you, Raphael! So glad you enjoyed it!
Wow! I'm impressed! the clips of the violin being played sounds very impressive for a modern violin! Sounds like at least it has been aged for at least a 100 years! it's really impressive! currently, I am using a Conrad Goetz but I hope that my mom would soon allow me to get one of your violins. I might be going to Bordeaux at the end of the year and would definitely be paying you a visit!
sincerely,
12 year old violinist.
Hello! Thank you very much! It would be a pleasure to meet with you, keep in touch regarding your travel plans!
@@galenhartley yes! do you have any email that I can contact you with?
galen.hartley@gmail.com
@@galenhartley hey buddy! sorry for the late response, but I will email you after my exams .
I love this video! All of the craft and pride, without all of the unnecessary pretentiousness. The modesty, too, is so inspiring. Now I want to make a violin!
Thank you so much !
Thank God there are true craftsman like you in the world! I had to watch the video twice to make certain that I absorbed all of the finesse that you coaxed out of your violin. To watch how you managed to compel the instrument to give up it's tone. I am a guitar tech and keep my instruments singing and playing properly and appreciate the craft. Great work, I only wish to have been there when first played on that beautiful stage.
Thanks so much, Tom ! Really appreciate it !
Amazing work on the video, but also on the violin! Really enjoyed watching it and looking at you working through all the steps of making such a piece of art. Thanks for sharing...
Thank you! Very happy you enjoyed it!
I read a little bit of the French captions even though I speak English cause I'm from the USA. I love this video. It's really fasonating watching how violins are being made! 😄
The French subs are very useful for me :)
I don't play violin (yet) but I've always been passionate about it. I really wanted to learn it but never had the money to buy one (I play by air haha my imagination can get way too far sometimes). so watching how one was made, made me realize "Wow, violins should be more expensive" which would be a disadvantage for me but seriously though, this things were made from within. Made from the heart of its maker and it is just so wonderful to watch how it was made with so much compassion and love. And those things could never ever be payed by money. It made me respect every single thing on this world because just wow. You are cool man and I love how passionate you are. I hope I could be as passionate as you are when I finally get my own violin some day (THAT DAY WILL COME NO MATTER WHAT). So yeah. Good job sir!
Thank you so much! Hope you can get your hands on a violin someday soon. Sounds like there is plenty of passion ready to be put to good use :)
galenhartley I do hope so too. There are violins in our school (that unfortunately, we are not to touch) and I sometimes secretly set them up when our trainor's not around. But before I even start to try it, our rondalla practice would start. It's such a shame that those violins are just collecting dusts... sorry for the long message. I feel like I just have to say those. I'll work hard to get one soon. I will.
AlecziiMacaronii definitely, but they are one of the most expensive instruments to keep and maintain.
You need the instrument, a case, rosin, shoulder rest, bow, cloth(you don’t technically need to buy that), a tuner(there are apps, but normally aren’t that great) and someway to learn.
Then you need to rehair your bow every 1-2 years, and change the strings.
But it’s worth it, never drop it... obvious, but just don’t, mine broke at where the neck and body meet, thankfully it was an easy fix.
Hope you get one they are beautiful
You will HAVE to change violin yearly because of the size
Evil Hutdug not really yearly but when ever you are ready to change it's height because of your growth
I watched the whole video without a blink.
What a craftsmanship!
Thankyou for being there for us :)
Wonderful how creativity inspired wells up into incessant drive to create. Thank you for inspiration!
Nice job on the violin! I’ve been playing the violin for 3 years and I’ve loved it ever since and the violin you made looks so good I wanna play it myself! Yet I’m kinda interested into making a violin.
I have a question. Do violin makers also know how to play the violin
Yes. They need to know the basics (Fingering, Bowing, Tuning etc.) to actually start mastering the art of building a violin.
NA7HAN Oh ok thanks
CheesyWood they have to
A bit, but not much.
Brandon some
This was amazing.
Thank you!
This is the most relaxing video on RUclips
Unbelievable craftsmanship, sir. Thank you for the video.
I always think about how much of the luthier's breath goes around, through, & into the instrument. I'm sure on some level it stays there.
He's done his part, and now it's time to practice!
oh that was beautiful and I dreamed about doing that about 10 years ago...maybe some day I will. That antiquing really hurt me to watch, I could understand rubbing the varnish thin it spots to simulate a wear pattern but all that scratching and pitting after such attention to detail :(
Excellent! It was pure joy to watch you create my favorite instrument, Galen. Thank you.
