Newark School of Violin Making
RAB Award 2019: funding for a plane and closing clamps, and a work placement with Marc Soubeyran
“I spent 3 days in Marc Soubeyran’s workshop in Ludlow to learn more about set-up.
This was exactly the placement I wanted: I made a new top nut, soundpost, bridge, end pin and pegs and learnt many new ideas about setting up. Marc showed me a few tricks to improve my making and gave clear explanations of his methods. I took lots of notes and have started putting these ideas into practice.
It was also a good opportunity to see how Marc runs his business, deals with customers etc.
I gained a better understanding how parts of the violin work and also learnt more about bow rehairing and wood treatment.
Being in Marc Soubeyran’s workshop has been a great experience. Marc and his family have treated me as one of the family so I’ve also felt at home.
Thank you very much to Marc and everybody who make work experiences possible!”
RAB Award 2018 – Education Services Award: funding to buy tools and wood
Marina writes of her 2018 award:
“I would like to thank the RAB Trust for the recognition of my work and the big help they are offering to the students of violin making in the UK.
With the money that RAB Trust has given me I’ve had the opportunity to buy some tools that otherwise I couldn’t have afforded by my own because they are really expensive: a Herdim peg shaper for violin and viola (I thank the also RAB Trust for the tool sales they do periodically, where I found this second hand tool at a cheaper price), a Herdim 1:30 straight reamer and a 1:30 spiral baby reamer, a razor saw (very useful for the work with ebony) and a set of needle rasps.
I also decided to buy some wood for the next course projects: 2 sets of violin ribs, 2 violin backs (one of them 1 piece back, and the other one 2 piece backs) and wood for violin and viola sound posts.
I’m really excited and looking forward to use these tools and wood for my new instruments!
I’m sure I’ll always remember where those tools came from when making every new instrument, and I’ll also spread the generosity that I’m receiving to the next generation of violin making students when I get to be an established violin maker”.
