Calder violin bow holder development

I'm exploring the potential of a new type of bow holder using magnets. This is not simply for the sake of being different, I want to see if I can come up with something that is in keeping with our overall design, which protects the bow, is easy to use and simple to make.

In the first series, the Calder violin bow holder was made entirely of leather with a magnet to hold the bow in place.





I liked the simplicity of this design and the fact that we were using only leather and a magnet. The downside was size - the holder was twice the size of the traditional Hill type holder. Size is particularly critical in the second series violin case as we have reduced the overall width by about 20%.

Over the last week I've been working on a new arrangement, still using magnets but this time incorporating a small block of wood. Here's a couple of shots the first one shows a rough working model with a magnet sewn into the restraining strap.





In the second version the magnet is set at the end of the support block and a strip of metal sewn into leather. The block I used in this second model is way too big because I didn't have a smaller magnet to hand.





I'm going to discuss all this with master luther Marco Cappiardi at Mondo Musica in Cremona later this week - it will be interesting to hear what he thinks. I suspect he may tell me that violinists will be happier with the traditional bow holder...

Hot hot: Calder red violin case interior

Here's a glimpse of the inside of the new Calder red violin case - once again Marie Upshire in the workshop has done brilliant work.

Protecting violins from temperature change

We are running some tests on the thermal insulation properties of our cases. Instruments in cases should never be left in the sun or in a car - but accidents happen so we want be sure the inside of our cases heats up a slowly as possible.

Part of the strength of our carbon fiber shell comes from a foam core which forms a cantilever, this core has the added benefit of adding to the insulation. In addition we plan to line the interior of the shell with a thin layer of Thinsulate type material.

In the shot here the higher temperature is from the exterior of the case and the lower reading is coming from a sensor inside the case. I'll post more as the test results come in.

Sizzling: Calder red violin case exterior complete

Thanks to the magnificent Marie Upshire's patience and skill in bringing together leather, carbon fiber, steel and silk velvet - the new red violin case exterior is complete. Next fitting out the interior.