Nov.30, 2011

X-ray scanner, which is normally used to detect cancers and injuries, is now used by a team of experts to create a 1704 Stradivarius violin. In 1988 Radiologist and violinist Steven Sirr made a CT scan of his violin out of curiosity and showed to his friend John waddle who is violin maker.

Since then the two men began their dream of replicating musical instrument. They scanned hundreds of guitars, mandolins and violins for getting a better understanding of their composition.

Eventually teaming up with another violin maker, Steve Rossow, they borrowed a Stradivarius from the US Library of Congress to precess creating three replicas.

They took 1000 CAT scan images and then converted the file to 3D CAD format.

"CT is useful in measuring wood density, size and shapes, thickness graduation and volume measurements," Dr. Sirr said. "It also provides detailed analysis of damage and repair."

The files were transmitted into a CNC machine. Copies of each part of the violin is carved out, including the back and front plates, neck etc using different woods to match the originals.

The final step was to assemble and varnish, which were done by hand.

"The copies are amazingly similar to originals in their sound quality," said Dr Sirr.


(photos credit: RSNA)

Dr Sirr hoped to make replicas for other antique instruments so students and musicians could have chances to access "nearly exact copies" of the originals.

For owners of authentic Stradivarius or other prized violins, CT imaging not only provides a definitive form of identification, it helps establish a pedigree that may increase the value of their investment.

Background of Stradivarius

Antonio Stradivari, Italian luthier and a crafter of string instruments such as violins, cellos, guitars, violas, and harpsan, is regarded as history's greatest violin maker. Of the estimated 1,000 violins Stradivari made, about 650 still exist and are highly prized for their unique sound quality. The name "Stradivarius" has become a superlative often associated with excellence. Many factors influence a violin's sound, from the qualities of the wood to the instrument's shape, degree of arching and wood thickness.

A Stradivarius made in the 1680s, or during Stradivari's 'Long Pattern' period from 1690 to 1700, could be worth hundreds of thousands to several million U.S. dollars at today's prices. In 2011, his "Lady Blunt" violin from 1721, which is in pristine condition, was sold at Tarisio auctions for £9.8 million, or about $15.9 million.

Via BBC and RSNA



Posted in 3D Technology

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kevin wrote at 6/15/2019 9:22:44 PM:

I also am looking for the g code files for the violin. I anyone knows where I can find them I would appreciate it. Keves@juno.com

kevin wrote at 6/15/2019 8:44:53 PM:

I also am looking for the g code files for the violin. I anyone knows where I can find them I would appreciate it. Keves@juno.com

kevin wrote at 6/15/2019 8:32:23 PM:

I also am interested in the g code files for the violin if anyone knows where I can get them, it would be appreciated.

ariana wrote at 12/11/2018 10:08:56 AM:

My dear friend, I can write my own code if I have the 3d file. We need a 3d file.

ariana wrote at 12/11/2018 10:03:48 AM:

Hello. I'm ariana.Dear friend, I have not received any files. Sorry. If you can help us in this area. Thank you very much

ariana wrote at 12/11/2018 8:26:17 AM:

Hello. I'm ariana.Dear friend, I have not received any files. Sorry. If you can help us in this area. Thank you very much

Harry Guo wrote at 2/28/2018 7:00:10 AM:

Hi, everyone: Did any one of you get the G-code you requested. I am in a similar situation hoping to find a G code program for carving violin. Mahalo! Harry

Ivor Cameron wrote at 12/8/2017 10:55:33 PM:

Hi, I am currently attending a violin making class and enjoying it very much, Unfortunately at 83 years old I am unikely to complete many violins I have therefore purchased an old CNC router with aveiw to speeding things up a little!! I wondered if CNC files for violin carving are available from any source. Your help would be much appreciated.

Wallace Henson wrote at 11/3/2017 3:40:24 AM:

I would like to by a copy of the g code files to violin. My name is Wallace Henson and I live in Loxley, Alabama. I am 65 and have only made 2 violins by hand but I would like to make more. I have built me a cnc router from a kit and have it operational, but I am not smart enough to write the code. If you are interested in selling cad software or G-code please let me know how much. Thanks Wallace Henson 251-689-3610 wallacehenson@hotmai..com

Captainjimcummings@yahoo.com wrote at 10/17/2017 5:30:52 PM:

Is the file available for download?

Thomas wrote at 7/27/2017 7:48:02 PM:

Is the file available for download?

John wrote at 5/19/2017 11:31:56 PM:

No comment except to say that I hope Ariana got the file she requested and is now in possession of a wonderful copy of a Stradavari violin.

ariana wrote at 8/18/2013 2:27:11 PM:

hello.I'm living in Iran and here is limited, if you scan a file for violin cnc machine for my email. Thank you. my emil zakhmeh_tar_setar@yahoo.com

ariana wrote at 8/18/2013 2:17:45 PM:

hello.I'm living in Iran and here is limited, if you scan a file for violin cnc machine for my email. Thank you. my emil zakhmeh_tar_setar@yahoo,com



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