I don’t play violin so haven’t given them much attention but after watching this video definitely have a newfound appreciation for the violin and builders like yourself. I didn’t realize just how much work went into making a violin. Great video thank you
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
IT SOUNDS SO GOOD!!! :)
Thank you!
Nice video! Thanks for sharing
17:40 I guess cat approves. HEHEHEH Very nice vid and thx for putting all that together.
This was beyond beautiful, a mesmerizing and truly inspiring thing to watch. Attention to the details is what brings true awe. Thank you for sharing this experience.
I have been a wood worker for all my life, and early this year I have begun to research violin making in earnest, finally I came to a point where I feel I could make one, but as you say there is more to it than that- tool being the biggest step I need to overcome, they are not the same as that of making frames and furniture for sure. None of my 50 or more clamps will do... so make it, or buy it. Both take time to get. Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed hearing of your journey.
What was that song the girl played??
Working on an answer for you :)
Lilya plays the first movement of Prokofiev's concerto for violin no. 2 and a movement by Bach, but she doesn't remember which one.
I’m fairly certain it’s the Allemande (or Allemanda) from Partita No. 1 in B minor, BWV 1002
Jasper Lai holy shit ur a god
YipHyGaming - Truncation [150 coming] no cursing please!
This precious instrument. Violin. Good job. Lucky.
If you made it black and white or sepia effect it would be EPIC.
So sad when he aged the violin, something that beautiful and hand made deserves to age gracefully. Have its own history and not be given one
I’ve always had such an appreciation for the craftsmanship it takes to build these beautiful instruments that we play!
Fantastic and inspirational !! I'm building my first violin from a Stewart MacDonald kit and watching your video is a great part of my planning.
Thank you for posting
Thank you very much! Good luck with that first violin!
Wow I think I might know how my violin was built🤩I wonder how much times he has cut himself
Happily, I've never suffered any serious injury. But I admit there have been quite a few small cuts along the way :)
PSA TO COMMENTERS:
If you came to watch a man make a violin, only comment on the violin. If you don’t like tattoos, for example, nobody cares! Thank you.
Thanks for having my back on this, Addison! I appreciate your support. Still happily accepting encouragement to quit smoking, though :)
Holy Roman Empire i care, dont try and speak for 6000000 people. You are just plain,y self-centered and a shit-eater.
"antiquing" is just ruining something perfectly new. nice video
i can't believe i actually finished watching this 18minutes video. i get all the goosebumps and felt the excitement you're feeling when the professional violinist is going to test out your masterpiece (around 16:50).
Glad that you're enjoying what you're doing man :)
Beautiful journey and work !
I am a painter in Oregon and my journey is similar , very subjective ,constantly learning and life giving.
Blessings on your journey!
I, too, am an artist/craftsman in Oregon. I have a minute niche in which I wallow with delight in success and failure.
i liked the way it looks before antiquing :( i respect other musicians ideas though. its just that if i want a new instrument i want to start the journey together i want it to get legit scratches from our adventures then when i grow old i will see the battle scars it got from our adventures as i past it on to the next owner probably my son or grandchildren XD then i die from old age hehe :D
Antiquing is like pre-torn jeans. It’s a quite absurd fashion. The holes would come naturally anyway.
I have never torn a pair of jeans in my life, and I have some really old ones because I keep everything. I'd have to wait decades for them to have holes naturally.
Maybe that’s because I very often sit outdoors on the ground in parcs and I don’t have a car so I walk a lot and use a bicycle. Holes come after 3 to four years on vintage Levi’s.
@@T.J Oh, that explains it.
Wow this Video is amazing!
Greetings from Germany :)
Thank you!
This is a masterpiece i watched this video like five times so far never bored
Thank you so much!
Very inspirational to watch. Thank you for sharing your talent and your love.
*watched the video then tried to go made one*
*starts to carve with a really crappy steak knife*
*messes up and splits half of it*
GODDAMNIT!
*throws knife and now can’t find it*
クアン ミリ- ナ oh nah I’d end up cutting my hand and it’s worse cuz I’m a pianist
Tia Leung
Well still try.
I still can’t find the knife but maybe one day I’ll make my dream violin.
(I highly doubt I will)
Preparation is key, no steak knives! :) But I'm glad the video inspired you!
galenhartley
:) it was a great video.
how much it cost ?
I ask 8000 euros these days.
Wow! A straight answer! That’s exceedingly rare! I hope you stick to your price for another year. I should have saved up enough to be able to afford your creation!
galenhartley Wow, understandable coming from one man who puts so much passion and hard-work into his instruments. They are beautiful
8000!?!? I'd like to see how $40 violins are made.
