I really liked this Maggini cello I saw photos of. I drew it up, and noticed at 1/2 scale it had a 195 stop, with the bridge were it was set (the notches and f holes are on center). For some reason I thought 5 string, and that's what I'm doing. I just started gluing the ribs today. The plates are roughed out, and need to get the final outline from the ribs before I can finish them up. For the scroll I took the Gofriller viola scroll, and unfurled it one turn for space for the extra string. I like the results.
The back sides and neck are cherry, and for the belly I have a chunk of poplar. I had it glued up as a viola back. It is very light and resonant. I decided to use maple instead because the poplar was just so plain. But for a belly it may work. If not I have a nice set of old bear claw Sitka as a backup.
The varnish is off the Strad. Came off easy with isopropyl. Watch the alcohol, your varnish might just peel off! I had to take the belly off to fix a crack. This red spruce is very chippy, as seems prone to splitting. Sitka is looking better. I'm ready to glue it back together but I have an issue. What is this?
I had the back and belly in the garage, and on the deck for a while, maybe a month, and there are black dots on the neck. They don't just rub off. I tried water and a paper towel. Oil, tripoli and chamois. Neither one touched them at all. Mold? What to do?
I've been working a lot on my devotional blog. Reading and watching youtube videos. Lots of buzz about September 23. I don't know for sure about it, but I don't want to be stupid either. I'm always ready.
