Articles

All laid out in black and white – part two December 2020

'Stradivari's method for laying out f-holes has long been a mystery. Torbjörn Zethelius reveals the method he believes the Cremonese master may have used, and how it can still be useful today.' Published in The Strad, December 2020.

Marking out measurements June 2016

'Creating a bespoke reference tool gives added speed and accuracy in the making process' Published in The Strad, June 2016 and The best of Trade Secrets 4

Laying out f-holes — part one April 2016

'A method that Stradivari may have used for making a template.' Published in The Strad April 2016, and The best of Trade Secrets 4

Making Cremonese corner templates March 2014

'A guide to creating a geometrically precise template according to Stradivari's own model.' Published in The Strad, March 2014 and The best of Trade Secrets 3

Carving a scroll using angular templates December 2011

'Practical advice on using proportional ratios in your scroll making.' Published in The Strad, December 2011 and The best of Trade Secrets 2

Inside Information August 2006

'In his search for the secrets behind the classic arching technique of the Cremonese makers, Torbjörn Zethelius uncovered some revealing insights.' Published in The Strad, August 2006, and The best of Trade Secrets.

Arching the divide November 2017

'For almost two centuries, luthiers have been copying instruments using the 'French method' – of which the original Italian makers were unaware.' Published in The Strad, November 2017.