This mold for making a cello is built in three parts. The
two outer layers serve as the form for bending the sides, or ribs, while the inner layer
holds the rib structure together while other processes are underway. Here is the
completed mold ready for the next step, bending and glueing the ribs.
The Ribs
This picture shows the ribs bent and glued to the blocks.
The top and bottom layers of the mold have been removed. The middle layer of the
mold is temporarily glued to the blocks and will be removed later.
The Linings
The linings are thin strips of wood (cedar in this case)
glued to the top and bottom edges of the ribs. These reinforce the edge and provide
more glue surface for the top and back of the instrument.
The Back
The ribs have been set aside and now work has begun on the
cello back. The figured maple used for back is hard and somewhat difficult to carve. In
spite of this I enjoy the process.
