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Marvin S. Hoekstra
  • Male
  • Sammamish, WA
  • United States
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Marvin S. Hoekstra's Discussions

Finish for Bows

My guess is that the shellac/benzoin/almond would seem to leave quite a noticeable orange, which is what I want. Orchestral players can be quite conservative out of a need to blend in, which explains…

Replied Jul 19

Finish for Bows

Thanks--The question about color relates to the fact that most bows of pernambuco appear considerably darker than raw pernambuco wood which is medium to deep orange. I will assume that the deepening…

Replied Jul 3

Finish for Bows
7 Replies

What is the  finish applied to the pernambuco wood in bows for stringed instruments?  Is it the same as that used on violins, perhaps an oil or spirit varnish?  Is it colored or applied without added…

Started this discussion. Last reply by Erin Shrader Jul 19.

Removal of Oil Varnish from a Violin

I did evantually find a soluton to this problem. I scraped off the uneven varnish, and tapered down the edges of the scraped area. Then I revarnished the spot and it turned out well. If this were to…

Replied Mar 25

 

Marvin S. Hoekstra's Page

Latest Activity

Erin Shrader replied to Marvin S. Hoekstra's discussion 'Finish for Bows'
It really doesn't change the color. Color changes with time.
July 19
Marvin S. Hoekstra replied to Marvin S. Hoekstra's discussion 'Finish for Bows'
My guess is that the shellac/benzoin/almond would seem to leave quite a noticeable orange, which is what I want. Orchestral players can be quite conservative out of a need to blend in, which explains the need for darker tones. I am not actually fini…
July 19
Erin Shrader replied to Marvin S. Hoekstra's discussion 'Finish for Bows'
The polish I use is shellac and a little Siam benzoin dissolved in alcohol, applied with a touch of almond oil. No color. Lots of bow makers use variations on the theme, with different application techniques. Others do completely different things. I…
July 6
Douglas Marples replied to Marvin S. Hoekstra's discussion 'Finish for Bows'
Raw pernambuco may be orange or orange-red but the wood oxidizes with age and becomes a deeper red brown or chocolate color.
July 3
Douglas Marples replied to Marvin S. Hoekstra's discussion 'Finish for Bows'
July 3
Marvin S. Hoekstra replied to Marvin S. Hoekstra's discussion 'Finish for Bows'
Thanks--The question about color relates to the fact that most bows of pernambuco appear considerably darker than raw pernambuco wood which is medium to deep orange. I will assume that the deepening of the color is a result of the (uncolored) finish…
July 3
Douglas Marples replied to Marvin S. Hoekstra's discussion 'Finish for Bows'
Not all are finished exactly alike. Typically they are either finished with French polish/shellac or with a rubbed oil finish. Not with violin Varnish as far as I know, and not particularly colored.
July 3
Marvin S. Hoekstra added a discussion
Finish for Bows
What is the  finish applied to the pernambuco wood in bows for stringed instruments?  Is it the same as that used on violins, perhaps an oil or spirit varnish?  Is it colored or applied without added color?  
July 1
Marvin S. Hoekstra replied to Marvin S. Hoekstra's discussion 'Removal of Oil Varnish from a Violin'
I did evantually find a soluton to this problem. I scraped off the uneven varnish, and tapered down the edges of the scraped area. Then I revarnished the spot and it turned out well. If this were to happen again, I would probalby wait until the unev…
March 25
Nate Tabor replied to Marvin S. Hoekstra's discussion 'Removal of Oil Varnish from a Violin'
Best to fix the error while still wet. Otherwise, I think your looking at sanding (;
March 25
Marvin S. Hoekstra and Hans Nygaard are now friends
December 12, 2009
Marvin S. Hoekstra replied to MANFIO - LUIS CLAUDIO's discussion 'The latest 16 inches viola I have made, "Alma Mahler"'
The photos are also very good. The wood looks to be American, much like Oregon Big Leaf Maple. Can you tell me the source? Also how did this viola get the name of Alma Mahler?
December 9, 2009
Marvin S. Hoekstra replied to MANFIO - LUIS CLAUDIO's discussion 'The latest 16 inches viola I have made, "Alma Mahler"'
Bellissima! That is a really good looking instrument! With oil varnish (or presumably with spirit as well) how do you know when it is dry enough to set up (i.e. so the bridge will not stick or the instument will not mar easily?
December 9, 2009
MANFIO - LUIS CLAUDIO replied to Marvin S. Hoekstra's discussion 'Removal of Oil Varnish from a Violin'
You are wellcome! Non ce di che!!!
November 2, 2009
Marvin S. Hoekstra replied to Marvin S. Hoekstra's discussion 'Removal of Oil Varnish from a Violin'
Looks like all my questions are answered. With touch up my violin is looking reasonably good. I am glad I did not remove the varnish. Ciao. Grazie!
November 1, 2009
MANFIO - LUIS CLAUDIO replied to Marvin S. Hoekstra's discussion 'Removal of Oil Varnish from a Violin'
Hi Keith! The problem of removing the current varnish is that iit will be difficult to you to find a good luthier willing to make this kind of job. You may try it yourself, but varnishing a violin is not an easy thing because you have lots of endgra…
October 31, 2009

Profile Information

My Instrument(s)
Violin
My involvement with string music
Music Student, Instrument/bow maker
Music I like to play
Classical
Music I like to listen to
Early music, Classical, Jazz, Opera
My involvement with Strings magazine
purchase individual copies
My involvement with allthingsstrings.com
Regularly visit

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