Content Updating a machine
The only part that I hate when you fake a age of violin it’s just painful to watch
I agree. It's just really unnecessary, a weird idea. Sadly that's the reality in some part of today's violin making.
Makes me want to pull my hair out.
you had me tearing up a few times because this is something that i've wanted to in my life. the violin is so very dear to me, but i've left it for so long now. i now fear i'll never be able to make a violin. thank you so much for making this video, brilliant.
Thanks so much, Trevor. Sorry it took a while to say so! You never know, there may still be time, many things are possible in life!
Galen Hartley Del Gesù
Your pieces are absolutely beautiful and built with so much passion. Need more men like you in our world...
Thank you so much!
I think that making the instrument look old takes away from the experience of getting old with it in general.
NO CATS WERE HARMED IN THIS VIDEO
also i really want one
What???? Those strings are made of cat gut!
Sounds beautiful but you really need to stop making your so call new violins look look old violins. Don't be a Norm!!!
It is the passion for our projects that drives us. Well done!!
Every violin maker has their own unique methods and styles of craftsmanship, if you put your heart and soul into it.
It makes the effort worthwhile.
that antiquing footage made me cringe. Why would anyone want that??
Different strokes for different folks, I guess :)
galenhartley i love it!!!
@@galenhartley This is where you lost me. Antiquing is the piece claiming to have a history is did not earn. It feels disingenuous.
@@ThePhiloctopus as it is...as it so surely is...there still lays within...A beautiful sole in the instrument in spite of the camelion jacket placed on it...we live in a world of frauds...leave "them" to it and stay true to, & in yourself & that which you create, Be that you, & your craft.
@@Lachesisms true i was gonna say that
Throws shades on Monsanto like a conspiracy nut in a violin building video but still smokes cigarettes. Great video and beautiful violin still, though.
Well, it's not a nut conspiracy theory that Monsanto is doing a lot of shitty things.
@@digitalspecter true
Stop antiquing the violins! I can take care of the random scratches myself...
Such a gentle, affirming video beautifully made. Watching it from my place in isolation, I felt it gave me some real connection to the rest of humanity. Thank you so much
I was just so struck by the generosity of spirit of this while production
I recently started working at a little shop in Atlanta repairing and setting up the student instruments. I love how almost every luthier I’ve met says something along the lines of “I sort of fell into this line of work.” Almost no one actually seems to set out to be a luthier. The process is so satisfying though.
Yeah, it's a funny thing, huh? I'm glad you're enjoying it!
I was absolutely gutted when he started “ageing” it. You’ve gone to all that time, effort, precision of cutting, scraping, sanding, planing to create something beautiful....then you ruin it by trying to make it look like somebody else’s instrument. Absolutely gutted! Hand on heart...if you made one for me and I arrived to take ownership and seen you had done that? I wouldn’t accept it. I would ask for my money back and I would just walk away. I would be absolutely devastated and to be honest I would actually feel I had been disrespected.
I guess you'd have to ask for a non aged instrument, the same way some people ask for aged ones, no big deal my dude.
Don't worry, nobody ever get surprised with an antiqued instrument : ) Like Luka says, it's a feature that some people request. Anytime anyone orders an instrument there is a long period of planning where we figure out exactly what they want so there are no unhappy surprises when it's finished.
@@galenhartley Thank you for coming back to me, it is greatly appreciated. That is good to hear and know. Your work is exquisite Sir!
Just me or when he purposely ruins the violin you think "Wow that's stupid."
Not just you.
@@galenhartley Guess not lol. I don't know. I'm under the impression that purposely ruining such a wonderful instrument is a terrible thing to do. This is just my perspective as a violinist (I personally take very good care of my violin so I can't really see the value in scratching the instrument, trying to make it look older, other than monetary gain). I think a violin should age with time, a worthy instrument will gain antiquity regardless which is why they're so prized. Stradivari never had to scratch his instruments.
That sentence about Monsanto is sadly true.
Great video, great builder, very knowledgeable and articulate. The violin sounded incredible at the end, great sound quality.
Thank you very much!
What a beautiful story! Playing the violin and constructing the violin are both incredible art forms. Glad I am part of at least one of the two- that's playing it.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I was with him until he did the relic thing...the work was so nice.
When he said he tries and makes it look old, I felt cheated on
Awesome
Thank you for filming n sharing
Beautiful n Blessings
I loved watching this process! I am a Viola player and had no idea that the bass bar was in there! thank you for your craftmanship, we couldnt play if you didnt build.
Thank you !
This was fascinating to watch! It's given me a much greater understanding and appreciation of what's involved in the making of a high quality handmade instrument.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!