New Shop Location:
Opening November 2007

Hershey Violins
11 West Main Street
Mechanicsburg, Pa 17055
717.697.6341

Shop Hours:

Tue. Wed. Fri.-11am to 5pm
Thursday - 11am to 7pm
Saturday - 10am to 3pm

 

Hershey Violins 2006 Instrument Production is nearing completion.

The Hershey Violin instrument production line up for 2006 is taking shape. I am in the final stages of plate tuning, final surface detailing and soon to begin the varnishing process on this years group of instruments. Then, the final polishing-out and set up will follow. I expect to have a fine selection of violins and violas completed by this September and October. If you would be interested in purchasing a violin or viola from this years harvest, please contact me by or phone to be added to my customer list.

Below, I have included photos of this years instruments, along with some out takes of the tuning and varnishing process for your review.

Backs of 2006 instruments, awaiting final finishing details. Fronts of instruments in the process of final plate tuning, "F" hole carving and bass bar carving and tuning. Inside thickness carving (graduating) of a top plate. This thickness will determine the proper pitch and stiffness of the top. A series of tap tones are performed while this "graduating" process takes place. This same graduating process is also performed on the back plates
The careful removal of wood in just the right spot is critical during this tuning process.

A series of tap tones are performed while the "graduating" process takes place.

 The thickness in certain areas of the top will determine the proper pitch and stiffness of the top. A series of careful measurements are taken during the tuning process using a thickness caliper.
After the instrument's top and back plates are properly tuned, the "FF" holes are properly placed and cut-in and the bass bar fitted and tuned. Then, the instrument is glued together where the term "in the white" comes from. This photo shows the final "scraping" and detailing around the "F" holes and any other surface requiring touch-up that may affect the look of the varnish.

Final detailing is taking place on the scroll.

 The varnishing process is a multi-stepped process taking may hours to complete. The process begins with a plate sealer, isolating the varnish from the wood.
My spirit varnish is completely hand-made in my shop and hand brush applied. Each varnish coat is hand sanded between coats. When the final color is achieved, the instrument is hand-rubbed to a final gloss finished.

Final inspection and adjustment of a finished instrument.

 Careful consideration of sound post placement, bridge cutting and string height adjustments are critical in determining an instruments final sound production and playability.

Scott W. Hershey has been making fine Violins, Violas and Cellos and serving the string playing community for over 25 years.