The Woodwright's Shop Season 27 Episode 7 Violin Maker Joe Thrift

Season 27 episode 7 of The Woodwright's Shop is titled "Violin Maker Joe Thrift." In this episode, Roy Underhill welcomes the talented violin maker Joe Thrift onto the show. Joe has been making violins for over 40 years and his skill and expertise are unmatched in the field.

Roy and Joe go through the process of making a violin from start to finish. Joe starts by selecting the right type of wood. He explains how the grains of the wood must be straight and how certain parts of the violin require specific types of wood.

Joe then demonstrates how to shape the wood using traditional hand tools. He uses a plane, spokeshave, gouge, and rasp to shape the top of the violin. He explains that this process can take anywhere from 40 to 80 hours to complete.

Next, Roy and Joe talk about the importance of the soundpost and what role it plays in the sound of the violin. The soundpost is a small piece of spruce that is placed inside the violin. Joe shows how to carve and install the soundpost and how to adjust it to get the perfect sound.

Joe also explains how the thickness of the wood affects the sound of the violin. He demonstrates how to use a gauge to measure the thickness of the wood and how to adjust it to produce the desired sound.

Throughout the episode, Roy and Joe discuss the history of the violin and how it has evolved over time. They talk about the different schools of violin-making and how they have influenced each other.

In the end, Joe puts the finishing touches on the violin, adding the strings and tuning it. He then plays a few notes to demonstrate the beautiful sound that his handmade violin produces.

Overall, "Violin Maker Joe Thrift" is a fascinating episode of The Woodwright's Shop that offers a detailed look at the art of violin-making. Joe's skill and expertise are truly impressive, and viewers will come away with a new appreciation for the craft.