Violin Makers Association of
Arizona International
dedicated to the art of building string instruments


The Violin Makers Association of Arizona International (VMAAI) is a non-profit, educational organization founded, in 1958, to encourage and develop the art of violin making. The oldest violin making association in the United States, VMAAI now boasts members from all 50 states and many foreign countries. Violin makers, both accomplished and novice, and others interested in the art, are encouraged to join and participate in the various activities of the group. In addition to an annual convention and violin making competition, VMAAI sponsors a yearly workshop for violin makers (see below) that is open to members and non-members alike.

If there are questions not addressed on this web site, please feel free to contact any member of the Board of Directors.

Board of Directors

Membership Information


Members Web Sites

Convention

Our organization's highlight of the year is the Annual Convention in Tucson, Arizona. It is truly a "Family Gathering" with spouses, children, even the family pet welcome! The Violin Makers Association of Arizona International (VMAAI) will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary at the annual Convention and Competition to be held at the Randolph Park Hotel (formerly the Clarion) in Tucson, Arizona, October 14 – 17, 2008. VMAAI is the oldest organization of its kind in the United States and the only violin making organization to hold an ANNUAL competition of new instruments. VMAAI welcomes new and veteran stringed instrument and bow makers to enter their newly made (after October 2007) instruments in the competition, so start making your violins, violas, cellos and bows in preparation to join us in October. The 50th Anniversary Committee is working hard to make this a very special event. Mark your calendars now . . . and check back often for convention details!

The Journal

The VMAAI Journal is a monthly publication dedicated to keeping members informed about Association activities and providing informative, how-to-do-it articles on various aspects of violin making. Members are encouraged to submit material concerning unusual techniques that might be helpful to others as well as articles on the history of violin making and violin makers.

The Journal is the backbone of our organization and represents some of the finest information available for the experienced or aspiring violin maker.   Some sample articles are presented here on the web.

"The VMAAI JOURNAL"

Violin Makers Association
of Arizona International

The Chimneys Workshop For Violin Makers
2007

The Chimneys Workshop For Violin Makers, sponsored by VMAAI, is held for four weeks each spring in Tucson, Arizona. Taught by Master Violin Maker, Ed Campbell of The Chimneys Violin Shop, next year's sessions (2008) will be held between April 7 and May 2 at the Inn Suites, 475 North Granada Avenue.

  • Week One, April 7-11, 2008

    • The first week this year will be devoted to two projects: SETUP, and a (NEW-FOR-THE SECOND TIME AROUND, BECAUSE IT MADE SUCH A HIT IN 2007!) BEGINNER'S CLASS, to be run simultaneously.

    Setup is the most important process in violin making . . . a process that is performed repeatedly over the life of an instrument. Please bring, at least, one completed instrument . . . more if possible, since the more instruments you bring, the more you will benefit from the variety of problems encountered . . . if you've just sold your last instrument, bring along whatever you can get your hands on!

    BEGINNER'S CLASS: If you're an 'aspiring' violin maker who wants to start off on the right foot . . . or, perhaps, one who has made, one or two instruments and wants to make sure you're headed in the right direction, this is the class for you! Topics to be covered will include: choosing the proper tools; selecting a pattern; constructing a mold; rib bending; introduction to plate tuning, choosing the right wood and a myriad of other related subjects.

    If you don't have the tools you need, or are unsure as to how to select the proper wood . . . we've got you covered: both will be available for purchase at the workshop . . . at reasonable prices.

  • Week Two, April 14-18, 2008

    • The second week will cover the making of new instruments. If possible, participants whould bring at least one set of plates ready to be tuned, with the 'f' holes cut and the top and back finished on the outside . . . don't panic if you are not this far along, you can still learn 'how-to-do-it'. Bring your tools, fixtures, holding jigs along with any problems you may have encountered.

  • Week Three, April 21-25,2008 and Week Four, April 28-May 2, 2008

    The third and Fourth weeks will be devoted to new making, restoration of instruments and bows, including rehairing.

      • For some images of the 2007 workshops:

      GO HERE

Participants may sign up for one or more of the four weeks, but newcomers are urged to attend (at least) the first week to become familiar with the terminology. Cost for each week is $900, which includes tuition, hotel room (single or double occupancy) Monday throught Thursday and breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Registration for each session will be limited to 25 so that participants can receive individual attention and guidance.

Though lodging is included in the total cost, individuals must make their own reservations . . . be sure to mention that you are with the Chimneys Workshop; the toll free phone number is: (877) 446-6589.

As mentioned above, if possible, participants should bring a finished instrument and at least one set of plates ready to be tuned, with the "f" holes cut and the top and back finished on the outside (don't panic if you are not this far along, you can still learn "how-to-do-it"!). Bring your tools, fixtures, holding devices and jigs, along with any problems you may have encountered.

Subjects covered during the course of the workshop will include bridge tuning; soundpost adjustments; violin set-up; plate tuning (leave plenty of room in your rough plates to fine-tune the arching); edges; channeling and purfling; neck setting and tuning; fingerboard tuning; arches and how to do them correctly. During each week, a one-half hour period will be set aside for each violin maker so that he/she may ask questions and receive personal instructions without interruptions from others.

To register, send a check for $100 (payable to VMAAI) to cover one week ($50 for each additional week) to: The Chimneys Violin Shop, 614 Lerew Road, Boiling Springs, PA 17007. Be sure to indicate which week(s) you will be attending. In order to carry this workshop, we will need a minimum of 10 participants each session and will close registration when total registrations reach 25

For more information, contact Ed directly by Email, or visit his web site:

The Chimneys Violin Shop

For information about this site, contact:
John O'Neill, Webmaster

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Last update, 3/12/07